In parks and recreation, Longmont provides ample opportunity for any outdoor enthusiast to immerse themselves in over 1,500 acres of parks and open spaces and over 300 days of sunshine to enjoy it all. Located in Boulder County, Longmont sits at 4,979 feet above sea level and offers visitors a chance to see an abundance of Colorado parks and greenways, as well as wildlife. Click here for maps of area trails. In addition, click here for a map of Longmont area.

Longmont parks serve as a sanctuary – an oasis from the noise and pace of everyday life. The City of Longmont has a variety of greenways that function as running or bike trails with many including Art in Public Places adding to the uniqueness of the journey and experience.

• Golden Ponds – With a magnificent view of Longs Peak and the Rocky Mountain Front Range, Golden Ponds features 94 acres with 56 acres of water surface in four ponds. This area, known for its serene setting and wonderful photo backdrops, serves as trailhead for the St. Vrain Greenway and includes a handicap-accessible fishing pier, two restrooms and nine picnic shelters. The Ponds also provides up-close visits from some of Colorado’s wildlife.
• St. Vrain Greenway – Considered the crown jewel in Longmont’s trail system, the St. Vrain Greenway links numerous parks and runs five miles along St. Vrain Creek. It is part of the Front Range Trail – a regional that future plans have running from Wyoming to New Mexico. Existing trailheads can be found at Golden Ponds, Rogers Grove, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Izaak Walton Pond, the sundial area at South Pratt Parkway, at First Avenue near the Fire Training Center and the western end of the Harvest Junction North commercial development.
• Dry Creek Greenway – Running from Willow Creek Farm to Grand View Meadows drive, Dry Creek Greenway will one day connect Twin Peaks Mall at Hover Street when complete.
• Lefthand Greenway – The Lefthand Greenway runs along the St. Vrain River to Hover Street. Named after Chief Niwot, which translates LeftHand in the Arapaho language, it connects the Quail Campus of the Longmont Recreation Center and the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center to Left Hand Park along Left Hand Creek.
• Longmont Supply Greenway – The Longmont Supply Greenway runs south to Hover Acres Park from 17th Street and Cambridge. This greenway makes a great running and walking trail as it meanders through residential neighborhoods.
• Oligarchy Greenway – Oligarchy connects McIntosh Lake to Union Reservoir along the Oligarchy Irrigation Ditch, which provided early farmers with water for their crops. This trail system features such attractions at McIntosh Lake, Boulder County Lohr Agriculture Center, Garden Acres Park, Clark Centennial Park and Rothrock Dell Park.
• Rough and Ready Greenway – The Rough and Ready Greenway runs from Colorado Highway 66 along Rough and Ready Ditch and runs by Ute Creek Golf Course.

After enjoying all the parks and greenway trails that Longmont has to offer, there are plenty of park and outdoor adventure within an hour of Longmont.

• Rocky Mountain National Park – Ranging in elevation from 8,000 feet to 14,259 at the top of Longs Peak, the Rocky Mountain National Park provide visitors with countless breathtaking views, wildlife experiences and photo opportunities galore. The Park offers 359 miles of trail for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding.
• The Pawnee National Grassland – Made famous by author James Michener’s novel Centennial, this park covers 193,000 acres managed by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. The Pawnee Buttes Trail is a great way to experience the Grassland. The Trail is closed March 1-June 30 to protect nesting hawks and falcons.
• Indian Peaks – Home to several remnant glaciers, Indian Peaks is considered by some to house the southernmost permanent glaciers in North America. Visitors will find the Continental Divide running close to the center of the wilderness. Explore and encounter the numerous pathways that lead over several high passes.
• Horsetooth Mountain Park – Home to the outstanding Horsetooth Rock, the Park features over 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding.
• Devil’s Backbone Open Space – This area encompasses 2,198 acres of recreational opportunities in Northern Colorado. Geology enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the outcrop and long vistas.
• Golden Gate State Park – Dense forest, rocky peaks and aspen-rimmed meadows highlight the 12,000 acres of Golden Gate State Park. Only 45 minutes from Longmont, Golden Gate Canyon offers stocked fishing ponds, picnic areas and the Panorama Point Scenic Outlook, where visitors can see 100 miles of the Continental Divide.
• Button Rock Preserve – Offering plenty of scenic views, Button Rock is a walk-in only preserve located about 15 miles from Longmont near Lyons. Visitors will have opportunity to view wildlife and the natural environment.
• Meadow Park and Bohn Park – These two parks are great launching areas to tube the St. Vrain River and the Lyons Valley. Float a few feet or miles on the St. Vrain. For tubing information contact the Lyons Parks and Recreation Department at 303-823-8250.

Read more about Colorado Mountain Biking.

Breathtaking Colorado Parks
Discover Longmont, offering the awe-inspiring beauty and year-round recreation of the Northern Rocky Mountains with a dynamic lifestyle in the midst of stunning Colorado parks.