Doudy Draw
Location
Doudy Draw Trailhead, 4111 Eldorado Springs Dr, Boulder, CO 80303
1.8 miles west of Highway 93 on Eldorado Springs Drive (Highway 170).
1.8 miles west of Highway 93 on Eldorado Springs Drive (Highway 170).
Website
OSMP Map
https://maps.bouldercolorado.gov/osmp-trails/?_ga=2.36918504.951107719.1700794023-225372433.1700794023
Trail Map
Park Fees
Trailer Parking
Wonderful! 3 designated horse trailer or oversized parking spots. If there are cones with a chain blocking off the trailer parking just unhook the chain and put it back after you park. The chain blocks non-horse trailers from parking in our spots and is very helpful. There is lots of room to pull in one-way and then be able to pull out. There is a sign that asks for you to not dispose of manure around the parking lot.
Bathrooms
If you start walking south on Doudy Draw trail there is a permanent bathroom about 0.3 miles south.
Mounting
Couldn't find anything to help me. Got on from the ground rather awkwardly.
Footing
Be prepared for a rocky single-track on the side of a mountain. For better footing look at the Coalton Trailhead, Pattridge or South Valley Park.
Horse Hazards
Bridges! Sam is getting better at bridges but the wooden bridge we crossed had a section where there was more space between the slats. He stopped and tilted his head and looked at the space before walking on. There are lots of tree stumps and branches that can be spooky to horses. You also have to pass the picnic/bathroom area and that can be hard for spooky or nervous horses. Bikers are always a hazard and most of them don't stop.
Chosen Trail
Spring Brook Loop
We chose to go up Doudy Draw and then go counter-clockwise taking Spring Brook Loop North to Spring Brook Loop South then back to Doudy Draw. We rode for about 1.5 hrs and covered 5.3 miles.
Give yourself extra time for this trail. It ascends a ridge and is really rocky. I have ridden this trail before and so did not have any getting lost or directional anxiety. My Morgan is a fast walker and a mountain goat so we go much faster than your regular Quarter Horse.
Give yourself extra time for this trail. It ascends a ridge and is really rocky. I have ridden this trail before and so did not have any getting lost or directional anxiety. My Morgan is a fast walker and a mountain goat so we go much faster than your regular Quarter Horse.
The trail starts out nice and wide and filled with small gravel.
You walk past a fenced picnic area with a bathroom. Great views to your right.
The first fork takes you either to the left to connect with Community Ditch or right to continue on Doudy Draw. We went right then over a bridge and then another smaller bridge.
From here the trail gets pretty rocky and starts to climb uphill.
We did have to go through a gate. It did not have a spring so I was able to push it open without dismounting. I was able to leave it open since a hiker was behind me.
After this point it is a lot rockier but also has great views.
Below is the fork to the left that goes to Flatirons Vista. We went right to follow Spring Brook and get to the North and South Loop fork.
Lower right picture: Spring brook North-South Loop. We continued right at the fork.
The Spring Brook Loop is a single-track that goes along the side of a ridge up a hill to reach a beautiful meadow. Watch for bikers and make sure they see you. Bikers can get going pretty fast down this trail. We stopped in the meadow to eat grass.
Next the Spring Brook loop takes you through the forest. I saw blue diamonds marking the trail. It was pretty rocky and on the downhill I had to slow Sam down after he slipped a few times. There is a fork that goes to the right up steps that will connect you with the Fowler trail and Goshawk Ridge. Technically dogs are not allowed on Spring Brook Loop South.
From here we met up with the North-South Spring Brook loop where we had gone right previously. We retraced our steps down the mountain to reach the parking lot. The descent down the trail to the fork was very rocky and slippery. Sam slipped a few times and we went really slowly.
Trail Videos
Below: Middle of Spring Brook Loop Trail Heading Counter-Clockwise
Doudy Draw trail as it ascends and gets rocky.
Below: Beginning of Spring Brook Loop heading counter-clockwise
Rating
Moderately Difficult. This trail goes uphill and is pretty rocky. It is totally worth it for amazing views and a feeling of seclusion close to Boulder, Superior and Arvada. For a 10 minute trailer ride on my solid Morgan I enjoyed it. A more timid rider might have a hard time with the bridges, stationary objects and bikers.