Characterized by its steep, high-peaked topography, Boulder County is located in the easternmost section of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain foothills. The Boulder area is known for its mountainous, rugged terrain and its many scenic trails. One such trail is just west of downtown Boulder. The scenic, 3.2 mile out-and-back Anne U. White Trail provides an easy to moderate winding hike that travels through Fourmile Canyon, crisscrossing the Fourmile Canyon Creek up to 20 times along the trail. Along this scenic canyon, you’ll observe native wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and possibly yellow-bellied marmots. A beautiful hike for all ages (and your leashed two-legged friends)!
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Anne U. White Trailhead Access and Parking
The trailhead for the Anne U. White trail is located on Pinto Drive along the Fourmile Canyon Creek just west of Boulder, Colorado. From downtown Boulder, follow Highway 36 (N. Broadway) west to Wagonwheel Gap Rd. Turn left on Pinto Rd. to access the trailhead. There are 28 parking spots at the trailhead lot, in addition to one ADA spot. There is one portable bathroom at the trailhead. See the map of Fourmile Canyon in the topographic map below (image credit Topozone.com).
Trail Topography, Distance and Elevation
From the parking area, the trail is ~1.6 miles one way, crisscrossing Fourmile Canyon Creek several times. The trail ascends 479 feet over 1.6 mile, with its highest elevation at 6,430 feet. The trail is rated easy to moderate, with mostly flat trail and some stone steps. Depending on your pace, the hike takes between 1.5-2 hours. See detailed reviews of the Anne U. White Trail on AllTrails.
Anne U. White Trail | Wildflowers of Fourmile Canyon
Many colorful wildflowers native to Colorado and the surrounding region can be observed along the Anne U. White Trail. As a native Midwesterner, I always enjoy observing plants that I would not find in the Great Lakes region. I’ve included a few that I observed during a late August hike. For more detailed information on wildflowers native to Colorado, check out this excellent resource on the Wildflowers of Boulder, CO highlighting over 180 species of wildflowers in the Boulder area.
A Lone Butterfly
The only butterfly I noted during my late-August hike was this slightly ragged but beautiful orange and black Speyeria (a Fritillary). There are numerous species of Speyeria, though I believe this to be Speyeria Hesperis.
Hummingbird Hawk Moth
Along a stretch of Fourmile Canyon Creek I observed a Hummingbird Hawk Moth flitting through the creek bed, shared in the video below. These large moths mimic hummingbirds, hovering near flowers in search of nectar. You may spot them in sunny areas along the creek, flitting along lush areas of vegetation. Their bodies are generally reddish-brown to olive green with clear wings. They are quite a sight in person!
Anne U. White Trail & Downtown Boulder, CO
After your hike, be sure to visit downtown Boulder to explore Pearl Street, enjoy a dish of gelato, a coffee, or a meal. Downtown Boulder is full of great shops, restaurants, book stores, and cafes. It’s worth your time to spend an afternoon (or a full day!) exploring. The gelato from Gelato Boy was excellent.
Jefferson County, CO Hiking
For another beautiful hike in nearby Golden, CO, consider the Galbraith Loop at Mount Galbraith Park. Golden is a great town to spend a day! It’s about 20 miles (a 30 minute drive) from Boulder to Golden. Read more in my recent article: One Beautiful Day in Golden, Colorado | Exploring the Scenic Mount Galbraith Loop and Clear Creek.
Enjoy your time exploring Boulder County, CO!
-Erin
