- What's Happenin' Boulder
- Posts
- No Elevation, No Problem: Trails to Run While You Heal
No Elevation, No Problem: Trails to Run While You Heal
Sprained ankle or just not into climbing today? We rounded up Boulder’s best smooth, scenic trails to get your running fix—no steep hills, no shame, just good vibes.
What's Happenin' Team
June 16, 2025
Where to Run When You’re Easing Back In
Hey Boulder! 🌞
Let’s face it: Boulder trails have a sneaky habit of turning a “light jog” into an unexpected quad workout. If you’ve recently rolled an ankle, taken some time off, or just want an easier route that still delivers the scenery, we’ve got you. This week’s roundup is packed with mellow, flat(ish) trails that local runners swear by—perfect for recovery days, easy mornings, or anyone who’s just not in the mood for a thousand feet of gain.
Want more local recs? Check out our Things to Do in Boulder, Best Restaurants, and Date-Worthy Spots for even more ideas.
Let’s dig in!
— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉
❓Trivia Time
How big is the Boulder Reservoir? |
👉 Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer and a fun fact! 🌳
🏃♀️ Flat, Friendly Trails for Runners (and Recovering Ankles)
So, you went a little too hard on that Memorial Day trail run and now your ankle’s politely asking for a timeout. We get it—Boulder trails can be sneaky like that. But just because you’re dialing it back doesn’t mean you’re benched! If you’re on the hunt for smoother, flatter paths to ease back into your running groove, the local trail pros (aka Boulderites on Reddit) have got you covered.
Here’s a roundup of the best mellow, less technical trails to get your steps in—whether you’re just getting started or nursing a rebellious ankle:
🏞️ Bobolink & Cottonwood Trail You can’t go wrong here. These scenic east Boulder trails are flat, well-loved, and perfect for 3–4 mile loops. Bonus: creek views, birdsong, and zero pressure. Located in Louisville, this one’s a fan favorite for a reason. It’s got smooth footing, open skies, and easy ways to link shorter or longer runs. The main loop is about 3.5 miles—right in the sweet spot. Looking for a soft, buffed-out surface that won’t fight back? The trails northwest of Wonderland Lake are buttery smooth and mostly flat. With a little route creativity, you can stretch it to 4 miles. Good vibes only. This hybrid route gives you a little bit of everything—gravel, sidewalk, views, and variety. It’s about 5K round-trip, with optional detours to make it longer (or shorter). Half of it’s on pavement, which your ankles might appreciate. | 🌄 South Boulder Creek Trail + Bobolink Connector Start at the end of Marshall Road and run as far as you like. This one’s a classic out-and-back with chill elevation and a wide path. It also connects seamlessly with Bobolink if you’re feeling ambitious. Big fields, big skies, and wide gravel paths—Teller is a go-to for smooth cruising. Park at either Arapahoe or Valmont and enjoy a peaceful out-and-back run that lets you set the distance. Just north of the Rez, this loop around the lake clocks in close to 5K. There’s one little hill, but nothing wild. You’ll likely see cows, a few runners, and those peaceful prairie vibes. You can do a full loop here for about 5 miles, and while there are a couple of gentle hills, the payoff is water views and that “I just ran around a reservoir” satisfaction. Bonus points for early morning sunrises. |
Getting back out there after an injury isn’t easy, but these flatter trails will help you lace up with confidence. Whether you’re just logging a light jog or testing the waters for your next 10K, Boulder’s got the soft landings and easy routes you need.
Got a favorite mellow trail that deserves a shoutout? Reply to this email and share your go-to rec—we’ll pass it on to fellow runners who could use the boost. 👟🌤️
🧘♀️ Pro Tips from the Trail:
Don’t stress about speed—focus on flow and form.
Watch out for ticks if you’re running through tall grass.
Looping trails are great for mentally chunking your run—perfect for recovery mode.
Trail selfies are 100% encouraged. You earned it.
🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder Buzz 🎭
Monday, June 16 🧠 This is a Clue Trivia📍 Beyond the Mountain Brewing | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Monday) 🍻 Twisted Bingo📍 Twisted Pine Brewing Company | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Monday) 🏃♂️ Boulder Pub Run Club📍 Sanitas Brewing Co. | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Monday) Boulder Concert Band – Scott Carpenter Park 📍 Scott Carpenter Park | ⏰ 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | 🎟️ Free Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony 📍 1777 Broadway | ⏰ 3:00 PM–5:00 PM | 🎟️ Free Colorado Chautauqua History Tour 📍 Colorado Chautauqua | ⏰ 10:00 AM–11:00 AM | 🎟️ Free (registration required) | Tuesday, June 17 🔥 Junkyard Monthly Flow Jam📍 Junkyard Social Club | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 💵 $10 suggested donation (recurring monthly, 4th Tuesday) 🛝 Junkyard Open Play📍 Junkyard Social Club | ⏰ Various Hours | 💵 $10 kids / $5 adults (recurring weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) 🎉 Smarty Party📍 Avanti F&B | ⏰ 7:30 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Tuesday) 🎧 Turntable Tuesday📍 VisionQuest Brewery | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Tuesday) Rewilding Hike 📍 Colorado Chautauqua | ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:30 AM | 🎟️ Free (registration required) Tycho 📍 Boulder Theater | ⏰ 8:00 PM–11:59 PM | 🎟️ $45 Junkyard Ecstatic Dance Initiative 📍 Junkyard Social Club | ⏰ 6:30 PM–8:30 PM | 🎟️ $10 suggested donation |
Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar
💬 That’s the (Soft) Ground Truth
Your Boulder running routine doesn’t have to be all switchbacks and summit sprints. Whether you’re healing or just chilling, flat trails still offer all the beauty with less of the burn. Got your own go-to recovery route? Hit reply and share—we’d love to pass it on in a future issue. 🏞️👣 🧠 Trivia Answer: C) 700 acres! That’s right—Boulder Reservoir spans a whopping 700 acres of water and adventure. It’s not just for sipping (yep, it’s a drinking water source), but also for boating, sunbathing, water skiing, trail running, and wildlife spotting. A true Boulder gem that does it all. 💦⛵🌞 -What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🌸 |
Did you enjoy this post? |
Interested in other What’s Happenin’ newsletters?
Reply