Rabbit Mountain Open Space

Discover Boulder’s Ultimate Hidden Wildlife Gem: Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain

If you’re tired of the same crowded Boulder trails and want a real hidden gem loaded with wildlife, Rabbit Mountain is about to become your new favorite escape.

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Boulder County, this 2,871-acre preserve feels like a true secret, even though it’s only a short drive from town. Here, the plains meet the foothills, creating the perfect habitat for everything from mule deer to golden eagles.

How to Get to Rabbit Mountain

Getting there couldn’t be easier. From Boulder, take US-36 north toward Lyons. At the light, turn right toward Longmont, then take your next left onto North 55th Street. You’ll spot the big brown sign for Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain.

The address is:

15140 N 55th St, Longmont, CO 80503

There’s plenty of free parking, including spots for horse trailers, plus restrooms and picnic tables right at the trailhead. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset and completely free.

Shelter house at Rabbit Mountain Open Space near Boulder Colorado

Best Trails at Rabbit Mountain

The trails here are perfect whether you’re a beginner or looking for a solid workout.

Eagle Wind Trail

The star of the show is the Eagle Wind Trail, a 2.5-mile moderate loop that winds through open meadows and scattered ponderosa pines.

Indian Mesa Trail

This easy 2.2-mile trail offers a peaceful walk with wide-open views and a gentler grade.

Little Thompson Overlook Trail

This 1.5-mile trail climbs about 350 feet and rewards hikers with incredible views of the valley and the Front Range.

All the paths are wide, well-marked dirt trails that work great for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. You can mix and match them for a longer adventure if you’re feeling energetic.

Wildlife You May See

What makes Rabbit Mountain truly special is the wildlife.

This place is an absolute hotspot.

Early morning or golden hour is prime time—you’re almost guaranteed to see mule deer grazing peacefully in the tall grass.

Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Elk moving across the open hillsides
• Coyotes trotting along the ridgelines
• Black-tailed prairie dogs standing tall at their burrows like tiny sentries
• Bobcats hiding in the brush
• Cottontails darting across the trail
• The occasional black bear

Up in the sky, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures ride the thermals looking for their next meal.

In the warmer months, prairie rattlesnakes are active, so stay on the trail and keep dogs on leash.

The History of Rabbit Mountain

There are some really cool facts that make this place even more interesting.

Locals once called it Rattlesnake Mountain until it was renamed Rabbit Mountain because the shape of the foothills resembles a giant bunny lying down.

About 140 million years ago, this whole area was believed to have been a tropical environment with dinosaurs roaming nearby. The white rock you’ll see comes from ancient geologic formations tied to prehistoric inland seas.

The land also has deep cultural history. The Arapaho people used to winter here because of the shelter, fresh springs, and abundant game.

The area was later homesteaded before being preserved in 1984 so it could stay wild for generations to come.

Wildflowers and Scenic Beauty

Rabbit Mountain sits in a special transition zone where prairie plants mix with mountain species.

That means the wildflowers go crazy in spring and summer.

You may spot:

• Prickly poppy
• Blanket flower
• Yucca
• Dozens of other colorful blooms lighting up the hillsides

Tips for Visiting Rabbit Mountain

Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

• Go early in the day when the animals are most active and the light is beautiful
• Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Pack plenty of water and sun protection because most of the trails are exposed
• Check the Boulder County Open Space website before heading out for closures or wildlife protection notices
• Keep pets on leash to help protect wildlife

Why Rabbit Mountain Is One of Boulder’s Best-Kept Secrets

Rabbit Mountain isn’t just another hike.

It’s that rare Boulder County spot that still feels undiscovered.

While everyone else is fighting for parking at the usual trails, you’ll have wide-open views, incredible wildlife sightings, and that peaceful feeling of having the place to yourself.

Once you stand on Eagle Wind Trail at sunrise surrounded by mule deer, you’ll understand why this spot is quickly becoming one of the area’s best-kept secrets.

Ready to discover it for yourself?

Lace up your boots and head to Rabbit Mountain before word gets out.

This hidden gem is waiting, and trust me, it’s worth every second of the drive.

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