Observatory Trail is a relatively flat loop spanning through the West Magnolia Campground. Being that it is so close to town, the trails a trafficked heavily and winter hikes typically don't require snowshoes. There isn't a whole lot of shade, but that just means the views aren't obstructed!

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Best Hiking Routes to Observatory Trail

1. School Bus Trail loop — Roosevelt National Forest

17.6km

05:05

380m

Forest trail featuring an abandoned 1950s school bus hidden among golden aspens and wildflower meadows.

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Hard

hikers

2. Observatory Trail loop — Roosevelt National Forest

2.23km

00:34

10m

Gentle campground trail leads to an abandoned university observatory with mountain views and mining history.

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Easy

5.0

(2)

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3. Observatory Trail loop from Nederland

12.3km

03:26

180m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Distance 356 m

Downhill 0 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 29 January

-6°C

-10°C

40 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h

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Location: Boulder County, Colorado, United States

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Observatory Trail

1. School Bus Trail loop — Roosevelt National Forest

2. Observatory Trail loop — Roosevelt National Forest

3. Observatory Trail loop from Nederland

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