Observatory

4.3/5 (11 reviews)
Nederland, Colorado (Boulder County)
Last Updated: 12/01/2021

Trail Information

Highlights

Situated on the west side of Colorado Highway 119 between the quaint little towns of Nederland and Rollinsville is a small network of hiking, mountain biking and 4x4 trails known as West Magnolia. Like much of the Colorado Front Range, the area is rich in mining history and abundant in scenic beauty. These easy-to-moderate four-wheel​ drive roads can provide a quick outing or be strung together to make a whole day or more of fun in the woods. Camping is available in designated sites. Its proximity to the Denver area and ease of access make it popular for day trips or short weekend jaunts. Observatory is the main spine through the northern portion of this network. It is often combined with West Magnolia Road and Rollinsville to make a nice route to the town of Rollinsville.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.3/5 (11)
2300
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 09/03/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

We camped along this trail near the end right before you hit the private property area again. Had another jeep cross paths with us and had to back up a good bit but other than that there was not much traffic. The trail did seem like it should have a harder rating due to some of the larder rocks and off-camber areas.
Open
Visited: 08/05/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran this after Rollinsville. Overall a very easy trail but the very last part of observatory (heading uphill to Rollinsville) is about 20% off-camber and should be driven with caution by inexperienced drivers.
Official Crew
106700
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 12/01/2021

Closed for the season! See you in 2022!
Official Crew
40050
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 12/27/2020

The trail is closed for the season
Official Crew
40050
Open
Visited: 11/12/2020

Per the National Forest Service: FORT COLLINS, Colo (Nov. 9, 2020) – More forest closures are being lifted across the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests as all Stage 3 restrictions are rescinded beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10. Closures will remain in place around areas that experienced wildfire in Grand, Boulder and Larimer counties. These fire areas present a public safety threat as burned trees can fall unexpectedly, hot spots are still burning, and new hazards can be hidden under snow.

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