Self-care in nature

One of the most popular and effective forms of self-care is getting outdoors for physical activity.

Incorporating nature into a self-care routine doesn’t have to cost anything (maybe except for investing in a new pair of sneakers), which makes this form of self-care available to just about everyone. Its impact on health and well-being depends on the amount and quality of exposure to nature.

Exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind, and current CDC recommendations are at least 150 minutes per week for adults and one hour per day for children. And anything counts -

walking the dog, biking to school, cleaning the yard, riding a horse, playing catch, enjoying a

vigorous jog, or relaxing in the neighborhood.

Exercising has many health benefits, including improving heart health, lowering blood pressure,

controlling weight, balancing blood sugar levels, strengthening bones and muscles, and

improving mental health. Being outdoors makes activities more pleasant, calms the nervous

system, and encourages us to stay consistent with an exercise routine.

There are many other benefits to being out in nature. Nature can quiet the busy mind, gives eyes a rest from looking at screens, helps the nervous system recharge, and rewires the brain with new healthy neuropathways. Nature is a fostering place to meet and connect with others or get some alone time without feeling lonely.

The Niwot-Gunbarrel community is lucky to have a convenient location with access to many all-year-round outdoor areas open to all ages, abilities, preferences, and creativities.

Whether wandering a path, playing in a park, going to a ballfield, or riding or walking on a bike path, Niwot residents and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, mature trees, wildlife, clean air, and well-kept public facilities. There is something for everyone, and listed below are just a few of the options worth checking out this spring.

Biking and hiking trails.

Most regional trails are open all year round and 24 hours, but the trailheads and parking areas are closed between sunset and sunrise. These trails often connect to subdivision trails that provide a variety of trail experiences.

Longmont-to-Boulder (LoBo) trail - a 12-mile easy-to-ride or walk trail, mostly dirt, runs through

Niwot and Gunbarrel. (Note that to date, the City of Boulder prohibits e-bikes on portions of the trail.)

Niwot Loop – 3.4 easy miles, surrounded by beautiful nature, a loop suitable for

biking, running, and walking. 79th Street south of Monarch Road and north of Highway 52.

Cougar Trail – family-friendly, short (0.76 mile) trail between ditches surrounding Niwot High School, has a gravel surface suitable for walking and a quick bike ride.

Public parks and trails

Niwot Children's Park - open all year round from dawn to dusk, a fun place for kids to play while parents can sit, relax, and enjoy some outdoor downtime.

Whistle Stop Park – popular in the summer when the park accommodates residents and

visitors coming to the Rock & Rails concerts every Thursday evening from June through

August.

Left Hand Valley Grange Park – 83rd Street and Niwot Road, has a small and quiet play area for small children, a ballfield and a few picnic tables.

Dodd Reservoir – west on Niwot road with a small (0.5 mile) gravel trail around the

water, beautiful views, and thousands of geese from fall to spring. Dogs are not

Allowed.

Boulder Reservoir West Trailhead - off 55th Street, connects to Coot Lake trails.

Twin Lakes Trailhead and Open Space - Off Nautilus Drive in Gunbarrel. Dogs allowed off-leash on a portion of the trail.

White Rocks Trailhead - off 95th Street and W. Phillips Road in Gunbarrel.

Gunbarrel Hill Trailhead - in Heatherwood, also known as the Heatherwood notch.

Walden Ponds - has a wildlife habitat and an easy (1.4 mile), mostly dirt trail in Gunbarrel;

popular site for birding, fishing, and walking the dog on a leash.

Sawhill Ponds - made up of 18 individual ponds with trails that connect to Walden Ponds:

a popular area for fishing, hiking, picnics, taking photos and enjoying wildlife presence.

Coot Lake – a scenic area west of Niwot on 63rd Street with 1.2 miles around the lake for walking, jogging, fishing, and observing local wildlife; dogs are allowed off the leash if registered

with the Voice and Sight Tag program. The Coot Lake trail connects to the trails around the Boulder Reservoir.

Boulder Valley Ranch trails - Accessible from Highway 36 and also from North 55th Street just south of Niwot Road. Extensive trails with water features, wildlife and a mesa to climb. Dogs allowed on leash.

Lefthand Trailhead - Niwot Road and 39th Street. Flat, easy trails with a reservable pavilion that connects to the Boulder Valley Ranch trails. Dogs allowed on leash.

Springtime is an invitation to hit the trails, get the bikes out, ask a friend to go for a walk, have a

picnic in the local park, and enjoy nature’s beauty and health. All for free.