Natural Selections is our ongoing series of educational programs on topics including ecology, wildlife, local history, night hikes, children’s programs, plus many more. All programs are free and open to the public. Please do not bring dogs.
Do you want Natural Selections sent to you by e-mail? Join our mailing list! Follow this link to subscribe. In the drop-down menu, choose "Natural Selections." You will automatically receive notice whenever a new nature hike schedule comes out.
Teachers, scout troops and community groups can obtain free individual programs from Open Space and Mountain Parks naturalists. Follow this link to learn more.
History’s Heroes Thu Nov 20 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Who are our heroes? Hike with
Mountain Man Jake and learn the myths and myth-stakes, and true stories of the
men and women who created the tradition of the Wild, Wild West. Meet at the
Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.
Walking Through History on
Marshall Mesa
Sat Nov 22 9 – 11 am
Pterosaurs and business
titans; prehistoric floods and bar fights; coal miners and railroad men; they
all played a part in Boulders raucous coal mining history. Join volunteer
Peter Stevenson on a moderate hike where we’ll peer beneath the now peaceful
surface of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Park's Marshall Mesa, and see how coal mining came to Boulder, what it was like and how it fit into the rich
tapestry of Boulder's natural and human history. Meet at new Marshall
Mesa Trailhead on Highway 93 south of Boulder.
It’s a Girl Thing!
Sat Nov 22 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Join other women and naturalist Alexis Nelson on an exploratory hike up to the base of the First Flatiron to discover how connecting with nature can foster a deeper understanding of the world and our place within it. Exercise, refresh and have fun! Girls ages 12 and up, those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. 2 miles, 1000’ climb.
Nature in our Lives
Mon Nov 24 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Take a gentle, contemplative hike with Reb
Jake as we share the good conversation and good questions about nature. What is
the power of nature? What is the nature of power? What is our power in nature?
These are some of the questions that might arise as we rise above Boulder and rise above the workaday routine. Meet at the
Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.
Hiking for Non-hikers
Sun Nov 30 4:30
– 5:30 pm Anyone can hike! Grab a staff
and join Mountain Man Jake. We hike slowly. We share tidbits of Boulder history. We chat lightly. And, after an hour our
program will end at the Ranger Cottage with hot tea or cocoa and a discussion
of hiking the wilds of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks. Relaxed, gentle hiking is the key to unlock the
wonders of our beautiful land. Meet at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.
Open Space & Mtn Parks 
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