Natural Selections

Nature Hikes and Programs

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.

  Download the Natural Selections July 2008 Schedule

July

Tales of the West
Thu July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31   5:30 – 7:30 pm
Take a stroll through the history of the West with Mountain Man Jake. This hike starts with the formation of the Flatirons, relives the lifestyle of the hunter-gatherers, and highlights the presidents and poets, gunfighters and gamblers, and entrepreneurs and explorers. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage to journey from pre-history to present day Boulder.

Workout Wheelchair Hike
Sat July 5    8 – 10 am
Join Vijay Viswanathan on a strenuous wheelchair hike up the Ute Trail. This hike is for wheelchair users and people who want to try out a wheelchair. Whether you’re in shape or not, come join Vijay on his fun and tough roll through a beautiful Ponderosa pine forest. Meet at the Ute/Sensory Trailhead at the summit of Flagstaff Mountain.

Hiking for non-Hikers
Sun July 6, 13, 20, 27
6 – 8 pm
Anyone can hike! Grab a staff and join Mountain Man Jake. We hike slowly. We share tidbits of Boulder history. We chat lightly about 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.

Contemplative Hikes
Mon July 7, 14, 21, 28    5:30 – 7:30 pm
Let OSMP take you from the outer workaday to the inner holiday with Reb Jake. As we hike the marvels of OSMP we will let ourselves focus on the power of the human spirit and its relationship to nature.  With frequent stops for tranquility and introspection, we will release the tensions of a complex world and allow ourselves to connect with the beauty of nature. Meet at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

Meadow Music
Mon July 7, 14, 21  5:30 – 7 pm
Children and parents can join OSMP’s Jeff Kagan and Mark Wesson for an evening of children’s music and nature. We’ll take a short hike to meet our animal friend of the week and then relax in the shadow of the Flatirons for 45 minutes of guitar and singing. Music is appropriate for younger children but all ages welcome! Bring a chair or blanket. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

Flatirons Hike: A Nature Tramp
Tue July 8   5:30 - 8 pm
Early day Chautauquans called their hikes tramps. Well do the same as we make our way to the top of the trail between the First and Second Flatirons. Suzanne Michot will lead participants on this moderately strenuous evening hike. There will be stops along the way to discover the geology, history and traditions behind these famous rocks. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. 3 miles, 1,400 climb.

Creativity Hike
Thu July 10   5:30 - 7:30 pm
Have you ever photographed lichen?  Sketched the bark of a Ponderosa pine? Do harebells and Western wallflowers inspire your poet within? If so, join Outreach staffer Ellen Orleans for this leisurely hike up the Mesa trail. We’ll stop along the way to write, sketch, and take pictures. Optional sharing of words and drawings encouraged. Bring a notebook, sketchbook, pencils, and/or camera. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

ReWilding Minds
Sat July 12     9 - 11:30 am
Take a walk where we learn what nature teaches about slowing our minds to a state of mental wellbeing that is our true nature.  Naturalist Margot Smit will help us look at health in the ponderosa pine ecosystem and what it can tell us about the health of our Wild Mind. Recommended for adults.  Meet at McClintock trailhead, behind the big auditorium at Chautauqua. 

Newcomer’s Hike: Open Space 101
Wed July 16 5:30 - 8 pm
Get a crash course in OSMP 101 with naturalist Jennelle Freeston. Enjoy an in­troduction to the area’s biology, geology and history while hiking up to touch the Second Flatiron. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage for this moderately strenuous hike. 2.5 miles, 700’ elevation gain.

Family Sketch and Poetry Hike
Thu July 17    5 - 7 pm
Encourage your children’s connection to the outdoors while indulging your own!  We’ll hike up to the Bluebell Shelter where Outreach staffer Ellen Orleans will lead writing and sketching activities for all ages, including “Meet A Flower,” “The Diamond Poem” and “Natural Acrostic.” Bring a sketch book, notebook, pencils, crayons, and snacks, if desired. All ages welcome. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

Photography Hike
Mon July 21  5:30 - 8 pm
See Open Space with fresh eyes. Join Outreach staffer Ellen Orleans for this non-technical, moderate hike to Wood’s Quarry. We will stop frequently to take pictures and discuss what makes a photograph compelling to us —subject, composition, light? All ages and ability levels and camera types welcome. Make sure your camera batteries are charged and you have plenty of film or memory. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

Pesky Pine Beetles
Wed July 23   6 - 7:30 pm
The mountain pine beetle has dominated news stories in Colorado, killing vast expanses of mature lodgepole pine in the high country. Will it come to Boulder, or is it already here? Enter the world of the beetle with naturalist Dave Sutherland to learn about the strange habits of this little insect with a huge impact. Meet at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage for a fairly easy hike. 1.5 miles, 400’ elevation gain.

Five Senses Writer’s Hike
Thu July 24  5:30 - 7:30 pm
Writing about the natural world can deepen our connection to it.  Join  Outreach staffer Ellen Orleans for this leisurely hike along the  Enchanted Mesa trail. Engaging our five senses, we’ll write diamond  poems, nature acrostics, and “Pied Beauty” prose. Open to everyone who  likes to write. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

Geology for the Average Bear
Sat July 26    9:30 am - 12:30 pm
If you think geology is fascinating but too technical, this is the program for you. Boulder’s rocks tell wild stories that include dinosaurs, glaciers, vast swamps, oceans and ancient mountain ranges now vanished into the dust of time. Join naturalist Dave Sutherland for an easy hike and a journey into Boulder’s past. Meet at NCAR Trailhead. 2 miles, 300 feet elevation gain.

Coyote Trickster Tales
Mon July 28     5:30 – 6:30 pm
Old Man Coyote is a tricky character with a nose for other people’s business, but he always manages to get caught in his own trap. Naturalist Dave Sutherland will share traditional Native American stories. Come prepared to laugh and learn! Meet at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage (ages 4 and up).

August

Nature Journaling for Families (Wheelchair Accessible)
Sat Aug 2      9 – 11 am
Enjoy a morning together on the trail exploring the beauty of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks.  Join artist and naturalist Damaris Methner and learn basic nature journaling techniques and share your ideas and inspiration with each other.  For ages 5 and up.  Space is limited and reservations are required, 720-564-2083 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

For the Love of Bears: An Artist’s Exploration
Thu Aug 28      7 – 8:30 pm
They say love chooses us, which is especially true of animals that find their ways into our hearts.  For artist Sally King, that animal was the bear.  Join us for an evening slide exploration of her connection to bears as expressed through her painting.  She will share her stories, her techniques, and her inspiration. Chautauqua Community House, 301 Morning Glory Drive(Located in Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Road).

The Animals in Our Hearts: 
A Day in the Field with Artist Sally King
Sat Aug 30   9 am – 2 pm
Join guest artist Sally King for a day of moderate hiking inspired by the animals of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks.  Through the creation of an art project, we will explore our personal and symbolic relationship to animals.  Space is limited and reservations are required, 720-564-2083 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bobolink Trailhead Chautauqua Ranger Cottage Cherryvale OSMP administration building Cottonwood Trailhead Crown Rock Doudy Draw Trailhead Eagle TrailheadEnchanted Mesa - McClintock Flagstaff SummitFlatirons Vista Trailhead Foothills Trailhead Foothills Nature CenterGreenbelt Plateau Gregory Canyon Left Hand Trailhead Marshall Mesa Trailhead NCAR N. Teller Farms Trailhead Realization Point Sanitas Trailhead Boulder Valley Ranch - Sage Trailhead pikestaff Settlers Park/Red Rocks Sawhill Ponds  Sombrero Marsh  South Boulder Creek WestSouth Mesa TrailheadTeller Farms Wonderland Lake