
Lake Link Trail
A peaceful, scenic trail on Broomfield's outskirts, perfect for walking, running, and wildlife spotting with beautiful meadow and mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded

Lake Link Trail
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful, scenic trail on Broomfield's outskirts, perfect for walking, running, and wildlife spotting with beautiful meadow and mountain views.
"Absolutely gorgeous and a hidden gem! 10/10."

🚗 Parking Strategy
Park at the NBM lot near Hunter Douglas for good access. Avoid assuming parking at employee-only trailheads.
☀️ Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen! Open meadow sections offer little shade, making sun protection essential.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Meadows
Throughout the trail
Spot coyotes, prairie dogs, and rabbits in the beautiful natural meadows. A true hidden gem for nature lovers.

Stearn's Lake Views
Detour points
Enjoy scenic views of Stearn's Lake, often accessible even with minor trail detours for conservation efforts.

Panoramic Vistas
Higher elevations
Take in views of the plains, mountains, and a glimpse of the city from the trail's elevated sections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trailhead Access & Parking
Trail Conditions & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park at the NBM lot near Hunter Douglas for good access. Avoid assuming parking at employee-only trailheads.
☀️ Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen! Open meadow sections offer little shade, making sun protection essential.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Gravel and dirt paths are great for running and walking. Choose shoes suitable for varied terrain.
🦅 Respect Wildlife Areas
Be aware of potential trail closures for bald eagle conservation and use detours as marked.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park at the NBM lot near Hunter Douglas for good access. Avoid assuming parking at employee-only trailheads.
☀️ Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen! Open meadow sections offer little shade, making sun protection essential.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Gravel and dirt paths are great for running and walking. Choose shoes suitable for varied terrain.
🦅 Respect Wildlife Areas
Be aware of potential trail closures for bald eagle conservation and use detours as marked.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Lake Link Trail is widely praised as a beautiful and peaceful hidden gem, offering a refreshing escape with its natural meadows and scenic views. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained paths suitable for various activities and the opportunity to spot local wildlife. While some initial hills and occasional trail closures for conservation are noted, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it for its tranquility and natural beauty.
"Edit: The trail begins near the train tracks next to the Hunter Douglas sign. I parked in the NBM parking lot facing the entrance to the trail.
I absolutely LOVED this trail! It’s not too busy, and has a wide gravel path. There are signs throughout the trail about the wildlife and history of the area. One part of the path was closed due to bald eagle conservation, and a detour on another path was set up that was easy to navigate and still led to Stearn’s lake. You can see the mountains and the plains + a little of the city. There are a couple hills at the trail head, and then it flattens out more. There’s traffic noise from the highway for the first couple mins, but then it becomes quiet, peaceful, and it’s just you and the trail. 10/10 absolutely gorgeous and a hidden gem!"
Mackenzie Berry
"BEAUTIFUL trail! It's quiet and not intense. Perfect for relaxing your mind on a stressfful day. Recommendation: wear sunscreen :)"
B D
"Great hike, with multiple starting points. One of the starting points is by Hunter Douglas, no public parking is available. I assume that point, is for employees who work in the area and would like to access the trail as well."
Elliott Escobar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The NBM parking lot, located near the Hunter Douglas sign, is a recommended starting point. Some reviews mention that direct parking at the Hunter Douglas trailhead is not available for the public.
Yes, the Lake Link Trail has multiple starting points, offering flexibility for visitors.
Information regarding public transport access is limited in user reviews. It's best to check local Broomfield transit schedules for routes near the trailheads.
The Lake Link Trail is situated on the outskirts of Broomfield, making it easily accessible for a quick escape into nature.
The trail features a mix of wide gravel paths and good dirt paths, with some initial hills at the trailhead that flatten out later.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Based on user reviews, there is no mention of an entrance fee for the Lake Link Trail, suggesting it is a free public access area.
As an outdoor trail, the Lake Link Trail is generally accessible year-round and at any time. However, it's always wise to check for any specific seasonal advisories or closures.
No advance booking or tickets are required for the Lake Link Trail, as it is a public outdoor space.
User reviews do not indicate any need for special passes to access or use the Lake Link Trail.
While some parts of the trail might be temporarily closed for wildlife conservation, detours are usually set up to allow continued access to other sections.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors have reported seeing coyotes, prairie dogs, and rabbits in the natural meadows along the trail.
Yes, the good dirt paths and varied terrain with hills make it a great spot for running and jogging.
Absolutely! The Lake Link Trail is a great place to bicycle, with its wide paths suitable for cycling.
The trail is described as not too busy, offering a peaceful and quiet experience, especially during weekday mornings.
Yes, there are signs throughout the trail providing information about the local wildlife and the history of the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The natural meadows with wildlife, panoramic views of the plains and mountains, and the scenic Stearn's Lake (when accessible) are prime photography locations.
Yes, the trail offers diverse landscapes, from open meadows to distant mountain views, making it excellent for landscape photography.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the natural beauty of the meadows and vistas.
The trail is known for its wildlife, including coyotes, prairie dogs, and rabbits, offering opportunities for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a safe distance.
No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned in reviews. However, always be mindful of private property and wildlife conservation areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are some hills at the start, the overall experience is described as peaceful and not intense, perfect for a relaxing family outing. Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water, as the open meadows offer little shade. The informational signs along the trail can also add an educational element to the outing, making it both fun and informative for children.
🏃♀️ Runners and Joggers
As the trail flattens out, it becomes perfect for steady-state running or jogging, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The trail's reputation for being 'not too busy' means you can often enjoy your run without constant interruptions from other users. Just be mindful of the sun exposure in the open meadow sections and consider an early morning or late afternoon run.
🚶♀️ Casual Walkers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will be delighted by the opportunity to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoy the expansive views of the plains and mountains. The informational signs add an educational layer to the experience. It's the ideal spot to unwind, de-stress, and enjoy the simple beauty of the outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Lake Link Trail
Be aware that some sections might be temporarily closed due to wildlife conservation efforts, particularly for bald eagles. However, these closures typically come with clearly marked detours that are easy to navigate and still lead to points of interest like Stearn's Lake. The trail also offers a sensory experience beyond just the visual; while there's a brief period of traffic noise from the nearby highway at the trailhead, it quickly fades, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful sounds of nature.
For those looking to explore further, the trail provides opportunities to see the surrounding plains, distant mountains, and even a glimpse of the city skyline. This blend of natural beauty and accessible design makes the Lake Link Trail a highly recommended spot for a relaxing and scenic outing.
Wildlife Encounters and Natural Beauty
Beyond the fauna, the trail's landscape is equally captivating. As you traverse the path, you'll encounter panoramic views that stretch across the plains and towards the mountains. These vistas, combined with the open meadow scenery, create a serene and picturesque environment. Even with occasional trail detours for conservation, the overall experience remains immersive and rewarding, allowing visitors to connect with the natural surroundings.
It's important to remember that these are wild animals, and visitors are advised to observe them from a safe distance and avoid disturbing their natural behavior. The presence of these creatures underscores the ecological importance of the area and adds a unique dimension to the Lake Link Trail experience.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit