Rabbit Mountain

Whether hoping to spot a large raptor in search of prey or a gorgeous view of the Continental Divide, look no further than Rabbit Mountain. Located between Lyons and Longmont, the rich cultural and natural history of Rabbit Mountain is easily accessible to bikers, hikers, and equestrians.

Your Visit

Trail Map (1.3 MB)
Trail Elevation Graphs (51 KB)
Brochure (1.7 MB)

Picnic Areas 

Picnic shelter available near parking lot.

Restrooms

Available at trailhead.

Parking

The trailhead can accommodate 41 cars and 4 horse trailers.

Keep in Mind

• Some areas are closed to the public to protect critical wildlife habitat.
• Rattlesnakes are known to frequent Rabbit Mountain – as with any wildlife, it is important to leave them alone – for their sake and ours!

What You May See

Animals 

Located in a transitional zone between the plains and mountains, Rabbit Mountain and areas like it play a critical role for wildlife. Both mule and white-tailed deer, two species that rarely occupy the same habitat, are found here. Near or on the trail, you may see little holes in the ground with bees buzzing about. These are the solitary miner bees which do not sting and are excellent pollinators. Birds of prey, such as eagles, falcons, owls, and hawks, frequent Rabbit Mountain due to its high rodent population. Rattlesnakes also feed on the rodents of Rabbit Mountain, but will rarely attack humans unless harmed or provoked.

Plants

Rabbit Mountain slopes from grassy plains to rocky buttes. You can find the ponderosa pine, mountain mahogany, and many grass species here, as well a few wildflowers.

Current Management

• Removal of nonnative plants (weeds such as Mediterranean sage, myrtle spurge, and purple loosestrife) and seeding of native plants.
• Golden eagles nest on the south side of the property, requiring a seasonal closure from December 15 to July 15 each year.

History of Rabbit Mountain

Native Peoples

Rabbit Mountain was an ideal winter home for the Arapaho Indians, providing them with shelter from the strong west winds, a variety of edible plants, water from naturally-occurring springs, and an abundance of game. It is rumored that the Arapaho Chief Niwot may have spent considerable time in the area.

Homesteaders Arrive

In the middle of the 19th century, homesteaders took up land in the area, hoping to strike it rich prospecting for gold. Few homesteaders were successful, with many turning to farming as an alternative. Their arrival marked the Native Indians’ displacement at Rabbit Mountain, as well as the entire state.

Western Water

In 1959, the St. Vrain Supply Canal was constructed across Rabbit Mountain as part of the Colorado Big Thompson Project. Still operational, the project was designed to carry water through the mountains from the relatively lush western slope to the semi-arid Front Range.

Acquisition

Jack Moomaw was a forest ranger and had a strong desire to preserve wilderness areas, including Rabbit Mountain. These aspirations were realized when his granddaughter sold Rabbit Mountain to Boulder County in 1984. Because of this acquisition, Rabbit Mountain will be preserved in its natural state for many generations to enjoy.