What is Walden Ponds? A 100-acre wildlife habitat with multiple ponds, fishing access, and easy walking trails. Free entry. Some ponds allow fishing (license required), others are wildlife-only. Connects to Sawhill Ponds and Boulder Creek Path. Popular with anglers, birders, and families wanting easy nature walks.
Overview
Location: 75th Street & Valmont Road, Boulder
Size: 100 acres, multiple ponds
Entry Fee: Free
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Trails: 2+ miles of flat, easy paths
Walden Ponds is a former gravel pit transformed into wetland habitat. Unlike neighboring Sawhill Ponds (wildlife only), some ponds at Walden allow fishing. The area offers excellent birdwatching, easy walking, and a peaceful escape from Boulder's busier trails.
The Ponds
Bass Pond
Fishing allowed. Stocked with bass and bluegill. Catch-and-release only. Good for beginners and kids.
Duck Pond
Wildlife only—no fishing. Best birdwatching spot with waterfowl, herons, and occasional rarities.
Pelican Pond
Fishing allowed. Trout stocked seasonally. Fly fishing popular here.
Cottonwood Marsh
Wildlife area with boardwalk access. Great for viewing marsh birds and watching beaver activity.
Fishing
Colorado fishing license required. Artificial flies and lures only—no live bait. Some ponds are catch-and-release only; check signage at each pond. Best fishing is early morning or evening. Spring and fall produce the best trout fishing; summer is better for bass and bluegill.
Birdwatching
Walden Ponds shares many species with adjacent Sawhill Ponds. Great blue herons nest here. Watch for ospreys diving for fish in summer. The cottonwood groves attract songbirds during migration. Winter brings various ducks and occasional bald eagles.
Trails
Easy, flat trails loop around the ponds and connect to Sawhill Ponds and the Boulder Creek Path. Suitable for all ages and abilities. About 2 miles of trails within Walden Ponds itself; much more if you connect to the larger trail network.
Facilities
- Free parking on 75th Street
- Portable restrooms
- Fishing piers (ADA accessible)
- Picnic areas
- Trail connections to regional path network
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish at all the ponds?
No. Some ponds are designated wildlife-only with no fishing. Check signage at each pond.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leash. Keep dogs out of the water and on designated trails.
What's the difference between Walden Ponds and Sawhill Ponds?
Walden Ponds allows fishing at designated ponds. Sawhill Ponds is wildlife-only with no fishing permitted.