Explore Coal Creek: From the Mountains to Louisville

A map of the Boulder St. Vrain Watershed with numbers highlighted along Coal Creek. Text on this page describes what the numbers identify.

Where does Coal Creek go?

Look west, towards the mountains. This is where Coal Creek starts: Coal Creek begins up in the mountains, south of Gross Reservoir near Golden, Colorado (1). As it leaves Coal Creek Canyon, the creek turns northward to travel through Superior, Louisville, and Lafayette (2). Walking Coal Creek Trail shows you how our community grew around and was shaped by this stream.

After traveling through Lafayette, Rock Creek joins Coal Creek (3). It continues on as Coal Creek through Erie before joining Boulder Creek in the eastern part of Boulder County (4). East of Longmont, near St. Vrain State Park, Boulder Creek then joins the St. Vrain Creek.

This stream, now that is has collected the water from several creeks in the watershed, leaves the Boulder St. Vrain Watershed and becomes part of the South Platte River Watershed.

Wildlife along Coal Creek

There’s a good chance you will see wildlife as you walk along Coal Creek Trail. Bird nests, prairie dog colonies, and kestrel boxes are a few ways these animals can feel safe in our shared open space. This is their home too!

Native plants and animals depend on each other. Plants give animals food, shelter, and clean water. In return, animals help plants reproduce by spreading their seeds. This teamwork ensures a diverse community of native plants and animals, which keeps the ecosystem healthy and balanced. Protecting and restoring native plant and animal communities is one of the best ways to support watershed health, providing clean water, stable soil, and strong ecosystems for both wildlife and people.