Boulder Park is one of the better mountain biking trails in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Located in the south/southwest portion of the city of Dallas near the border of Duncanville, Boulder Park provides a surprising escape from the urban Dallas concrete and steel jungle.

Densly packed woods with scenic creeks cutting through the parks limestone rock provides a variety of terrain and challenges for the beginner and intermediate biker. Limestone rock staircases, roots, narrow and curvy tree runs, creek and gully crossings, and several open grassy areas provide a continually changing trail to keep the trail interesting at all times. Clearly marked red, blue, and green trails make navigating through this maze fairly easy.

Trail Description

Boulder Park Trailmap

The Boulder Park bike trail can be split up into 4 different parts. The first section is the most difficult of the 4 sections, although each section has some challenging terrain. My description will cover only the red trail and the Shadow Ridge Trail. The Blue and Green trails are shortcuts for the less experienced riders to bypass the more difficult portions of the red trail.

Trail length: 9.1 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: Approximately 90 ft.
Estimated time to complete: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Recommendations: Eye protection (small hanging limbs)
Agressive Tires
Helmet mandatory

Limestone stairs Section 1

SECTION 1

The first part of section 1 is fairly easy and provides a few open areas to crank out some speed. The trail twists and turns through some tight squeezes around a bit before it drops down the first limestone hill. This one is fairly easy. The challenges begin when the trail begins to drop down into the creek that cuts through the northern portion of the park from west to east. Once you get down by the creek, the red trail will start to wind back and forth up and down the hill you just came down. Several sections of steep rocky inclines and declines will provide the crux of the trail. Eventually you will drop back down by the creek, ride through a few "dip and roots", and ride the trail out to a concrete park road that I call Grand Central Station that is bordered on the east by a flood control dam. This road breaks up the 4 sections of the trail. Make a left turn, pass by a wrong way sign (you will exit here when finished with section 2) and procede to the next trail with a sign (left turn), this marks the beginning of section 2.

Grand Central Station

SECTION 2

This section begins with a densly packed wooded area with plenty of turns and tight tree sections. The trail will cross a slippery creek (be careful)then cross the concrete park road and briefly will wind back around on the other side of the dam from Grand Central Station. The trail then crosses back over the park road for the second time. After briefly passing by Red Bird Lane the only real rocky section is encountered, then the trail starts winding its way back to the creek where several very fun gullies will have to be crossed (can be muddy after rain). The last big one is fairly steep and will require some hard cranking and finesse to keep your rear wheel from spinning. This gully is easier when the ground is a little moist rather than dry and loose. After a few more interesting sections, you will be back on the park road. Hang a right and continue on to a steep hill with a red sign that says "Climb". This is section 3.

TFK Bridge Section 2

Dip Crux Section 2

Shadow Ridge Start/Finish

Shadow Ridge Section 3

Shadow Ridge Downhill Section 3

SECTION 3 "Shadow Ridge"

After a steep hill that will require a some serious leg cranking, the trail returns to the woods and continues on uphill a ways before passing the "Shadow Ridge" sign. The trail then takes a right turn and drops down a rocky and fun but fairly easy limestone hill. After a few more twists and turns, you will encounter a short but steep uphill rocky section which is the crux of this portion of the trail. Shortly after this you will be deposited back to Grand Central Station. Make your first left which will be the start of section 4.

Start of section 4.

SECTION 4

The first part of this section is some fairly easy tree runs following along the creek that runs south to north in the park. A few short gully dips will make the trail somewhat interesting. The trail will then ascend uphill a ways making some detours over some asphault piles left over from either an old road or park trail. One steep hill climb will deposit you back by Pastor Bailey road. The trail then heads back into the woods for some tree runs, turns, and a couple of more asphault hills to ascend. Some easy terrain will deposit you back at the trailhead.

Getting There

Parking by trailhead. See cars on the left past creek bridge.

Boulder Park is located across the road from Redbird Airport. Redbird Lane bisects the airport and Boulder Park. From Highway 67 about a mile north of I-20 take the Redbird Lane exit and drive west about a mile to your first left which is Pastor Bailey Road. Drive down this road about 1/4 of a mile past a creek and park on the left side of the road. The trailhead is opposite Hallett Avenue.

Caution: There have been reports of breakins. Leave all valuables at home and hide anything else you may have so it can't be seen by looking in the windows.

When to Bike

Fall, Winter, and Spring. Summer is quite hot, although you might be able to get in a run or two early in the morning. The trail will be too muddy after any moderate rains. Check for the latest trail conditions.

Weather

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