Bluff Creek Nature Preserve - Landmark Conservancy

Featured Uses:

Hunting, Birdwatching, Hiking

Location/Access Directions:

Visitors can reach access points to the preserve off of City Limits Road, west off of County Highway E in the Town of Parkland, Douglas County. There are 2 unimproved parking pullouts on the side of City Limits Rd.

One is on the south side of the road at the eastern edge of the property adjacent to a brushy opening. There are no improved trails beyond this point. Visitors may explore the property on foot, much of it vegetated with shrub-carr wetlands, tamarack and older stands of aspen.

The other is an unimproved parking pullout at the west end of City Limits Road along the north shoulder of the road. There are no improved trails beyond this point. Visitors may explore the property on foot, entering the property from the north side of City Limits Road. Bluff Creek is located west of this access. Visitors will need to walk down the terrace hill to the creek. The creek meanders and floods often. There is no bridge to access the property on the west side of Bluff Creek. The variation in topography and soils provides habitat for disjunct species of plants that are normally found further south in the state.

Note that there is an “inholding” of private land on the south side of City Limits Road this access point. Please make sure you are aware of the Bluff Creek Nature Preserve boundaries as you explore.

Site Detail Map:

Map Link

Ownership/Management:

Landmark Conservancy

Use and Safety Guidelines during COVID-19

Our trails and preserves are currently open to the public; this is subject to change if overuse becomes an issue.

Please abide by social distancing and consider the following guidelines:

If the parking lot is full, the trail is full. Have a plan B and C. Consider waiting or seeking another place to be outdoors.
Do not use the trails if you have symptoms, have traveled recently, or have been exposed to a known or suspected case of COVID-19. Consider wearing a mask.
Stay six feet away from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Maintain this as you walk or hike.
Warn other trail users of your presence and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice or bell.
To reduce the risk of injury and potential stress to our local healthcare system if you are injured while hiking, be prepared for uncertain trail conditions. Wear sturdy footwear and consider using poles if you have them. Stay within your comfort zone; don’t be afraid to turn around. Stick to easy trails.
Keep dogs on the leash. This will prevent inadvertent close contact with others.
Practice Leave No Trace. Carry in, carry out.

Adapted from Loon Echo Land Trust and shared with permission