936 Pika Rd: A Level 3.74-Acre Boulder Mountain Home Backing to Walker Ranch Open Space
Is there a mountain home for sale near Boulder that backs directly to protected open space?
Yes. 936 Pika Rd is a 3.74-acre Boulder mountain home for sale in unincorporated Boulder County that sits directly against Walker Ranch Open Space, with a level lot, foothills views, a wood-burning fireplace, and a walk-out lower level, according to the listing.
Plenty of homes in the hills west of Boulder come with a view. Far fewer come with a guarantee about what that view will look like in twenty years. At 936 Pika Rd, the land on the other side of the property line is Walker Ranch Open Space, protected by Boulder County. That is the detail that defines this home, and it is why the listing calls it "The Trailhead House."
Listed by The Bernardi Group, this single-level ranch pairs mountain privacy with a lot that is something of a rarity up here: it is level. Below, our Realtors walk through the setting, the home, the land, and the practical questions every buyer should ask about a mountain property near Boulder.
Where Is 936 Pika Rd?
The home has a Boulder address (80302) and is located in unincorporated Boulder County, in the Pine Needle Notch subdivision, according to the MLS. Access is by a county-maintained road with a dirt surface at the property line, and the home and lot face south.
What sets the location apart is what sits next door. According to the listing, the property abuts Walker Ranch Open Space. Here is some background on that neighbor:
- A historic landscape: According to Boulder County Parks & Open Space, Walker Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a cultural landscape.
- An established trail system: Boulder County lists several trails at Walker Ranch, including the Walker Ranch Loop at 7.9 miles (moderate), the Meyers Homestead Trail at 2.5 miles (moderate), and the Josie Heath Trail at 1.1 miles (easy).
- Ranch history: The county's Walker Ranch Homestead hosts living history programs about life on a working ranch in the late 1800s.
Boulder County open space parks have their own rules and hours, including day use only, so buyers should review current regulations directly with Boulder County Parks & Open Space.
Why Backing to Open Space Matters
For many buyers searching for a home near Boulder, open space is the feature they ask about first. A protected boundary changes how a property lives day to day:
- Views with staying power. According to the listing, the living room windows frame the ranch land above the fireplace, and the kitchen and dining area share that same view.
- Privacy on at least one side. With protected land along the property line, there is no future neighbor building on that boundary.
- A sense of place. Living next to a landscape with more than a century of ranching history is a different experience from living next to another lot.
Our Boulder real estate agents regularly hear from buyers who want exactly this combination, and it rarely comes with a level lot attached.
The Land: 3.74 Level Acres
According to the MLS, the parcel is approximately 3.74 acres. The MLS describes the lot as:
- Level, which the listing notes is the rarer find in the mountains
- Wooded, with evergreen and deciduous trees and native grasses
- South facing, with southern exposure listed as an energy feature
- Next to public open space, with foothills views
A level mountain lot can make everyday life simpler, from parking and snow management to gardening, outdoor gatherings, and simply walking the property. Outside, the MLS lists a patio, and a detached two-car garage of approximately 616 square feet.
Inside the Home
According to the MLS, 936 Pika Rd is a one-story ranch with a contemporary style, built in 1986, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and approximately 2,636 total square feet across all levels per assessor records. The main level is approximately 1,364 square feet.
The Main Level
The main level holds the everyday living spaces, according to the MLS and listing:
- Family room (about 21 by 17 feet) with a wood-burning fireplace and windows framing the open space above
- Kitchen with a gas range, a pantry, and an eat-in layout, opening to the dining area
- Separate dining room with engineered hardwood floors
- Primary bedroom (about 16 by 12 feet) with a full primary bath
The listing points out that the kitchen and dining area "hold the sun," which fits the home's south-facing orientation. It also highlights solid pine doors throughout, which the listing notes help keep the house quiet while adding warmth and character.
With the primary bedroom and a full bath on the main level, the home offers single-level living for those who want it.
The Walk-Out Lower Level
The MLS lists a full, walk-out basement that is 90 percent or more finished, with:
- A second bedroom (about 12 by 11 feet)
- A recreation room (about 20 by 19 feet)
- A study or office (about 18 by 11 feet) with engineered hardwood floors
- A three-quarter bathroom
- A laundry room
The MLS also lists a workshop among the home's design features. For buyers who work from home, a dedicated lower-level office with its own walk-out access to the land is a practical layout.
Included With the Home
According to the MLS, the sale includes window coverings, the gas range and oven, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. The seller's personal property is excluded.
What to Know About Mountain Living Near Boulder
Every mountain property in Boulder County comes with its own homework. As your Realtor, we help buyers ask the right questions early. Here are the key items for 936 Pika Rd.
Well and Septic
According to the MLS, the home is served by a well and a septic system. The MLS lists water rights as "No," and no well permit number appears on the listing. Before closing, buyers should:
- Review the well permit and confirm what uses it allows
- Order well water quality and quantity testing
- Schedule a septic inspection with a qualified inspector
Because well permits and water use in Colorado can be complex, we recommend consulting a qualified Colorado water rights attorney to review the permit and answer any questions about water use on the property.
Zoning, Road, and Utilities
The MLS lists the zoning as F. Buyers with plans for additions, outbuildings, or other uses should confirm what is allowed with Boulder County's planning and permitting office. The MLS lists both natural gas and propane under utilities, and forced air heat, so we recommend confirming the utility setup during your due diligence.
Insurance and Taxes
Mountain properties can carry different insurance considerations than homes in town. We recommend speaking with a licensed insurance agent early in the process. For questions about property taxes or how a purchase fits your financial plans, please consult a qualified tax or financial professional.
Why Work With The Bernardi Group
Buying or selling a mountain property near Boulder involves more than a typical in-town transaction. Wells, septic systems, county roads, open space boundaries, and unincorporated zoning all shape value and timing. The Bernardi Group, led by Karen Bernardi with Coldwell Banker Realty-Boulder, works across the Boulder real estate market, from downtown condos to acreage in the foothills.
When you work with our team, you get:
- Local knowledge of Boulder neighborhoods and the mountain communities west of town
- A team approach, with Realtors, marketing, and transaction support working together
- Clear guidance through inspections, disclosures, and the questions specific to rural and mountain properties
- Thoughtful marketing for sellers that tells the story of a home, not just its features
Thinking About Selling a Home in Boulder, Colorado?
If you own a mountain home or acreage property near Boulder, the details that make it special, like open space access, views, and a usable lot, need to be presented well to reach the right buyer. A Boulder Realtor who understands these properties can help you prepare, price, and market your home with confidence. Our Boulder real estate agents would be glad to talk through your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 936 Pika Rd back to open space?
Yes. According to the listing, the home sits directly against Walker Ranch Open Space, which is protected by Boulder County.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the home have?
According to the MLS, the home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The primary bedroom and a full bath are on the main level, and the second bedroom and a three-quarter bath are on the walk-out lower level.
Is the lot at 936 Pika Rd level?
Yes. The MLS describes the approximately 3.74-acre lot as level, wooded, and south facing, with foothills views.
Does the property have city water?
No. According to the MLS, the home uses a well and a septic system. We recommend reviewing the well permit with a qualified Colorado water rights attorney and completing well and septic inspections.
Schedule a Private Showing
If you have been looking for a Boulder mountain home with a level lot and protected open space on the property line, 936 Pika Rd deserves a visit. And if you are considering selling a home in Boulder, Colorado, our team is ready to help you plan your next move.
Contact The Bernardi Group at 303.402.6000 or [email protected] to schedule a private showing or a conversation with one of our Boulder real estate agents.
Be Bold. Be Confident. Be Bernardi. Be Home.
