Boulder, CO: Hall Ranch Loop | Mountain Biking in Colorado

Boulder, CO: Hall Ranch Loop

This 10-mile loop begins with a stiff, sometimes technical, climb then speeds into rolling forestland and endless grassy meadows to an old ranch in the shadow of Longs Peak.

Author:	Bicycling Magazine
Date:	22 Nov 2006 2:50:04 PM
Activity:	Mountain Biking ActivitySearchMountainBiking
State:	Colorado (CO)
Distance:	9.65 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 2214 ft Total Loss: 2221 ft Net Change: -7 ft
Difficulty:	7 / 10
Tags:	Colorado, Denver, Boulder, Lyons
Rating:	1 rating(s) Rate it

Just outside of Lyons, CO, the trails at Hall Ranch offer something for everyone. The gem of the trail system is the Nelson Loop, a 2.2-mile, rolling cross-country circuit that will thrill newbies and experts alike. The rolling, grippy singletrack begs seasoned riders to push their limits on multiple loops, but also lends novices several opportunities to catch their breath and enjoy picturesque views of Nelson Ranch’s open meadows and the majestic diamond face of Longs Peak.

This approach to the Nelson Loop starts from the Bitterbrush Trailhead off S. St. Vrain Drive/CO-7. This route is challenges with steep grades up rocky switchbacks on the southern slopes of Indian Lookout Mountain. The downhill payoff is a big thrill, but perhaps a bit much for beginner riders. For an easier approach (and return), consider riding Hall Ranch from the Antelope Trailhead (though parking is somewhat limited there).

-Mapped by Andrew Matranga and Kris Wagner

TO TRAILHEAD: From Lyons, CO, take CO 7 W for 1.7 miles. Park at Hall Ranch lot on R.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

Hall Ranch

Dist: 9.65 mi	Points: 1396	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Hall Ranch: Bitterbrush to Nelson Loop

Points of Interest

HRT001

Location: 40.210739°, -105.288200°
Start on the Bitterbrush Trail. This tilted, salmon-colored land was once coastal sand dunes during the Percambrian Era (1.3 billion years ago). Today it offers some of the best singletrack in Boulder County.

HRT002

Location: 40.210941°, -105.296700°
Stay on Bitterbrush Trail, a multi-use path for bikers, hikers, trail runners, and equestrians.

HRT003

Location: 40.209751°, -105.303497°
Gear down for a stiff climb and a series of rocky, sometimes technical spots, ahead. Balance, speed, and confidence will push you through. (No worries if you must walk a bit.)

HRT004

Location: 40.213852°, -105.305893°
The toughest climb is over. Rest at this overlook looking west to the tilted mesas and foothills.

HRT005

Location: 40.216805°, -105.306656°
Rest on the west shoulder of Indian Lookout Mountain Gear up and enjoy the fast, smooth downhill ahead.

HRT006

Location: 40.220280°, -105.305603°
Turn left; trail enters zone of amber grasses

HRT007

Location: 40.222679°, -105.312302°
Mule deer often graze the open fields surrounding Hall Ranch trails.

HRT008

Location: 40.226650°, -105.322800°
Turn left onto Nelson Loop Trail.

HRT009

Location: 40.222950°, -105.329300°
Old Nelson Ranch (c. 1890) sits in Antelope Park, a wide meadow beneath 14,255-foot Long's Peak. A spur trail leads right for a closer look at the old homestead.

HRT010

Location: 40.221230°, -105.333199°
Stay straight @ 3-way with Nighthawk Trail.

HRT011

Location: 40.226578°, -105.326820°
On the north end of the Nelson Loop, the trail descends fast, then crosses a mostly dry offshoot of St. Vrain Creek.

HRT012

Location: 40.226711°, -105.323303°
Veer left; ride the loop again (in the same direction or counter-clockwise)or return 4.1 miles back to trailhead.

Bittersweet Switchback

Location: 40.212791°, -105.305107°
The Bitterbrush Trail climbs the southern slopes of Indian Lookout Mountain on long, sometimes techical switchbacks. ©Kris Wagner

Overlook

Location: 40.214020°, -105.305946°
This overlook shows off the foothills outside west of Lyons, and is a good rest spot after climbing the 8-percent grade. ©Kris Wagner