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Walker Ranch

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (159)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Boulder
  5. Walker Ranch
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“An awesome and challenging hike near Boulder with great scenery. ”

Nicholas Shannon
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Map Key

8.0

Miles

12.9

KM

Loop

7,333' 2,235 m

High

6,450' 1,966 m

Low

1,527' 466 m

Up

1,523' 464 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This route it is located up Flagstaff road, which is worth the drive on its own!

You'll climb as much as you descend on this somewhat challenging loop, with sections of smooth singletrack, rocky sections, and even some steep steps leading down to a creek.

Need to Know

This is a popular trail for Boulder-based mountain bikers, so keep an eye out.

Description

Hiking counter-clockwise, as mapped, you'll start out with a consistent descent. Once the initial descent is complete, you'll cruise along the creek for a bit on nice, level ground. That doesn't last long, however, before you find yourself climbing steeply again.

Keep climbing until you hit a couple of switchbacks. You'll then emerge near Gross Dam road. This is a nice spot for a quick rest as you take in the great views. Continue down the trail following a contour along the hillside. Shortly thereafter, you'll return to the forest.

Take the set stairs leading down a couple hundred feet to the creek. It's rocky and steep here, and it can even be a bit tough to maintain your footing. When you finally reach the creek there are some great spots to soak if you need to be refreshed by the COLD water. From here, hike up a loose two track for a bit, then take a left eventually getting back onto singletrack. You'll start to climb through the trees using a series of switchbacks that pop you out of the trees and onto the last bit of trail. Follow this all the way back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks

Shared By:

Nicholas Shannon
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 159 votes

#1

in Walker Ranch

#57

Overall
  4.6 from 159 votes
5 Star
62%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Walker Ranch

#19

in Colorado

#57

Overall
72 Views Last Month
24,780 Since Mar 12, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
1%
32%
16%
51%
1%
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Photos

South Boulder Creek
Oct 31, 2017 near Coal Creek, CO
Deer on the trail.
Oct 31, 2017 near Coal Creek, CO
Sunset over rock-face
Oct 31, 2017 near Coal Creek, CO
Looking east on the trail
Mar 27, 2019 near Coal Creek, CO
Scenic view just off the Walker Ranch Loop trail.
Oct 28, 2021 near Coal Creek, CO
A nice open view halfway through the Walker Loop.
Apr 4, 2015 near Coal Creek, CO

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 20 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 20, 2024
Jeff Mooney
Nov 12, 2022
Thomas Heavey
7.7mi — 3h 15m
Sep 11, 2022
Jeff S
2h 52m
Jun 12, 2022
Courtney T
May 26, 2022
Kathryn Forbes
Apr 2, 2022
Steven Kitchin
condition is good
Apr 1, 2022
Charly Jackson
Feb 20, 2022
Charly Jackson

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