Name: Betasso Preserve
Rating: 4.1

“This hike is easily accessible from Boulder and offers amazing singletrack with beautiful views.”

— Duncan Moore

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

To access, drive up Boulder Canyon turning right up Sugarloaf Road. Take your first right up Betasso Road. Once on Betasso Road you'll see parking for the trailhead on your left.

Need to Know

Recommended use Wednesdays and Saturdays due to mountain bike closure. If you choose to hike on a day that bikes are allowed, it is recommended to pay attention to the direction of bike traffic, which is posted and hike against bike traffic. This makes visibility for both parties better. Always be courteous to everyone using the trail.

Description

The trailhead offers a bathroom, picnic area, and plenty of parking. Unfortunately there is no access to drinking water.

The Canyon Loop opens up to a fork in the road. The trail is one giant loop and either direction is appropriate for travel.

Canyon Loop Trail totals 3.3 miles and begins on the rim of the preserve. The first half of the trail quickly drops in altitude and the second half of the trail is spent gaining altitude. The trail is mainly comprised of singletrack and has numerous opportunities for amazing views. The trail is made up of compact dirt with some rocks and roots showing.

Near the half waypoint of the Canyon Loop, the Benjamin Trail Link intersects. This is 0.75 miles of singletrack that brings you directly to the Benjamin Loop. The Benjamin Loop is by far the best part of this hike offering 2.4 miles of heavily forested singletrack. The trail has similar signage as the Canyon Loop dictating direction of travel for bicycles. The trail is comprised of a series of switchbacks that gradually climb up the rim and then descend into another series of switchbacks. The trail is hard compact dirt with a bridge feature.

Contacts

Land Manager: Boulder County, CO - Parks and Open Space

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Check-Ins

May 11, 2019

Nick Barendregt

Very nice, relaxing hike. 6.7mi — 2h 09m

Jan 26, 2019

Jordan Frdnmkr

7mi

Jan 21, 2019

Micki Balder

Dry and snow packed on mlk day, spikes are best. Pretty quiet, moderate endurance/light workout. Not much for views, prob good for running 6.7mi — 2h 05m

Dec 22, 2018

Russ

Pretty icy at spots, but not enough for microspikes. Tread carefully

Nov 23, 2018

L C

Sep 26, 2018

Travis Arnold

Sep 8, 2018

Kathleen Danilchick

Sep 2, 2018

JT Alexa

6.7mi