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Betasso Preserve

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.2 (89)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Boulder
  5. Betasso Preserve
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“This hike is easily accessible from Boulder and offers amazing singletrack with beautiful views. ”

Duncan Moore
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Map Key

7.6

Miles

12.2

KM

Loop

6,652' 2,028 m

High

6,178' 1,883 m

Low

939' 286 m

Up

940' 286 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

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 the 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.

At the end of your hike, nab one more view by heading over to Bummers Rock.

Contacts

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

Shared By:

Duncan Moore
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 89 votes

#1

in Betasso Preserve

#98

Overall
  4.2 from 89 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Betasso Preserve

#30

in Colorado

#98

Overall
44 Views Last Month
19,305 Since Jan 29, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
1%
7%
86%
4%
1%
0%
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Photos

Cruising along Benjamin Loop, look off to the side to enjoy great views.
Apr 2, 2017 near Boulder, CO
The meadow
Oct 20, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Progression of the Betasso climb in three shots.
Aug 25, 2017 near Boulder, CO
Arriving at the Benjamin loop from the connector.
Oct 20, 2015 near Boulder, CO
The trail is smooth and wide through the trees to finish the Canyon loop.
Oct 20, 2015 near Boulder, CO
The climbs are gradual.
Dec 21, 2018 near Boulder, CO

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Minor Issues 47 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 20, 2023
Kareem Yakub
Jun 10, 2023
Benjamin Hornacek
May 3, 2023
Sandy Oaks
Hadn't hiked this area in years... should do more, it's beautiful.
Apr 3, 2022
Charly Jackson
Feb 26, 2022
Jody Rae
Sep 1, 2021
Evelyn Vernon
May 15, 2021
Private User
May 9, 2021
Private User

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