Red Cliff to Bobs to Lower Hulls

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

One of the best "quick" loops in the lower foothills.

The pedal up Red Cliffs is flowy and scenic. You could also pedal up 8th street, a dirt road, but you'd be missing a good singletrack climb.

The descent down Bobs, while not terribly difficult, is probably the most technical descent in the foothills, excluding some short sections of Table Rock. By taking the 8th street cutoff you miss a little riding at the bottom, but it's worth it to be able to link this with the other great descent in the area.

Lower Hulls is wide open enough to go fast, but technical enough to keep your interest, with one short section in the middle that is very tricky to ride. Don't let the need for speed cause you to get out of control, as Hulls tends to be crowded with hikers, runners, and dogs, especially as you get closer to the bottom. It's best to ride this trail off-hours during the week to avoid the crowds.

If you bring the pooch there is typically running water for them in Hulls Creek February through May. This trail is hot in the summer, so make the four legged friend carry some water if the creek isn't running.

From the parking lot at the Foothills Learning Center (which can be accessed by car on 8th street, or by bike by any number of trails leaving from Camels Back Park, Military Reserve, or 15th Street) start up Lower Hulls Gulch Trail.

After a short distance (maybe 1/2 mile) make a right hand turn onto Red Cliffs Trail, which immediately starts to climb. Other than a few short steep sections (including the first 50 yards) the grade is mostly mellow enough to pedal in your middle chain ring. Enjoy the views as you wind up the ridge towards one final steep bit that gets you to the Crestline Trail.

At the Crestline Trail, turn left and follow the mostly level trail as it winds around several ridges and eventually crosses Hulls Creek. If you brought a four legged friend, this is a nice spot to give your dog a break and some water if the trail is running.

Directly after crossing the creek you will be at a 4-way intersection. Lower Hulls Gulch Trail will be on your left, Upper Hulls Gulch Trail will be on your right (no bikes allowed unfortunately), and the 8th Street Motorcycle trail will be straight ahead. Take the motorcycle trail up a relatively short but steep ascent to the upper parking lot at 8th street.

From the upper parking lot, cross 8th street to find the start of Corrals trail. Follow the initial fast flowy trail for the first mile or so until you see Bob's trail cutting off to the left.

Although the lower foothills aren't known for technical rocky riding, Bob's is certainly an exception. Technical gardens separated by fast swoopy sections of singletrack create a short but exhilarating ride. Pick your lines right and it's not that bad, pick them wrong and you may end up in the bushes!

About 90% of the way down Bob's Trail, keep your eyes peeled for a left turn onto the the "8th street connector". The turn is obvious and well signed. Pedal up the gravel doubletrack back to 8th street. At 8th street turn left and ascend the dirt road back to the upper parking area.

From the upper parking area (for the 2nd time) descend the 8th Street Motorcycle Trail that you pedaled up earlier. Enjoy the well bermed turns on this steep section!

At the bottom of the motorcycle trail, bear right and you will blast right into the start of the Lower Hulls Gulch trail. This may be the best mountain bike descent in the area, it's just too bad that it's so crowded. There are several moderate rock gardens, and numerous jumps and drops that can be pedaled around if you want to keep both wheels on the ground. Overall it is less technical than Bob's; however, there is one very difficult obstacle about 1/2 way down that is the most technical thing you'll see on this loop. It consists of a series of narrow rocky drops in the middle of a turn.

The fun continues afterwards as you make your way all the way back to the parking lot at the Foothills Learning Center.