Rocky Flats NWR North

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Allowed

The trails on this ride will not be a challenge for even a beginner rider. However, the views are interesting, as is the history and controversy over public access. It's not a destination ride, but if you are already in the area it's worth checking out once. It can be extended by continuing further south on the Rocky Mountain Greenway.

There is a toilet at the trailhead. There may be potential protesters and the Refuge could close due to legal challenges. Don't drink the water or dig for treasure. You might find it. Rules and regs here. History and info here.

Start at the signed new wide doubletrack just beyond the main signage heading south on the south side of the Walnut Creek Loop. Dodge cactus and yucca along the primitive doubletrack as it bends to the west and meets up with the north half of the Walnut Creek Loop. The doubletrack gently climbs and gradually improves to smooth rock as it follows the Rock Creek gully up on the mesa.

Pass through a fence (no gate) and continue to the signed east side of the Lindsay Ranch Loop. Buckle your helmet and prepare for a refreshing descent to the creek and the Lindsay Ranch. Check out the barn and water up for a grind back up onto the mesa between the ranch and the NREL National Wind Technology Center. There are nice views of the gigantic turbines, Eldorado Mountain, and the Continental Divide and the Indian Peaks beyond.

Continue on the doubletrack as it winds south and then climbs back up the main road. You could continue south at the junction if you haven't had your fill. Make a left and work back to the east junction with the Lindsay Ranch Loop. Backtrack towards the trailhead on the doubletrack. If you miss the junction at the west end of the Walnut Creek Loop, you'll take the north side of it back to a gate at the trailhead. Greet the friendly protesters and dump some water on your head.

Portions of the Refuge surround a historic Cold War site. For nearly four decades, thousands of women and men worked at the Plant, building weapons components for the United States' nuclear weapons arsenal. In 1989, operations ended and the Rocky Flats Plant was added to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Nation Priorities List or sites that needed to be cleaned up.

Beginning in 1992, many of the same Cold War veterans who had built weapons components at the Plant assisted with an unprecedented and enormously complex Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("Superfund") cleanup project to investigate and remediate the site.

More info here.