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Hall Ranch Intermediate Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.6 (122)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Lyons
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“This lovely intermediate loop is perfect for those wanting a healthy dose of flow with moments of technical challenge. ”

Hunter R
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Map Key

10.5

Miles

16.9

KM

65%

Singletrack

6,642' 2,025 m

High

5,380' 1,640 m

Low

1,271' 387 m

Up

1,271' 387 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

While perhaps most known for its ultra-difficult, rock-garden-laden Bitterbrush - Lower Section Trail, Hall Ranch hides a hidden gem in its upper reaches. The trails this ride utilizes mix a rolling smooth tread with the occasional technical section or set of switchbacks, promising to keep beginning and intermediate riders both having fun and on their toes.

Need to Know

If you're lucky and can find a spot at the Upper Antelope Trail Parking Area, you can shave the road riding portion off of this ride. Otherwise, find parking in town and ride up to the trailhead as shown. For what it's worth, the road from town to the trailhead winds through a series of gorgeous homesteads on the banks of the North Saint Vrain.

Keep an eye out for equestrians, as they're known to frequent this park.

Description

Starting from the town of Lyons, find a parking spot and unload your gear. From town, follow West Main Street (HWY 36) north out of town for a third of a mile until you reach Apple Valley Road. Head left onto Apple Valley Road as it winds its way west. Bear left on Antelope Drive and climb the dirt road to reach the trailhead.

From the trailhead, The Antelope Trail climbs steadily up a drainage on a mixed tread of granite and dirt. Soon, the trail begins to switchback its way up the headwall of the drainage, challenging beginner riders with trickier line choices and limited sight lines.

After surpassing the headwall, the Antelope Trail ends at a junction with the Upper and Lower Bitterbrush Trails. Bear right at the junction, starting up the Bitterbrush - Upper Section. On this trail, expect gentler grades, and overall easier technical challenges throughout the climb. Upon reaching its upper extent, head left at the junction with the Nelson Loop.

Travelling left on the Nelson Loop, the trail ups its grade while presenting further technical challenges, including a mix of switchbacks armored with rocks and exposed roots. However, once past the technical features at its beginning, the rest of the Nelson Loop provides fantastic flow as the trail swoops across open meadows blanketed by golden grasses.

Upon reaching the end of the Nelson Loop, you're welcome to make another lap, otherwise drop your seat, flip your suspension into descend, and click into high gear, as the long downhill back to the car is about to begin.

From its junction with the Nelson Loop, descending the Bitterbrush - Upper Section presents a fast, flowing rollercoaster ride. Expect the occasional rocky technical section interspersed with grade reversals just waiting to help you practice your pumping skills.

Upon reaching the following junction, make your way left to continue your descent down the switchbacking and technical Antelope Trail. Be mindful of folks making their way up the trail, as the limited sightlines on the trail can make it easy to sneak up on other trail users.

Once you've reached the trailhead, return the way you came along the road, and be sure to celebrate a successful ride with a slice of pizza or beer at any of the great restaurants in Lyons.

Contacts

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

Shared By:

Hunter R
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 122 votes

#1

in Lyons

#85

Overall
  4.6 from 122 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lyons

#25

in Colorado

#85

Overall
100 Views Last Month
16,799 Since May 21, 2019
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Dropping down the back side of Hall Ranch, just after the Antelope connector.
Oct 31, 2016 near Lyons, CO
Riding the Nelson Loop in April, with just a touch of snow capping Meeker-Longs Massif in the background.
Apr 27, 2017 near Lyons, CO
Not much sunlight left on the Nelson Loop at Hall Ranch.
Nov 16, 2015 near Lyons, CO
Smooth, masterfully-built trail. Lots of work went into this one!
Nov 22, 2012 near Lyons, CO
Near the top of Hall Ranch on the Nelson Loop with great views of Longs Peak.
Jun 24, 2016 near Lyons, CO
HALL RANCH | JULY 2018
Nov 8, 2018 near Lyons, CO

7 Comments

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Check-Ins

Oct 16, 2024
tooTALLtim
With Jasmyn! still a super fun ride
Sep 1, 2024
Aaron Duelm
Jun 11, 2024
Matthew Goldatein
Apr 17, 2024
Tim OBrien
Nov 22, 2023
LB Pedringer
Nov 18, 2023
Kenny S
Oct 15, 2023
Jasmine Taylor
Aug 6, 2023
Aaron P

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