West Mag to Eldora and Back

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

Experience cool pine forests, aspen groves, historic mining history and a modernly designed trail through Tolland Ranch.

As of September 2023, there is no legal access through or beyond Deadman's Gulch in Eldora.

Getting to the trail through Tolland Ranch is a ride in and of itself with the closest trailhead 3 miles and over 900 ft of elevation away. Start at the Observatory trailhead 1 mile west of the Peak to Peak highway on Haul Road. Take Observatory to Shortstack and cut off at dirt road crossing west to Cutacross to Hobbit 3 to 3.5. This is the most direct way to get to Rocks and Roots on trails. At this point, you've been steadily climbing, but now you get to climb in a really efficient (steep!) way. At the top of Rocks and Roots, hang a right on the dirt road and follow it uphill to the Schoolbus trail. On the right, you'll see the entrance to the trail.

After all that steep climbing, the trail through Tolland Ranch is a welcome reprieve of moderate climbing, bike-optimized turns and great views. As of September 2023, the trail dead ends at Deadman's Gulch. Retrace your steps out of Tolland, then take Schoolbus back down to the lower trails and the trailhead.

The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance has been advocated for this trail opportunity since 2005 when Tolland Ranch was identified for a conservation easement. In 2015, Boulder County, the Forest Legacy Program and Great Outdoors Colorado secured a conservation easement with a recreation easement for the trail. This is the first recreation easement for Boulder County and it's very exciting to have a trail across private property!