Heil Outer Loop from Corral TH

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Features Drops/Jumps · Technical · Views

It's worth highlighting this option at Heil Valley Ranch since the lower parking areas and trails were built. Specifically, the Corral Trailhead, which accesses the Schoolhouse Loop, Skills Loop, and longer Overland Loop. Each of these newer trails provide opportunities for skill building for beginners.

For this ride, hop on the Overland Loop for a great warm-up and cool-down, connecting to the upper Wapiti Trailhead lot and start of the newly-routed Wapiti Trail.

Climb up the rocky and aerobically-demanding Wapiti Trail to the Ponderosa Loop. This loop is bi-directional but has some sections that flow well heading clockwise/left (as mapped).

From the viewpoint above South St Vrain Canyon and Hall Ranch, take the left-most trail to ride Wild Turkey Trail past Picture Rock back to a short section of Ponderosa Loop to Wapiti Trail and return on the second half of the Overland Loop to the Corral TH lot.

From the entrance to Heil Valley Ranch off of Lefthand Canyon Drive, find the newer Corral Trailhead parking area on the left (west). You'll pass spillover parking and see the horse trailer parking on the right (east). There is a trailhead kiosk with a map and more information.

Follow signs toward the Overland Loop and head left (clockwise) to follow the bike direction of the Overland Loop. This loop is a great warm-up as the grades are low and the tread is relatively smooth with a few rocks and roots to get things started. You'll mostly be following the contour of the hill until a big right-hand turn toward the intersection with the Geer Canyon Connector (and lower return half of the loop).

Turn left (north) onto the connector, being wary of two-way traffic (and foot and horse travel). At the end of the connector, you'll find the road entrance to the Wapiti Trailhead. Continue up this road and the start of the Wapiti Trail. The climb is gradual until the creek crossing and then it builds until the real kicker after a soft left-hand turn.

At the gate, turn right onto the new singletrack start of Wapiti Trail. Enjoy some flatter grades along these switchbacks with some neat rock work but otherwise unremarkable, exposed trail. When you hit some larger cobbles and exposed rock shelves, you'll know you're on the old Wapiti trail section. Expect a sustained climb with punchy sections of technical ups and tight lines through cobbles and some small boulders.

At the end of Wapiti Trail, turn left onto Ponderosa Loop for the last stretch of climbing with a few more sections of cobbles but generally flatter grades and some more shade as you get to the top. You'll reach a relatively open meadow at the top where you can grab a drink, catch your breath, and prep for a mostly downhill ride.

As with Heil in general, the downhill flow isn't really flowy at all. It's often interrupted by tight, loose corners, bumpy cobbles, and exposed roots. You'll usually have a finger on the brakes while trying to thread the needle and keep your speed throughout.

From the St Vrain Canyon viewpoint and bench, stay left onto the northern end of Wild Turkey Trail. The first section is fun and fast if you want to get out of the saddle. You'll cruise through the trees on flat, smooth trail with a couple turns and bumps to air out. Coming to a hard right-hand turn, the trail tread quickly returns to the rocky, technical character from before, but you'll be trending downward so keeping speed is relatively easier and you can keep your seat lower for a lot of this section.

Pass the intersection with Picture Rock and start the gradual climb through some trees and a meadow back to the Ponderosa Loop for a short connection to the top of Wapiti Trail.

Though the intersection with Wapiti Trail is an obvious place to stop and rest, the descent starts quickly so it can be nice to keep your speed through this intersection or take a break and then walk or ride back up Ponderosa Loop so that you can keep momentum.

As you might expect from having climbed Wapiti Trail, the downhill ranges from some bumps to complete rock garden hits where you can test the full range of your travel. Toward the lower half of Wapiti, there are some rock rollers and kickers on the edges of the trail that are a more advanced way to keep a straight descent line.

Back on the newer switchbacks, the tech is behind you. Fly down the fire road to ride back on the Geer Canyon Connector and stay left on the lower, flowy section of Overland Loop to the car. (Be careful of hidden rocks on the sides of the trail in tall grass that can catch pedals or tires.)