Heil Valley Ranch runs north-south along Boulder's foothills where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountain upslope. Its 5020 acres support wildlife communities from each, including deer, elk, turkey, coyote, fox, mountain lion and bear. Heil Valley Ranch is open to mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and winter recreation.

The Heil Valley area was first homesteaded in 1888, and acquired by Boulder County Open Space in 1996

Turkeys can reach land speeds of 18 mph and glide for a mile without flapping their wings

Mule deer have relatively small rumen for their body size, and therefore must be more selective in what they forage

The Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged western expansion by opening America's land to agricultural settlement

Mild grades and open glades on the Ponderosa Loop are ideal for skiing and snowshoeing

When agitated, elk hold their heads high, pull their ears back and flare their nostrils

Trails now connect Heil Valley Ranch and Hall Ranch to form some of the longest contiguous riding and hiking trails in the Boulder front range

Wild male turkeys can weigh up to 37 pounds

Mt. Meeker (13.911') and Longs Peak (14,259') from the Ponderosa Loop

Mule deer antlers typically shed by February, and begin regrowing immediately

Looking south at Boulder's Front Range - Bear Peak, South Boulder Peak and Green Mountain are all visible

Naturally occurring, low intensity fires keep densities in check and rejuvenate soils

Homestead remains along the Wapiti Trail in Heil Valley Ranch

Wild turkeys can fly for short bursts at speeds up to 55 mph

Reminders of past development efforts on the Picture Rock Trail

A wild turkey courtship display off the Wapiti Trail in Heil Valley Ranch

A gaggle of turkeys off the Picture Rock Trail