Trail Description

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Hall Ranch is notable for its colorful mesas, spacious meadows and rich wildlife. Though only 5 maintained trails pass through its 3,205 acres, their length and diversity offer numerous routing options and immersive experiences. The Bitterbrush Trail can be combined with the Nelson Loop Trail to form a 9.4 mile lollipop loop through rolling hills and elevated meadows in the heart of Hall Ranch. These are both multi-use trails that see moderate to heavy use all year round.

The Bitterbrush Trail meanders through open grassland for .7 miles, then gains elevation quickly on a series of tightly-wound, uneven switchbacks. The trail is rocky in places, and you’ll likely yield for mountain bikers negotiating its many hairpin turns. The trail momentarily relaxes on a high ridgeline (2.0 miles : 6,151') overlooking an expansive meadow below. This area is home to a thriving prairie dog village; patient observers may spot a coyote hunting in the field or a curious raptor hovering above.

From here the trail drops sharply to a junction with the newly opened Antelope Trail (2.2 miles: 6,089'), continuing along with frequent but manageable elevation changes for another 1.35 miles to the beginning of the Nelson Loop Trail (3.55 miles: 6,407').

This exceptionally attractive 2.3 mile loop rolls gently through alternating segments of high open space, pine forest and rocky outcroppings. Deer are frequently seen grazing in its richly appointed meadows, while rabbit, coyote and fox are also fairly common.

The Nelson Loop Trail can be traveled clockwise for a steeper, quicker climb to its apex, or counter-clockwise on a more leisurely grade. Gaining only 360' in total elevation, neither direction is very challenging, and both offer breathtaking views across elevated meadows toward Mt Meeker and Longs Peak.

The Nelson Loop Trail circles eponymous Nelson Ranch, whose grain silo and aging homestead are the last remains of a once thriving cattle operation. Several unmarked but clearly identifiable spurs leads to the historic site.

Approximately halfway around, the Nelson Loop connects with the Nighthawk Trail at its highest point (6,703'). The Nighthawk Trail offers a bike-free, aesthetically compelling alternative return route to the parking lot.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N40 12.730 W105 17.365 - Bitterbrush Trailhead at Hall Ranch

• N40 12.604 W105 18.136 - Begin twisting switchbacks

• N40 13.032 W105 18.399 - End switchbacks at bench and overlook (2 miles)

• N40 13.216 W105 18.334 - Bitterbrush Trail - Antelope Trail junction (2.2 miles)

• N40 13.596 W105 19.371 - Bitterbrush Trail - Nelson Loop junction (3.55 miles)

• N40 13.271 W105 19.987 - Nelson Loop - Nighthawk Trail junction (4.8 miles)

Worth Noting

• Be cognizant of fast-moving mountain bikers sharing the trail.


• Do not enter or disturb historic remains.

Directions to Trailhead

Hall Ranch in Lyons, Colorado:

From Boulder, take Highway 36 14 miles north to the Highway 66 junction in Lyons, CO. Turn left. Highway 66 will dead end at a "T" intersection on the west side of Lyons. Take a left on Highway 7 towards Allenspark. Hall Ranch is located 1.4 miles on the northeast (right) side of Highway 7.

Contact Information

Boulder County Parks & Open Space
5201 St. Vrain Road
Longmont, Colorado 80503
Phone: 303.678.6200
Fax: 303.678.6180
www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace