Trail Description

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Heil Valley Ranch runs north-south along Boulder’s foothills where the Great Plains abruptly meet the Rocky Mountain upslope. Its 4,932 acres support wildlife communities from each, including deer, turkey, coyote, fox, mountain lion and bear. Elk were extirpated from Boulder County at the turn of the 20th century, but were reintroduced at Heil Valley Ranch between 1913 and 1917. Today this protected area remains one of the only places in the Colorado Front Range where elk can complete their natural migration from the Rocky Mountains to Eastern Plains without interruption.

Heil Valley's Wapiti and Ponderosa Loop Trails connect to form a 7.75 mile lollipop loop through varied terrain and ecosystems. Mild grades and new improvements make these multi-use trails accessible to hikers, runners, bikers and equestrians year-round:

The Wapiti Trail rises gently from the parking area on a service road into the upper valley. Scars from the 2003 Left Hand Canyon fire – which came within 1/4 mile of the caretaker's cottage - emerge as you gain elevation, however recovery is well underway. Ponderosa pines are darkened but largely unaffected, while grasses and wildflowers were quick to reclaim open spaces.

The road bypasses two spurs for the Lichen Loop before leaving on a sharp left turn across the valley (.55 miles : 6,080’). The trail bends west with sensational views down Heil Valley and south across Boulder’s Front Range. Green Mountain, Bear Peak , South Boulder Peak and the Flatirons are all in view as the trail winds north and steepens into a mixed pine forest (.85 miles : 6,165’). This area once supported a prairie dog village wiped out in 2008 by disease; though unfortunate, occasional collapses are part of the prairie dog life cycle, and this village will likely repopulate in years to come.

The trail climbs steadily through uniform timber up the valley’s west side, reaching the first of several service road crossings in 1.35 miles (these roads are closed to public use). Look for deer, fox, coyote and turkey as you progress. Elk are sometimes seen in the Heil Valley Ranch area on their annual winter migration from the high country to eastern plains. The trail resumes a winding course to the Ponderosa Loop Trail junction (2.55 miles : 6,705’). The following description runs clockwise (left) to maximize better morning light.

The trail levels considerably in a thinning forest atop a sloping plateau dotted with small clearings and a collection of wildflowers. It crests imperceptibly (3.6 miles : 6,792’) and drops to an overlook area on the plateau’s rim at the first of two Wild Turkey Trail connections (4.05 miles : 6,605’). Here you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas of the Indian Peaks, Mt Meeker (13,911’), Twin Sisters (11,428’ - 11,413’), the Hall Ranch area and gaping valley below.

The Ponderosa Trail bends away from the overlook and drops on a rocky path, turning sharply back south to begin the second half of the loop. The trail passes the second Wild Turkey Trail junction (5.05 miles : 6,675’) and continues on an undulating, nondescript course to complete the loop (5.2 miles : 6,705’). Retrace your steps on the Wapiti Trail back to the trailhead and parking lot (7.75 miles : 5,945’).

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N40 08.964 W105 18.005 - Wapiti Trail Trailhead

• N40 09.736 W105 17.997 - .55 miles : Service road ends; cross valley

• N40 10.063 W105 17.791 - 1.8 miles : Hairpin turn by homestead remains

• N40 10.417 W105 17.789 - 2.55 miles : Poderosa Loop Trail junction

• N40 10.708 W105 17.793 - 3.25 mile mark

• N40 11.239 W105 17.690 - 4.05 miles : Wild Turkey Trail junction and overlook

• N40 10.520 W105 17.697 - 5.05 miles : Wild Turkey Trail junction #2

• N40 10.417 W105 17.789 - 5.2 miles : Back at beginning of loop

• N40 08.964 W105 18.005 - 7.75 miles : Wapiti Trail Trailhead

Worth Noting

• Ample shade and new improvements make the Wapiti and Ponderosa Loop Trails ideal for summer trail runners. Arrive early to avoid heavy bike traffic.



• Heil Ranch's mild grades and well-defined trails are well-suited for families and winter activities.



• These are popular, multi-use trails. Honor yield protocols. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.



• The Heil Valley area was first homesteaded in 1888. Boulder County Open Space purchased 4,923 acres from the Heil family in 1996, who today still operate ranch lands south of the trailhead.

Rules and Regulations

• Horses are permitted at Heil Ranch. Equestrians are strongly encouraged to stay on designated trails. Horses must be on a lead and may not be tied and left unattended. All trail users must yield to equestrians.

Directions to Trailhead

From Broadway in Boulder, take US 36 North 4.7 miles to Left Hand Canyon Drive. Take a left onto Left Hand Canyon Drive for 0.7 miles to Geer Canyon Road. Look on the right for the Heil Valley Ranch sign and take a right onto Geer Canyon Road, a maintained dirt road and head North through private property 1.3 miles to the trailhead. Heil Ranch parking will be on the right side of the road. It is important to know that Geer Canyon Road is private and you cannot park your car along the side of the road. Be mindful of free range cattle crossing sections of Geer Canyon Road.

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