Belcher Hill - Rawhide - Longhorn - Whippletree Loop - 8.8 Miles Round-Trip

White Ranch Park supports nearly 20 miles of well-maintained multi-use trails that stretch through open grasslands and lower-montane pine forests. One lengthier option joins the Belcher Hill Trail - the Park's longest - with the Rawhide, Longhorn and Whippletree trails for a varied lollipop loop across White Ranch.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

The following description begins on the Belcher Hill Trail from the East Access Trailhead and travels clockwise:

The Belcher Hill Trail runs NW across the foothills to a small creek (.65 miles : 6,260') and the Whippletree Trail split (1.15 miles : 6,510'). It turns sharply SW and begins a steep, winding climb into the foothills.

Views improve on a westerly bend and methodical climb past connections for the Longhorn Trail (1.85 miles : 6,870'), Mustang Trail (2.4 miles : 7,245'), Roundup Trail #1 (2.55 miles : 7,285'), Roundup Trail #2 (2.8 miles : 7,385'), Maverick Trail (2.85 miles : 7,420') and the Sawmill Trail (2.95 miles : 7,462').

The ponderosa park through which you're passing is home to deer, elk, turkey, coyote, bear, rabbit, hare, porcupine, mountain lion and bobcat. Note greater tree densities and the introduction of fir and of aspen as you climb.

The Belcher Hill Trail narrows past the Sawmill Trail, pushing steeply to a west-facing rim near the trail's highest point (3.65 miles : 7,840'). Here you'll enjoy rangy views across wide valleys and distant peaks.

The trail comes to the second Mustang Trail junction (3.77 miles : 7,855') and turns north, dropping steeply in a heavy forest to the Park's west parking lot on Belcher Hill Road (4.12 miles : 7,650'). Cross the road and parking lot and continue downhill to the Belcher Hill Trail's terminus at the Rawhide Trail junction (4.5 miles : 7,465').

Bear right on the Rawhide Trail for an easy jaunt to the Park's main West Access parking lot (4.8 miles : 7,485'), where you'll turn left to remain on the Rawhide Trail. The Rawhide Trail heads NE and eases on the edge of a vast meadow framed by 9,000' peaks.

This diverting stretch leads to the Longhorn Trail junction (5.05 miles : 7,425'); turn right (east) on the Longhorn Trail to begin the second half of the loop.

The narrowly cut Longhorn Trail negotiates lengthy and intermittently steep stretches of open hillsides, pine stands and rocky outcrops.

The twisting descent passes connections for the Maverick Trail (5.55 miles : 7,235') and Shorthorn Trail (6.05 miles : 6,968'), before dropping into a ravine (6.85 miles : 6,348'). It climbs out and begins a series of moderate undulations across the lower foothills to the Whippletree Trail split (6.95 miles : 6,475').

Bear left on the Whippletree Trail to complete the loop (it's worth noting the Longhorn Trail veers sharply right and uphill at this point, a counter-intuitive change in direction clouded by a poorly positioned sign).

The Whippletree Trail rolls mildly back to the Belcher Hill Trail (7.65 miles : 6,510'), which you'll follow back to the East Access Trailhead on 56th avenue (8.8 miles : 6,175').