Homestead & Walker Ranch Trails

Closest Major City: Boulder

Distance: 14.50 miles (23.33 KM)

Description:
If you choose to warm up on the Homestead Trail, you'll end up at the overlook to Boulder Canyon. It's about 2.7 miles each way. I'm noting mileage for those whose choose to include Homestead, otherwise subtract 5.5 miles. 5.5 - Back at the parking lot and ready for a real ride. Begin on the paved road and take a right turn looking for the Walker Ranch Loop. South Boulder Creek Trailhead is on your left at a parking lot on a top of hill. 6.0 - South Boulder Creek Trailhead, follow the old fire road down as it parallels the creek; 7.7 - Cross over on the bridge, turn left and begin a steep uphill climb; 8.7 - Find the trail at the end of a dirt road, take left turn to Crescent Meadows Trailhead; 8.8 - You'll find some sweet mountainside singletrack! NOTE: there will be some technical sections to negotiate. 10.9 - Get off your bike at the cliffs! Do not try to ride it. Despite easy look at first, the trail drops off...WAY OFF and REAL FAST! At the South Boulder Creek bridge crossing; 11.2 - Find the intersection and go left up a steep trail; 12.2 - At the Columbine Gulch Trail intersection take a left; 13.0 - You're rewarded with a pretty nice view after a tough climb; 13.9 - You're back at the South Boulder Creek Trailhead, take the paved road back to the Meyers Gulch parking lot for about 0.6 miles.

Directions to the trail:
In Boulder take Baseline Road and drive up to Flagstaff Mountain. Follow the road for about 9.0 miles from the Hwy 36 exit through the park and find a parking lot at the Meyers Gulch - Homestead Trailhead on your right, look for the sign.