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Hall Ranch Mountain Bike Trail
Lyons, Colorado
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
26 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 10/23/11 by rxp_rider |
Difficulty:  Advanced |
| Length: 9 miles | Global Rank: #14 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 217 | Wishlist: 79 |
| Avg. Speed: 5.08 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 53min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,041/-2,061 ft | |
 1 trail check-ins |
Directions:
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Description: From the lower parking lot, go uphill to the trailhead at the upper lot. From here it's an easy trail to follow. Follow Bitterbrush trail uphill through somewhat rough singletrack. Around the 1 mile mark you will head down a valley and up the other side into a field. From here the trail becomes physically and technically difficult. You will have roughly 1/2 mile of steep ascending with very difficult technical sections. 1 3/4 miles you reach the top of the first hill and descend into the valley only to ascend into a valley meadow. The trailis easy and hard packed. Once you reach nelson loop (3.5 miles) take a left for a switchback ascent or a right for a slightly less agressive ascent. Follow Nelson Loop (2.3 miles) but beware of speed reducing ditches that rangers dig out for drainage reasons. Once you reconect with Bitterbrush trail follow it back to your car.
added in 2003 by guest
Description: From the lower parking lot, go uphill to the trailhead at the upper lot. From here it's an easy trail to follow. Follow Bitterbrush trail uphill through somewhat rough singletrack. Around the 1 mile mark you will head down a valley and up the other side into a field. From here the trail becomes physically and technically difficult. You will have roughly 1/2 mile of steep ascending with very difficult technical sections. 1 3/4 miles you reach the top of the first hill and descend into the valley only to ascend into a valley meadow. The trailis easy and hard packed. Once you reach nelson loop (3.5 miles) take a left for a switchback ascent or a right for a slightly less agressive ascent. Follow Nelson Loop (2.3 miles) but beware of speed reducing ditches that rangers dig out for drainage reasons. Once you reconect with Bitterbrush trail follow it back to your car.
added in 2003 by guest 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Colorado Trail / Green Mountain in Deckers
Phil's World in Cortez
Bergen Peak in Evergreen
Monarch Crest Trail in Salida
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by MERCE006 on January 26, 2012
Great trail. Found the climbing leaving this Florida rider gasping for air. After toughing out the climbs the downhill section of the loop was out of this world. Couldn't of enjoyed an out of state ride more. Scenery was amazing, even saw a ground hog up close.
reviewed by jbc531 on November 16, 2011
This is currently my favorite Start at Bitterbrush and ride the rockgarden up then hit nelson loop clockwise and desend to the antelope parking lot then go back up and do nelson counterclockwise and desend the garden back to the car with all smiles then drink beer!
reviewed by pickettz on October 3, 2011
Wow I really enjoyed this trail today! The climb up isn't too bad, then you hit the rock garden which actually is mostly rideable. I definitely dismounted a few times, but it provides you with some great technical sections that are a lot of fun! Once that is over, the rest of the trail is FAST! super flowy single track that made me smile even as I was walking down after tearing my tire. I will be back to this trail!
reviewed by stillfat on September 5, 2011
This trail is a real gem for the Front Range. A good mix of technical riding and some fast, rolling skinny singletrack up on the Nelson Loop. The technical riding on Bitterbush was really fun, both up and down. A lot different than the main stems on a lot of similar trails that are either brutally steep, brutally technical, or just annoying. This was all rideable (on a really good day, maybe). The fact that one of the best breweries in Colorado is only a couple of miles from the trailhead seals the deal as a five-star ride.
reviewed by krbenn on June 7, 2011
Beautiful trail and extremely fun decent. On the way up, a large buck walked across the trail and just watched. Gorgeous views and fun, but a black rating is a little strong. No way does this trail even compare to that of Dakota Ridge or Apex in terms of technical riding skills needed. Keep in mind its all up and all down, but the views and terrain is worth it. Try the loop 2 or more times for a longer XC feel. Very fun overall and will do many times again.
Similar Trail: Red Rocks Trail in Morrison
reviewed by dngrcnnn on May 3, 2011
Made my first trip to Hall Ranch today, and at the insistence of the internet started at the regular trailhead instead of Antelope. The first mile is fun and reasonably chill, and then comes the "rock garden." I tried, but ended up dragging my bike over some(all) of the more technical sections. It was much more challenging than anything else I've ever done. Once you hit the bench, the trail is awesome again to the top. The loop is great, and the ride back down was awesome until that damned rock garden again. After one moderate and one almost brutal spill, I walked my bike back down the rest of section too, then rode the last mile back to the lot. Great trail for the most part, but slow jarring drops off of rocks in pretty tight singletrack isn't my idea of fun even if I could get it all clean, so I'll definitely try the alternate start next time. In summation, awesome trail, but the tech section just isn't for me. Give it a try though, that's the only way you'll know for sure.
reviewed by tickledpickle on September 13, 2010
From Antelope trailhead: wow, this is a very fun trail with a couple of steep climbs but nothing too technical. I walked my bike over rocks just twice, maybe three times. Don't get me wrong, this trail is not easy - it's a challenge but nothing extreme. The beginning of the trail is a bit bumpy and there's one steep section with loose rocks and gravel. Downhill is fun and rewarding. Hall Ranch is crowded on the weekends and the Antelope trailhead has just about 6 parking spaces. From main trailhead: starts out easy and progresses into a crazy rock garden. Very challenging, there was a lot of walking and dragging bike. Still, a very fun trail with beautiful scenery and a serious workout. Main trailhead has a pretty big parking lot, which is easily accessible.
* Review edited 5/22/2011
reviewed by dannyboy5280 on May 26, 2010
This is an awesome trail. There are fast sections that let you rip it up, sections that let you air it out, and moderately technical climbs to remind you that you have to earn the DH stuff. Park at the little park just across street (south) from Oscar Blues and head west on road between the skate park and park (west end of park). 2nd light take a left then take the next right. take next left and next left again and climb to and through the parking lot. This will make your climb about 3 or 4 miles to the top, but will make the DH equivalent, PLUS you can still hit the killer rock garden on the other side and then roll through the parking lot and turn left. cruise along the road and turn right after bridge and you are back to your car... PLUS PLUS, you end your ride across the street from Oscar Blues-- beer me!
Similar Trail: Portions are similar to Apex, and some to Mt. Falcon. Basically a front range trail
reviewed by bikeballs on November 10, 2009
Soooooo fun, awesome downhill, decent climbing. Partially technical, rocky in some spots, fun little rollers to catch air off of. I always see deer up there, a really fun ride I would recommend to any and every one.
reviewed by COGator00 on August 21, 2009
Started from CO 7 Hall Ranch Trailhead, up Bitterbush trail to the Nelson Cabin Loop (counterclockwise). Bitterbrush had a large group of workers on it improving the burming in the lower corners; from there the trail gets quite difficult and may require some hike-a-bike if you're not a rock climber. After the bench rest the trail becomes a bit more XC, but there is not a total break from climbing. Lots of wildlife on the Nelson Loop, it seems like there would be more downhill riding clockwise (may not make a difference??). After looping you follow the trail you came out on, including a technical but extremely fun downhill jaunt on the lower 2+ miles of Bitterbrush!!!!!!! If you're thinking about going up the Antelope trail, don't!!! Go test yourself on Bitterbrush up & down, you wont be dissapointed and will have earned your Deviant Dale's @ OB!!!!!
Similar Trail: All of the Loma, CO rides (Mary's, Horsethief, etc.), Plymouth Creek/Mtn., MOAB Brand Loops
reviewed by shizants on August 10, 2009
this ride is totally different than the other front range stuff. You get your tech fix and quick singletrack.
* Review edited 8/10/2009
Similar Trail: Apex
reviewed by Falcon13 on July 11, 2009
From Lyons, take US36 into the mountains a short distance to Apple Valley Road. Turn left onto Apple Valley then left again onto Antelope Dr. Antelope Dr. ends at the trailhead parking lot.
reviewed by cdrigg on May 22, 2009
This is currently my favorite ride on the front range. It has it all. Are you into uphill technical rock gardens? Well then you'll love the first 2 miles. Do you dig some uphill, not-so technical, tight, windy singletrack? There is about 3.5 miles of that after the rockgarden. Then, on the way down... WOW! Super fast and windy with a bunch of berms for jumping. Once you're back at the rockgarden, pump up those tires, unlock the suspension and enjoy some of the most technical downhill that you'll find anywhere outside of the mountain resorts. Think Moab's Porcupine Rim but with tighter turns! This ride never gets old!
Similar Trail: Porcupine Rim
reviewed by kuala_tahan on April 25, 2009
Great trail, technical parts, great singletrack, fun downhills, good climbing. Start from Bitterbrush or whatever it's called to get the full trail, namely the technical section
Similar Trail: Walker Ranch
reviewed by kramerer on November 19, 2008
dope trail. nice technical uphill. fast loop at the top. gnarly downers.
reviewed by JohnsXCbike on November 14, 2008
LOVE this trail. Most technical(but still ridable) trail in the area that I know of. Very hot and dry during June-July. Can get fairly crowded during those nicer months too. Not so much fun if the trail's wet, makes the rocky climbs nearly impossible with the rear tire slipping out on everything.
* Review edited 3/14/2011
reviewed by steve32300 on November 1, 2008
Oh man,this is an awsome trail to do some climbing,technical climbing,smooth singletracking both uphill and downhill.My shoulders are still sore after this ride from the technical down hill portion.This trail is perfect for my stumpjumper.
Similar Trail: Red Rocks trail,morrison slide,dakota ridge.
reviewed by skibum on October 7, 2007
There's a great climb, a serious rock garden, and some majorly swoopy singletrack on the loop up top--what more could you want? How 'bout a gazillion less people? Go on a weekday and have a great ride.
reviewed by arnolda14 on July 20, 2007
This trail is FUN!!! If you run into some crazed looking lunatic laughing maniacally to himself at the park bench, that would be me. This is easily one of the best three trails in the Front Range. Better to do it during the cooler months or early morning, but whatever you do, RIDE THIS TRAIL!!!!!
Similar Trail: This trail is very Fruita-like
reviewed by blankind on October 7, 2006
This is absolutely one of my favorite trails in Boulder County. In you have ever ridden the Fruita, CO, area mountain bike trails, the surface of the trail is pretty similar to those. It's a great mix of smooth and rocky singletrack with a few jeep roads thrown in if you come from the north parking lot. For a great loop ride and to make things a little easier on yourself by going down rather than up the really rocky 1/2 mile stretch, start from the north parking lot off of Antelope Rd., climb southward and intersect the main trail, head west and do the loop a few times, and then return via the main trail back to the south trailhead. It's a nice 3-4 mile road ride through Lyons and Apple Valley Rd. to get back to the north trailhead. Enjoy!
Similar Trail: Heil Valley Ranch
reviewed by jeff82 on August 21, 2006
Very good trail! A good mix of everything and the downhills kick ass..
reviewed by Chrisnbldr on July 17, 2006
My absolute favorite, short drive from Boulder ride! No other trail along the front range provides such a perfect mix of climbing, technical, and roller coaster like downhill. There are two trailheads. One, the Antelope trailhead, is located off of Apple Valley Rd., just outside Lyons headed west toward Estes Park. This trailhead is best suited for those looking for a less intense, less technical ascent. About a mile of moderate climbing on single track/fire road to reach the main trail. This is also a great way to bypass climbing through the quite technical rock garden, yet bomb down it on the way back with a couple mile road ride back through town to reach the parking lot. The main trailhead is located off hwy 7, left from Lyons at the 7/36 intersection, about 2 miles. This is the way to go for the more experienced rider looking for everything this trail can throw at you. About a mile of easy/moderate climbing before you reach the rock garden. You will encounter mostly short, yet steep and challenging rock faces, switchbacks including rock faces, and a few, short undulating areas to recover. This is the place to hone your uphill, technical prowess. I've only done it twice without a dab. Probably less than a mile, you will reach a commerative bench with prairie dogs galore. A well deserved, very fast, yet very short downhill awaits you before you start your climb toward Nelson loop. This is where the Antelope trail intersects. A very enjoyable "get in the zone" climb ensues for a couple miles through sporadic trees. Lots of wildlife up here. Mostly deer, prairie dogs, birds of prey overhead, and even bullhead snakes on a good day. Upon reaching the Nelson loop "Lollipop", you can choose your direction, left or right to the summit. I always go left simply because after a little more climbing, I am greeted by the Nelson homestead, and a beautiful opening of Mt. Meeker at the apex. Do it both ways and pick your own poison. Once you've reached the summit, take in the view and let your brakes loose! Water breaks galore for taking flight await you before reaching the loop and back to the main trail. Please be considerate, control your speed, and yeild to the uphill trail users! I highly recommend the weekdays to avoid the high traffic of this multi use trail. You've about 3 miles of high speed, uninterrupted downhill before a short climb back to the rock garden or Antelope trail. The rocks are incredible! You will be rewarded with aching hands and burning arms simply from holding on to your brakes for dear life. Again please be considerate! Nine miles later, you'll be in the parking lot and only a couple miles from Oscar Blues great food and beer!
Similar Trail: White Ranch
reviewed by dauw on June 25, 2006
I thought this trail was an excellent combination technical and fast climbing and decending. Many waterbars for airtime. One of the funnest I've ridden on the Front Range. Trail well signed. Only drawback is that it can be busy, and you have watch for other riders and hikers on the downhill while you let'er rip!
Similar Trail: Walker Ranch
reviewed by kelkat on June 9, 2006
This is an awesome trail. I could never negotiate that expert section. Fortunately there is another trailhead and it is alot of fun. After driving through Lyons take the direction to Estes Park. After crossing the bridge, look immediately left for "Apple Valley Road". Take that road left and stay left to the end and there you'll find the Antelope Trailhead (don't follow Apple Valley all the way- it will take you back to Hwy 36). This trailhead might shorten the ride a little but I like to take the upper loop a few times and I like being able to ride my bike, not carry it!
Similar Trail: ?
reviewed by lukewiens on April 14, 2006
rock garden made me feel like a rookie. pretty difficult with a hard tail to maintain traction. only cleared about half the stuff on the way up. once past the garden the loop is pretty fun and fast. a bunch of those water berms. the way back through the garden was much better going down. only clipped out on 2 or 3 sections. all in all a good trial.
Similar Trail: dakota ridge
reviewed by Rebus on August 26, 2005
Most Hall Ranch riders take Bitterbrush, but don't overlook the Antelope Trail up to the Nelson Loop. Antelope is accessed on the west side of Lyons, down Apple Valley Rd. Instead of the technical rocky ascent of Bitterbrush, you get a fairly smooth climb with a lot of tight switchbacks to a fireroad that connects to access trail for the loop. The fireroad is a bit washed out and sloppy, but it's all rideable. It's about 1 mile from trailhead to the junction where Bitterbrush picks up on the way to the loop, and it's all climbing, but it's a lot easier than Bitterbrush. If you're short on time and just want to blast around the loop, give Antelope a try. Parking is limited, though, at the trailhead, and the police write tickets if you're not in a designated parking spot. In other words, DON'T PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
Similar Trail: Heil Valley Ranch Rabbit Mountain
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