Review: My son and I enjoyed a nice early December ride. Can't believe we're riding this late in the season.
Saw several deer who didn't seem to mind us being there.

Review: Wife and I road this a few days ago, on a Saturday. Trail was pretty busy, with temp about 60F. We road from the north parking lot, off of Antelope. Not much parking there, so you may have to park on Apple Valley Rd.
Trail was typical intermediate surface, with some climbing right away. Some tight switchbacks, but all rideable. Loop was nice, road CW to get a better flowing downhill.
We live in Evergreen, and prefer Buffalo Creek, which is closer. But it was worth the drive, once.

Review: The first section (Bitterbrush) is an extremely technical climb. There are a few sections I'm convinced are only possible on the way back down (and what an awesome downhill run it is!). While it is extremely difficult it is a fun challenge to see what you can get over. Once you get past the initial ascent there are miles of generally flowy singletrack with good views. All the way out from the lower parking lot and around the Nelson Loop I logged about 10.2 miles with 1,543 ft elevation gain.

Review: If you've done Nelson loop both CW and CCW, try CCW to the top then turn around and come back the same way (or vice-versa) for a change of pace.

Similar Trail: Bear Creek in Morrison

Review: Amazing trail. Loved the rock garden section. Only had to walk a couple of the rocks. I started at Heil Valley and Picture Rock to make this an epic 30 mile ride. Oh what fun it is to ride :)

Similar Trail: 3 Sisters

Review: Wow! One of the best trails on the front range. Ride the rock garden up! It is rideable! Rode today for the first time; go Cw at the loop for the best flow. Will be back!

Review: Early technical first mile will make you want to give up, but don't. Know your limitations and hike it up if you have to. Once you've climbed the first part, you've got a nice moderate loop and great singletrack.

Similar Trail: Heil Ranch

Review: Awesome scenery with great variety in trail ranging from uber-technical to flowy singletrack. Connect it to Picture Rock for an awesome day of riding.

Similar Trail: Doctor Park

Review: This trail is nothing more than amazing. I rode yesterday for the first time and got to say that is perhaps one of the best trails in the front range. It was a pretty fun trail with many riding styles, from the technical rock garden section to the fast nelson loop (CW). The rock garden going uphill was really hard in some sections, which I pretty much hiked.

Review: I rode Hall Ranch for the first time today and I was not disappointed! I went up Bitterbrush so I could check out the Rock Garden and it was amazing! I started out counting just the few dabs I had to do to keep going, and before long I was pushing and carrying my bike up some pretty gnarly rock formations. I was able to ride quite a bit more than I hiked going up and 99% of it coming back down. It was an awesome challenge, worth every drop of sweat for sure! Once I got to the top I rode the Nelson Loop CW once and CCW once before heading back down. I think it was a little more fun going CW, excellent bermed corners and good dirt single track made it a super fast! I rode it on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty crowded but everyone was really cool and I had a great time! I would highly recommend this trail to anyone who loves technical riding or wants to learn how. I still can't wipe the smile off my face!

Similar Trail: Templeton in Palmer Park

Review: This is a fun and technical trail. The first mile is advanced with steep climbs and many rock gardens but after that it is pretty smooth single track. The drop down the Antelope branch is fast and smooth, mostly hard backed with some tight switch backs. The trail to Nelsons loop is wide but loose with pea gravel. Over all its a fun ride but not big enough.

Review: I am fortunate to live near this trail. Great ride, great scenery. I'm 48 and a noob to mtb so if I can finish it, you can too. I rode from Antelope, did the loop CCW and rode back to Antelope. I rode a 29er hardtail. Bring plenty of water or whatever you drink and maybe a camera if its your first time. 4/27/12 - I started from the main trailhead today through the rock garden and did a lot of "hiking". There were some younger riders who impressed me with there technical skills going up and coming down. They were very patient with this older rider and I appreciate that. Super views and plenty of ride-able sections. * Review edited 4/27/2012

* Review edited 6/30/2012

Similar Trail: Betasso Trail, Boulder, CO

Review: Ditto to MERCE006 below. I am from Florida and this was a real lung-buster, but a gnarly trail. There was a LOT of technical rock climbing, which made for a lively session on the way back down. I am VERY glad that I went out of the way to ride this trail, and will be back. It has some epic views and some really fast twisty singletrack near the top.

Review: 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.

Review: 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!

Review: 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!

Review: 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.

Review: 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

Review: 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.

Review: 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

Review: 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

Review: 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.

Review: 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

Review: 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

Review: 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.

Review: 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

Review: 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

Review: dope trail. nice technical uphill. fast loop at the top. gnarly downers.

Review: 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

Review: 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.

Review: 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.

Review: 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

Review: 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

Review: Very good trail! A good mix of everything and the downhills kick ass..

Review: 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

Review: 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

Review: 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: ?

Review: 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

Review: 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

Review: Outstanding trail. Only two drawbacks I can think of are (1) the crowds; and (2) the trail is wide, not truly singletrack except in some stretches. Has technical moments, but fun ones. Has some grunts, but again, fun ones. The trail never kills you, always leaves you wanting more. Perfect, moderately challenging trail. The goal should be to get to the picnic bench without stopping (I haven't done it yet). Past that point, my recommendation is to get to the Nelson Loop and do it clockwise and counterclockwise. That will give you close to 12 miles of solid riding. Beginngers can handle this trail (with some walking) and experts can have fun on it too. Since its so versatile, hence the crowds.

Similar Trail: Walker Ranch, White Ranch

Review: Funnest ride in the front range. I wouldn't agree with the 'steep' call in the description though. But it makes up for it with the first couple miles of technical riding.

Review: The bridge you cross is the St. Vrain River. To get there take 66 west from Longmont or I-25 or 36 north to 66 west from Boulder. When you get to the town of Lyons take a left when 66 makes a big sweeping right turn (north). The parking area is about 3 miles on your right. The ride is excellent but go prepared. There is technical climbing.

Similar Trail: Mill Creek Trail in Lory State Park

Review: One of the best singletracks on the front range, good for technical skill riding

Similar Trail: Walker Ranch loop

Review: The above trail directions and description are for two different trails: the Directions are for Hewlett Gulch in the Poudre Canyon NW of Fort Collins, and the Description is for the Hall Ranch ride. Somebody mixed up the info...