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White Ranch Mountain Bike Trail
Golden, Colorado
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
34 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 4/1/11 by maddslacker |
Difficulty:  Advanced |
| Length: 14 miles | Global Rank: #42 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 281 | Wishlist: 110 |
| Avg. Speed: 4.61 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 59min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +4,013/-3,968 ft | |
 2 trail check-ins |
Directions:
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Description: This trail network is typical of what Colorado has to offer... a technical granny gear ascent up 1800+ ft on the Maverick trail with spectacular views of the surrounding Rocky mountains and wildlife. The downhills can get pretty gnarly as well with lots of rocks and log dropoffs. We didn't get to ride the entire network because we got caught in a thunderstorm, luckily we hid out in a cave on the Mustang trail until the storm passed. Pick up a map at the parking lot as there are several trails to explore!
Description: This trail network is typical of what Colorado has to offer... a technical granny gear ascent up 1800+ ft on the Maverick trail with spectacular views of the surrounding Rocky mountains and wildlife. The downhills can get pretty gnarly as well with lots of rocks and log dropoffs. We didn't get to ride the entire network because we got caught in a thunderstorm, luckily we hid out in a cave on the Mustang trail until the storm passed. Pick up a map at the parking lot as there are several trails to explore!
added on June 27, 2004 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Prime Cut in Fruita
Waterton Canyon in Littleton
Walker Ranch in Boulder
Elk Meadow in Evergreen
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by davefourtwenty on October 24, 2011
Love this trail. Has a little something for everyone though there is no real super technical stuff here. Like most reviews on singletracks I think people overstate the difficulty of the trail. If you want a techincal ride go to Dakota Ridge. This trail will give you a nice climb with some cool features on the downhill (Mustang, Maverick, and Longhorn). Everything is ridable which makes this trail fun but not too challenging.
Similar Trail: Apex Park, Red Rocks
reviewed by cnetate on October 2, 2011
This trail kicked my butt! This is the hardest trail I have done. It was fun and the fall colors were nice to look at. If you want to challenge yourself (mentally and physically) and bike, this is the trail for you. The trail has steep, fast and rocky down hills with two ft dropoffs frequently, so its best ridden on a full suspension bike. I almost wiped out a couple of times. The up hill is steep, rocky and has loose dirt so its a lot of work. I had to carry my bike at some spots. If your not up for a seriously challenging trail that will work you hard, this is not the trail for you. It is very technical!
* Review edited 10/2/2011
Similar Trail: None, this is by far the hardest trail I have done.
reviewed by trailwinder on August 17, 2011
lol go like fukken 50 mph down this beotch. drive up golden gate canyon and hike for 5 min up to belcher trail south of parking lot.. its the best around. thx for reminding me!
Similar Trail: pthhh this is the best around. fast, easy.. kill yourself too on some rocks.
reviewed by delphinide on August 9, 2011
Belcher is a brutish climb of scree and loose debris. Despite the challenge of the grade and altitude, the slippery rocks are punishing. A great workout heavenward, and a surprisingly techy, flowy section downhill. Watch out for rattlesnakes..saw on today. I feel a lightweight 5in travelbike is the best rig for the quest... I walked a lot uphill on Belcher
reviewed by hubschrauber on July 16, 2011
There are so many other trails in the Golden, Evergreen, Boulder area that have way less horse manure, a way higher percentage of trail that can be ridden by mere mortals, and way more overall cover from the sun. There are a few fun descents if you like dropping off water bars or rocks every 20 feet, but then you have to climb back out of the hole you rode into on the same kind of track going up, which for 95+% of the mountain biker population means getting off your bike and pushing all the way back up. If you'd rather have fun on a bike , leave White Ranch for the horses and hikers, and world-class expert mountain bikers. If your goal is self-abuse, by all means go ride White Ranch.
reviewed by sspragu3 on July 2, 2011
The climb up is challenging to say the least. Heat weenies beware, there is considerable sun exposure for the entire climb. Very fast, very fun descent.
Similar Trail: Apex, Deer Creek Canyon
reviewed by cwittwer on March 21, 2011
good tough ride. tests your ability and endurance
Similar Trail: Mount falcon
reviewed by cwittwer on March 21, 2011
Tough climb rocky, technical, 3 miles on Blecher Hill to mustang loop, this loop you get some quick rocky single track and then a technical climb with several erosion bars. once at the top take blecher hill all the way down or enjoy the several other loops.
reviewed by maddslacker on March 15, 2011
This is a trail network with quite a bit of variety. It has singletrack, doubletrack, some fireroad, and lots of climbing. There are some pretty intense rocky sections to mess around on.
reviewed by pernicious on December 15, 2010
This is a great trail system, great climb to start. Watch out for the horse shit.
reviewed by coster on October 12, 2010
Rode the Belcher Hill trail up on 10/11/10. It had rained the day before and the trail was already dry. Big climb up took 1 hour and 10 minutes. Descended the top part of Maverick Trail until it met up with Sawmill. Maverick is a great trail with good technical drops and a nice boardwalk to avoid stair steps. After the short fast (non-technical) Sawmill trail section I rejoined Belcher Hill to the bottom parking lot. From the top of Belcher Hill to the parking lot including Maverick and Sawmill only took 20 minutes. There are short technical sections on the way up and down. The climb is a killer and the downhill is fun and fast.
reviewed by cromagno on August 1, 2010
@stillfat ditto, but I lack your positive attitude about it. Belcher trail is a very challenging grade, very exposed thus hot (so go in the evening if you can), and trail consists of loose rock and sand. For a good uphill workout, I'll take Mt Falcon over this any day. I don't mind a solid workout but this is like climbing a mountain of sand and scree. There are some fun trails to be had up top for sure. I also do not recommend descending Longhorn unless you are an advanced rider.
Similar Trail: Apex
reviewed by stillfat on July 27, 2010
Starting in the plains up to the top of Belcher Hill is one of the toughest climbs around - I sobbed like a little girl at the top (almost). Some fast, tight singletrack, some ledgey, brutal technicality that broke at least one of my ribs and always an "out there" feel despite being so close to the metro area. White Ranch makes me bleed frequently and makes me suffer always, but I always show up for more. Avoid weekends, ride late to avoid riding up a difficult switchback only to be staring at a horse's ass or p***ed off trail runner. (And be friendly if you encounter either).
Similar Trail: Apex, Deer Creek Canyon
reviewed by mooniakrides on May 16, 2010
Just rode White Ranch today. Despite the recent rain, it was still 90% dry. Check out mooniakrides.webs.com for more trail info. I am always amazed at how dry the trails stay despite recent precipitation.
reviewed by mtbgreg1 on November 12, 2009
Can't believe I never got around to reviewing this place, it was an incredible ride! Very technical in spots, but very entertaining with some great bridges, interesting trails, and great views! Stuck my hand in a cactus on one fall and spent a while pulling stickers out of my glove... not much fun, but I'll probably remember that for the a long time.
Similar Trail: Dakota Ridge (The Hogback)
reviewed by Tinker17k on November 11, 2009
Tried out this trail today! It was a good day to do this trail. Some of the other riders said this place was a zoo on the weekend. Started out at the west side parking lot and did the downhill on Rawhide. Some good jumps but the fun is ruined by I guess water boards about half way down. If you don't consider yourself to be technical this is not a trail for you. I did enjoy the views! The conector Waterhole from Rawhide to Rawhide is super muddy! Get ready for a mud bath!!! and watch out for the snow slop. If you put sawmill, maverich and longhorn together you get a nice faster single track. Just watch out for the slick spots in the shade... ice.. I liked the ride and felt a little beat up afterwards but overall enjoyed it!
Similar Trail: Section 16 in Colorado Springs.
reviewed by BFD on June 11, 2009
Rock Gardens, Water Bars, Technical Climbing and Bone-Shaking/Eye-Watering Downhills...This trail has it all!
Similar Trail: Apex Park, Bergen Peak
reviewed by kuala_tahan on June 4, 2009
A beast of a trail. Don't forget your legs; I did and got completely worked. The initial climb up Belcher is a monster, super long and steep, semi-technical. Felt like I was climbing for 2 hours. Took left on Mustang off Belcher, lots of logs and waterbars, had to hike-a-bike a bunch. Turns back into Belcher, fun downhill there, Rawhide is just a fire-road downhill type deal, right on Wrangler (sweet singletrack), Maverick, good single track, back down Belcher - fun downhill, super bumpy, works your hands.
Similar Trail: Walker Ranch
reviewed by doc7208 on April 25, 2008
Great climbs with challenging technical sections. Not for beginners!
Similar Trail: Horsetooth Mt. Park
reviewed by erictw83 on September 16, 2007
Some really really sweet riding...however, its probably best to go with someone who knows the best routes. If not and you just go wonder like I did and take trails the wrong way you'll find yourself pushing the bike up steps for a ways. Water bars are everywhere!!! Still super fun with a great climb into the place. Can rack up 15 to 20 miles easy here.
Similar Trail: Buffalo Creek
reviewed by Someonelse on September 12, 2007
Just rode this today or at least tried to! Started at the east THD and headed up Belcher Hill. It was a very strenuous climb for me as a beginner and I could only dish out 1.5 miles before heading back downhill. At 3:00PM this trail really does bake under the sun! Very technical in the beginning with lots of large rocks, steep uphill, and sandy terrain. Lots of dismounts here for me. However, I thought this was one of the better trails I've ridden in the fron range and it is an excellent place to challenge myself and practice some skills. I'll be going back frequently until I can at least complete Belcher Hill. BTW, on the way back to the east THD the downhill is awesome! I really flew in some sections and surprised myself in the more technical spots.
reviewed by jeeper on July 1, 2007
There is lots of varied terrain here. The sawmill trail is VERY steep and VERY rocky. Other trails are less technical. I drove around the back of the park and parked up top. I actually meant to ride up from the bottom but took a wrong turn and ended up driving all the way around. This was a good thing actually as these trails here are strenuous, especially Rawhide. If I had ridden up from the botom lot I would have been to spent to ride some of the upper trails. Keep this in mind if your fitness level is not real high. Otherwise this is great place to explore.
reviewed by steve32300 on June 26, 2007
this is a cool place for being close to denver.bust your !@#$ and there is well water and bathrooms at the top.technicle and smooth.i broke my hard tail here so that should tell you how rocky and hard the trails are.the trails see alot of sun here.i really like it here,its a great place when you cant make it to a resort stlyle place.
* Review edited 10/10/2007
Similar Trail: mathews/winters
reviewed by arnolda14 on June 6, 2007
This park has a reputation for being pretty advanced and for the most part that's well-deserved. But there's also a really awesome intermediate/beginner ride by going to the west parking lot and then heading north on the Belcher Hill trail and looping back up to the old farm equipment. This route starts on a downhill, which is kind of a bummer, but it's not that bad. The climb from the east parking lot is a beast so if you go that route, bring lots of water and maybe a couple of extra lungs. Jefferson County should probably provide a defibrilator at the trailhead. Once you get past the hill, you will find many highly concentrated adrenaline deposits.
reviewed by BobinConifer on May 13, 2007
Fun ride with plenty of options. Fun singletrack climbs with some technical challenges.
reviewed by jbersch on October 14, 2006
Awesome network of trails. Mustang - Shorthorne - Maverick are all sweet sweet singletrack. Great variety, great views. One of the largest parks in JeffCo.
reviewed by Rebus on September 13, 2005
This is a cool network of trails, with enough variety to please anyone from novice to pro. I enjoyed the great views and the peace and quiet. When I rode the Rawhide Trail I liked the alternating smooth track and the rocky climbs and descents. I need to go back there soon.
reviewed by JJonas on August 21, 2005
Who's seen the rework of upper Mustang? They replaced one of the more technical sections with steps and a board-ramp. What do you all think?
Similar Trail: Apex Park
reviewed by HACBIKES on July 21, 2005
SWEET TRAIL!!! One of my favorite trils in front range. Start at the bottom parking lot and take belcher to sawmill then rawhide to longhorn all the way back to the bottom for a sweet loop and some great downhill.
Similar Trail: Chimney Gulch
reviewed by sdelano26 on April 25, 2005
A great place to get a hard hill climb, work on technical ability, and enjoy some really fun downhills. You will find a little of everything here. A section of Mustang Trail has been permanently closed and another section will be closed for reworking this summer (2005) so respect the signs. The changes will hopfully improve an already great trail and decrease the damage from erosion. Enjoy!!
Similar Trail: Mount Falcon and Deer Creek
reviewed by garner43 on April 23, 2005
Yet another great front range trail! Be ready to work a little more on this one. Be sure to include the mustang trail in your loop. Its a whole lotta fun. This place gets super busy during peak times. Try to hit it early in the morn or in the evening to avoid nonstop traffic. Their are some nice camping areas throughout the park as well if you looking for an overnighter. Ride on.
reviewed by Hutchman on February 17, 2005
Nice ride if it isn't busy or muddy. Bomb down as fast as you can.
reviewed by mtberman on January 15, 2005
If you start from the bottom and ride the main trail (It's called Belcher Hill, not Maverick) you will be challenged aerobically and technically. It's a long uphill which bakes in the sun all day and can be very rocky. On hot (90+) summer days it's often better to drive up Golden Gate Canyon and access the park's upper network, where there are two additional parking areas and it's typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler. Great for a personal challenge, but don't take new friends here and expect a fun and easy ride with views. It's challenging and hot, and they'll be p***ed if you don't accurately describe the challenge. Once at the top you can ride the upper network or just head back down one of several ways. Lots of waterbars and drops.
Similar Trail: Mount Falcon Park's "Castle Trail" is similarly challenging Also Dakota Ridge
reviewed by Pain_Is_Relative on August 17, 2004
I road White Ranch about 2 years ago when I had first started the great adventure of mountain biking. Well letís just say that it was way over my head as a beginner. I really do not recommend taking this ride while trying to get comfortable with clip-in petals. Ouch! The ride was steep, technically difficult, and an aerobic thrasher. How the ride was difficult, I remember loving the scenery and the heart-stopping challenges that this trail presents. This trail has spots were you can absolutely fly. I remember watching full-suspension down hillers fly by me at rates which I thought not possible on paved roads. I can not wait to go back to this trail and experience my improvement. The network of trail is large enough for a whole day.
Similar Trail: Walker Ranch and Dakota Ridge
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