Two cyclists stand in a lush, grassy field, smiling as they take a break from biking. The landscape features rolling hills and dense trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky. One cyclist wears a yellow shirt and helmet, while the other is dressed in a blue and white shirt. Both bikes are parked beside them, surrounded by wildflowers. Betasso Preserve mountain bike trail.
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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 7 mi (11.3 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Figure 8
Elevation: +270/ -222 ft
Total: 480 riders
 

Mountain Biking Betasso Preserve

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#105 of 1,392 mountain bike trails in Colorado
#719 in the world

Betasso is a quick smooth loop through forested hills, with plenty of tight turns and speedy downhill sections. The climbs and descents alternate enough to allow even a beginner to have a good time on this track. In some places the trail is cut right into the side of the mountain, so you are looking at a serious drop off if you're not paying attention. The trail has some nice views and is well maintained. The trail directions alternates monthly, so make sure you read the signs at the trailhead. Regardless of the trail direction, you will start off descending, and finish up climbing. There are two main (directional) loops: from the main parking lot you will start on the canyon loop, about halfway through, there is a connector trail that leads to the flowy, somewhat less technical, Benjamin loop.

Bikes are not allowed on this trail on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

First added by Rebus on Aug 26, 2005. Last updated May 10, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: yes
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
From US36 in Boulder, go west on Canyon Rd approx 4 miles. Past the tunnel, turn right on Sugarloaf Rd. Go about a mile and turn right on Betasso Rd. The trailhead is about 1/2 mile or so on the left.


Betasso Preserve Trail map

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Local Info

Trail checkins

DanK_NoCo (Sep 16, 2022)
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Tacky (May 30, 2019)
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Betasso Preserve videos

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"Out There Guy" - Mountain biking…
 
Betasso Preserve, Boulder CO part 1
 
 
betasso descent
 
Betasso and new Fourmile Canyon connector,…
 
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Reviews

  • anna.gascope
    *****

    If you start steep climbing it's not that easy. Watch for correct days to go one way or another.

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  • lawmanfl
    ****

    Definitely a blast, but several parts host 2-way traffic. Flows nice with technical and flowing sections. Overall a great work-out with nice views. One of the better trails we road in the Boulder area.

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  • amymswanson
    ****

    I'm never a fan of trails where you have to finish going uphill. Other than that, this trail was pretty good. It's nice to have a trail with some length that's not too technical. It wasn't too crowded on a summer Sunday when I was there which was nice.

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  • charriezllaston
    ****

    Betasso is a perfect 8 mile or more spin before or after work
    Is not difficult but it can be challenging
    When in the conifers is so nice
    Be aware of hiking only days Wednesday and Saturday

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  • Okayishbiker
    *****

    Very smooth, very nice ride. Most of the trails are one way traffic so make sure to pay attention to the signs. The downhill switchbacks can come up quickly so pay attention, we had a buddy flip off on one.

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  • ebcolon
    *****

    One of the best trails I have ever experienced.

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  • ebcolon
    *****

    Link trail is spectacular

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  • Subpar_Shredder
    ***

    This is a great, easily accessible trail that's fun, quick and moderately challenging. The trail is closed to MTB on Wednesday and Saturday. It's also a directional trail as many have indicated. The Benjamin loop is consistently one direction, however the Canyon loop alternates direction. Because of how easily this trail is to get to there are lots of hikers and trail runners. There are also lots of riders of varying skill level. So as many have said before me on this tread, be friendly and respectful of all trail users!

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  • interrobangart   ✓ supporter
    ****

    Another fun trail in the Front Range, and is more accessible for riders of most skill levels. There can be a lot of hikers or beginner riders out there, so be respectful of them.

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  • Brian87
    ****

    This trail is a little different than most. There is designated traffic direction for bikes that can change week from week. The signs at all the trail heads will let you know the direction of traffic. This however, does not apply to the hikers, so watch out for them. It is also closed on Wednesdays and Saturdays I believe. This trail is mostly single track and can be rocky in sections, but for the most part it isn't very technical. It does have its ups and downs and can be alot of fun.

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  • zgcracker
    ****

    This was my favorite trail for a short ride when I lived in Boulder. Smooth fast and flowy for much of the trail, it's proximity to Boulder is a bit of a curse as the ease of access brings tons of people onto the trail. I began riding it at a time when you could ride both directions any day. Because of high use and conflict between bikers and non-bikers they put limits on the days which you can ride and the direction which you ride. I loved doing the loop one way, then turning around and riding it the other. Definitely try to avoid the high traffic times to get the most fun as you can really fly when the trail is empty.

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  • Jmurphy8776
    ****

    This is a really fun ride. About an 11k loop with mostly narrow single track and mild hills. No real tech so it would be a good intro for someone just getting started. Trail has a designated direction (good) and is closed to bikes on Sunday and Wednesday.

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  • mtbark
    ***

    Fun trail not real long but good for a quick ride. There is a little bit of climbing but it's not to bad. Not much in the way of technical stuff, we seen a lot of people out there riding with casual clothes and bikes. Some of the downhills were a blast but short lived. Be sure to hit the connector trail and get in the second loop and then come back and finish the first loop. Has some really scenic spots.

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  • akendall
    *****

    Great riding area! Fun for all riding abilities, with occasional technical bits for more advanced riders.

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  • mobenw
    *****

    Intermediate for cardio and some tight singletrack. The rocky/ rooty sections are conveniently more open. Very versatile trail - can be good for all skill levels.

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  • lawmanfl
    *****

    Great trail and scenery. The ride is a great mix of flowing and winding track with switchbacks to keep you on your toes. It has a great mix of technical sections with downhill.

    A great day of cardio, but watch out for on-coming bikers. It has many two-way sections, and there are hikers as well. Overall it was an awesome time that I would ride again.

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  • Gdb49
    ****

    Great trail, lots of weekend traffic as you would expect on trail this good on a weekend. Took my daughter, only her second time riding and she found it very manageable, just a few brakes to rest up for the 1100 feet of elevation gain. Nothing technical so it is a great beginer trail and those are hard to find. Technical/ beginner, endurance/ intermediate. Beauty/ top notch!

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  • snakeshredz
    ****

    This was my first time riding in Colorado, and I was very impressed with this trail. First half was all down hill then Benjamin loop added some more difficulty and great views along the way. Then to finish was a nice steady climb. Great views and fun trail.

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  • David Kettinger
    *****

    Great mix of ups and downs for front range riding. Also enjoyed the shade during the middle of the day.

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Rider questions

Q: Is this trail open year round