Walker Ranch Loop

Boulder

A true classic Boulder mountain bike ride.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 496 m
Descent: 496 m
Duration: 1-2 hrs

Low Point: 2 km
High Point: 2.2 km
Gradient: 8˚

Walker Ranch is an iconic mountain bike ride just up the mountains from Boulder. This 7.8-mile loop packs in a whopping 1,600 feet of climbing and descending, thanks to some steep pitches. Riders will have to negotiate a few staircases and mandatory hike-a-bikes along this loop.

Photo from Walker Ranch Loop — Photo: TKrol Photography, Shutterstock

Description

In between the tough climbs, riders will enjoy challenging technical riding with boulder-filled rock gardens and fast descents. There are still a few sections of flowy trail interspersed along the loop, but you'll definitely need to be a competent bike handler to ride Walker Ranch comfortably.

The views are also spectacular, with some glimpses of big-mountain views and a section of trail that runs along a raging mountain stream. Walker Ranch truly has something of everything, which has helped it remain such a perennial favorite ride.

Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9xxv387CxI&abchannel=NateHills https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/walker-ranch/

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Medium Exposure

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

Away from help but easily accessed.