A little north of Eldorado Canyon State Park, this Walker Ranch Park with several different trailheads are tucked in as if they never want to be discovered by anyone. How I found this hidden gem was solely based on the luck I had today. I simply wanted to go on a hike where I would avoid other people. And this place is exactly that (or I picked the right day with very few hikers and bikers.) Cloudy Sunday afternoon, the temperature was in its upper 60's. When I got to the Ethel Harrold trailhead, there were only two other cars parked. And this is a very small trailhead (just so you know.) This Walker Ranch loop is a loop but it's QUITE lengthy. if you take the whole loop, it'll eventually take you to Eldorado State Park. I didn't go that far as I started late (past 2pm.) I took the right turn simply based on my instinct when the trail split on the way. If you take the right turn, you'll come to a very tiny (mini) cascade to your left. There is a good elevation gain so it's a great trail to get your cardio going. I occasionally jogged where the trail wasn't so steep. When I reached this vantage point where there was a bench, I made a u turn to come back to where I started. But the view at that vantage point was absolutely breathtaking. During this time (mid June), all kind of colorful wildflowers decorate both sides of the trail so you'll have ample opportunities for photo taking. I'd say it's beginner and family friendly especially the first mile or two. Since I didn't get to see the rest of the trail, I can't really speak for the rest of it, however. If it gets too difficult for you, you can always make a u turn. read more

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One of my fav hikes 8.5 miles 1740 elevation gain One of the most interesting and diverse hikes thru forests, canyons . Open spaces Views to die for Great workout especially the stair ascent Try it you'll like it read more

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One of my favorite hikes thus far in Boulder. The trail offers a changing landscape and a couple of undulations. It starts with wide packed earth and open vistas. Onto creeks and rivers, wooded, stairs, and at one section you see the Rockies. Not technically difficult, but can be hard at times with the inclines. Just under eight miles. There are facilities at the dirt parking lot. For the last third of the trail, the weather changed on a dime and we got thunder and lightning, and hail. Definitely a reminder to be prepared. If you have time drive to the nearby Range View Trail for a nice view of the Rockies. read more

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So many places to hike in Colorado, so little time. Because of my indecisiveness, my boyfriend made the executive decision of Walker Ranch Park for our one outdoor experience of the vacation. And it ended up being such a beautiful hike! Despite the cloudiness of Boulder that day. Good thing we barely missed the rain. Finding the "starting place" of the hike was a bit of a challenge because the place labeled on the map wasn't quite where others were saying to park. Eventually we found the official Ethel Harrold Trail Head. There was plenty of parking spots. Maybe it was empty because we hiked relatively early in the morning. There's a few different trails to follow, but we were specifically in search for the waterfall, which we eventually found. You can see the map in my Yelp photo for its location. It was quite a long trek before we could find it, but the view was totally worthwhile. Our husky splashed around while on-leash since the water was flowing too rapidly for comfort. There wasn't any still water for swimming like we had hoped. Nevertheless I would recommend this trail as an easy to moderate walk. We kept our dog on-leash because there were too many places he could have run off where we couldn't catch him. That and there were a few bicyclists we had to share the path with. We got lucky with the weather because it was cool and crisp, but still remember to hydrate for the 7.8 mile journey! read more

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Tired of fighting the crowd at Chautauqua, not quite in the mood to huff and puff up Sanitas? Then this park/trailhead may be for you. Came here on a recent day off to do some exploring and hiking around. The drive up wasn't too shabby as it was mid-week however there were several bikers snaking up Flagstaff - not my favorite to navigate around on the steep and windy road. When we arrived to Walker Ranch there was but one other car in the lot - awesome. The restrooms were clean and open and the wind was a howling. We decided to go for the Walker Ranch loop. We were surprised to find some snow and ice but thankfully the South Boulder Creek was flowing beautifully (we didn't bring our fishing rods on this occasion though we thought about it). Aside from the wind the trail was super peaceful and we saw several sizable deer and some funny fast moving/climbing birds. So great to have a trail so nearby that not only has an easy to park in lot but also provides some sanctuary and peacefulness away from other crowded trails (we only saw 2 other people during our entire trek - 2 mountain bikers). Dogs are allowed on the trails (on leash) and there is a place where one can borrow a leash (though we noted there were no leashes available on this day). Packing list would be for the typical items, sunscreen, sunglasses, plenty of water, light jacket and perhaps a change of socks (particularly if you like to trek through the creek as I do). I'll definitely be returning to hike/jog on these trails. read more

Walker Ranch Park - Ranches Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

I came here on a weekday morning around 7:45AM and there were just 3 cars parked in the parking lot. The trail was fine, some parts were shaded while others weren't. The views were of the mountains and they didn't change too much. The signage was lacking near the Crescent Meadows parking lot and I ended up going off-trail for a bit that eventually looped back to the correct trail. The stairs going down wasn't bad at all, and I liked the stream. It took me about 3 hours to complete the loop, as it wasn't too steep. read more

It was a beautiful place to walk around. There are two river crossings if you complete the loop. I would recommend Counter Clockwise if you don't mind walking down some pretty steep stairs. Overall it wasn't very crowded and I felt pretty secluded for the majority of my time here! read more

I love the outdoors! This is a review for the Meyers Homestead Trail portion of the ranch. It is a small very limited signage on the right before the main parking lot for walker ranch (if you are coming from boulder) There are a couple different parking lot options, one closer to the road, once closer to the trail head. The bathroom is at the upper parking lot. We did the hike on a Saturday morning in April. We left Denver around 9:30am, made the parking lot by 10:30/11am. There was plenty of parking since it was early in the season. There is very little shade, as in, none except at the top. The trail is pretty wide, so you can traverse side by side with your co-hikers. That day there were limited bikes, mainly because it was early April, but also i've read that this trail isn't that big of a challenge to the bikers. They have added a connector trail between this trail and the main Walker Ranch trail, so i expect there will be more traffic as the season gets going. I enjoy the hike and think it will be beautiful when the wildflowers really get going, but the idea of being on the trail in high sun seems miserable! Maybe a sunset jaunt might be a better idea for that. The hike is 2.5 miles out and back. Not really much chance of getting lost and if you want to see the status of the trails the range tweets - how cool https://www.bouldercounty.org/os/parks/pages/walkerranch.aspx read more

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I ran all the way to Walker Ranch from my house after returning from the Colorado Convention Center for a morning meeting. It was soooo gorgeous, clear and mild, I couldn't help myself. Really, I ran the whole way (mostly downhill). Once inside the park and its 7-mile trail, it's all enjoyment, all fun. The trails are easy, scenic and span several mini-zones: from low lush creek/gulch bed with Aspens and other greenery, to high, dry mountain trail in the sun - with everything in between. You can, as I did, split off to the north (left) and take the S. Boulder Creek trail to Meyer's Gulch, which let's out on Flagstaff Rd. Simple. All in about 7 or 8 miles. Oh, ...I saw three people on the trail. Mountain Lion habitat, too. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/l5WDVrwitABWwQsoFBqn7Q?userid=TtwhWwNSqDv64M2EnYZE8g But I've seen only one lion here in Boulder - ever. read more

Walker Ranch Park - Walker Ranch Trail Loop - Ranches Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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The loop is 7.5 miles of easy-moderate trails that takes you through a variety of terrain. We saw more bikers than hikers and no one on horseback, even though it's allowed. If a couple of girls used to living at sea level plus one pomeranian can do it, anyone can. Here's a mile-by-mile recap. Mile 1: The weather is absolutely perfect. What a lovely slightly downward-sloping stroll. Hey, there's a stream and a picnic area. This is going to be a breeze. Mile 2: Going up... good thing we're getting the tough part out of the way in the beginning. No, I'm not stopping to catch my breath, I'm just thoroughly admiring the scenery. Mile 3: Hey let's frolic through this relatively flat valley. THE HILLS ARE ALIIIIIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUUUUUSIIIIIIC! Mile 4: One false step and I fall off the edge of a cliff. Deciding whether to channel Indiana Jones or Ethan Hunt to survive "the stairs." Mile 5: What goes down must come back up. Wishing I had Rogue-like energy-absorption powers to leech off of passing bikers and joggers. Wait, if I had Rogue powers, I would just eff it and fly back... I may be delirious... Mile 6: DEAR LORD are we there yet? Will trade 1 dog for 2 bikes. Any takers? Anyone? Mile 7: So close I can smell the disgusting bathrooms. Almost. There. ...1/2 mile later... Pssh that was nothing! Remind me to give Bear Grylls my notes from this trip... read more

Without a doubt, one of Boulder's most enjoyable places. It's a bit of a haul, and if you don't know where you're going you might not think you're headed toward one of the city's best trail heads. But trust me, it's worth the drive. But if you reach Gross Reservoir you've gone too far. Turn back, Hoss. If memory serves, Walker Ranch is a 6-mile loop that twists down into Eldorado State Park (no fee required on the Walker Ranch Trail, as it doesn't connect to the rest of the park); meanders along, and crosses over--multiple times--South Boulder Creek; and offers hikers, bikers and equestrians great views of the mountains, intoxicating meadows and beautiful wildflowers. Hike it. Bike it. It's all good. It's a beautiful place (still recovering from the fire from a few years back), and you'll love every second of it. read more

Im new to the state and decided to give this a whirl after some easy-moderate hikes. its got some wonderful views!!! The terrain constantly changes and South Boulder Creek runs though the center of the 7.8 mile hike, which breaks it up nicely. I loved it. Im exhausted but I can't wait to get back out there and take the counter-clockwise route.. (I started out going clockwise on the trail) Shut your eyes and go! read more

I live close to this park, and love it. I go there regularly. The main loop is busy, bikers/hikers and the odd horse and/or llama. The "cliff steps" down to the 'waterfall' (at the Eldorado Springs corner) are challenging and an impediment to some, but worth the effort for most of us. Personally I like to get away from the crowds in some of the less visited corners, and there are some. The are Elk and Mountain Lion and others, although most people will never see them. See some of the critters I find there posted here: http://wildobs.com/map/Walker-Ranch-CO Aspen Meadows (the part closest to Coal Creek Canyon) has some great sledding in the winter. :) read more

God's Country? Perhaps if you believe in her. Or Buddha or Krishna. Nevertheless, this place is a thin slice of heaven and a hell of a brisk hike. Just up the road from Boulder, its well worth your time if your a wilderdude. Saw a bobcat, too. read more