Trip
Ascending Hikes – Walker Ranch
The Walker Ranch loop near Boulder is a scenic 8-mile hike that offers a mix of forests, meadows, and canyon views. From the Walker Ranch Trailhead, we'll start with a gradual ascent through meadows and forested areas, passing the historic Walker Ranch ruins early on. The trail then descends steeply into South Boulder Creek Canyon, where we’ll cross a wooden bridge over the South Boulder Creek near Boulder Falls. After the crossing, prepare for a challenging hike out of the canyon, eventually leveling out before returning to the trailhead. This moderately challenging hike with about 1,600 feet of elevation gain is ideal for a day of exploration in the foothills.
Contacts
- Fri, Oct 25, 2024
- Ascending Hikes Section
- Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Moderate
- Mileage: 8.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
- High Point Elevation: 7,336 ft
- Pace: 1.5-2.0 MPH
- 1 (10 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the Eldorado Canyon PnR at 7:00am, and depart by 7:15am. (Eldorado Canyon Park and Ride - Google Maps)
We'll carpool to the Walker Ranch Loop Trailhead (Walker Ranch Loop Trailhead Parking Lot - Google Maps)
This hike around Walker Ranch offers us a scenic and varied experience as well as an opportunity to have some fun learning and/or practicing our map and compass skills. (If you have a compass, please bring it along, but it’s not required.) Starting from the trailhead, we’ll gradually ascend through forests and meadows, giving us some expansive views of the ranch. As the trail descends steeply into South Boulder Creek Canyon, we'll approach a picturesque spot near the creek, close to Boulder Falls, where the sound of rushing water provides a relaxing backdrop for our lunch/snack break. We’ll then be ready for a challenging climb out of the canyon and rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding foothills. The final stretch rolls through beautiful terrain before returning to the trailhead. Overall ~8 miles and ~1600 ft of elevation gain. (Walker Ranch Loop - Flagstaff - CalTopo)
The Colorado Mountain Club's Ascending Hike Section (AHS) provides an opportunity to make new friends and explore new places in Colorado's backcountry, while increasing your personal hiking speed, strength, and stamina. The section is administered by CMC volunteers. There is no cost, fee, or scheduling commitment. There are no dues or elections. Open to all CMC members. To join the section, contact the CMC office. (Ascending Hikes Section — The Colorado Mountain Club (cmc.org))
Required Equipment
10 essentials are required. Trekking poles are recommended.