Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation

499 m

Distance

14.8 km

Duration

4-5.5h

User Ratings

9.7 (28 reviews)

Physical DIFF

Technical DIFF

Directions to Trailhead

Google Maps

Apple Maps

Betasso Preserve

Name: Betasso Preserve
Rating: 9.7

Panoramic views from the Betasso Preserve hike near Boulder, Colorado

See Map

Measurement:

Download an interactive map and guide on your phone today!

View images
Route description
Insider hints
Getting there
Route information
Elevation graph
Weather forecast
Reviews

The Betasso Preserve hike is located conveniently close to downtown Boulder. This trail is great for a family hike or a more restful day. Hiking along this figure 8 trail offers views of wildlife, Fourmile Canyon, and Boulder Canyon with plenty of spots to rest and appreciate your surroundings.

Route Description for Betasso Preserve

The hiking in the Betasso Preserve is varied, but tends to be pretty mild in comparison to some of the other hikes in the region, as the trails wander through thick pine forest. There are occasional sitting benches, positioned at various overlooks, for you to stop and take in the views.

Starting from the Bettaso Link Trailhead, take the Betasso Link Trail. This trail goes up and then over Betasso Road. Follow this trail until the first junction at Canyon Loop.

At the Canyon Loop junction, you can go in either direction, just be sure to take the opposite direction on your return to appreciate all the views). For our hike, go initially to the left. (Be sure to take the main trail to the left and not the smaller one, which takes you back to Betasso Road and the alternate starting point.)

Continue along Canyon Loop, through the forest, until you reach the Benjamin Loop Connector which will be on your left. Take the connector until reaching Benjamin Loop trail. Again, you can take the Loop in either direction, we chose to go right this time.

Stay on the Benjamin Loop trail as goes out and then curves around and comes back to where you started. Once back at the Benjamin Loop connector, take the alternate side of Canyon Loop for your way down until you reach Betasso Link Trail, and continue back to your car.

Alternate Start
If you choose to begin your hike at the Betasso Preserve trail head, you will begin immediately at Canyon Loop, making a perfect figure 8 with the two trails; Canyon Loop (5.3 km) and Benjamin Loop (3.9 km)

Find more amazing hikes around Boulder:

Insider Hints for Betasso Preserve

Betasso Preserve is also a popular MTB trail, Wednesdays and Saturdays are for hikers only, MTB prohibited.
The Betasso Preserve hike is a great trail for Trail Running.

Getting to the Betasso Preserve Trailhead

From Boulder, take Canyon Dr. (119) into Boulder Canyon. Approximately 4.8 km up the canyon, there is a small road side parking area on the right-hand side of the road, at the trailhead for Betasso Link Trail just before entering the tunnel. Or continue further up the canyon to Sugarloaf Road (on the right), and follow the signs for Betasso Preserve turning right onto Betasso Road.

Route Information

When to do:
Year round
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Yes, primitive pit toilet
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Figure 8