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    Hikes/United States/Colorado/Boulder

    Betasso Preserve

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    4-5.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    14.8 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    499 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.7
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
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    Panoramic views from the Betasso Preserve hike near Boulder, Colorado

    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.

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    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

    Betasso Preserve Elevation Graph

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    Betasso Preserve Reviews

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