Betasso Preserve Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Betasso Preserve
*Bikes are prohibited Wednesdays and Saturdays, Hikers Only*
There are two loop trails; Canyon Loop (5.3 km) and Benjamin Loop (3.9 km) and one out-and-back ‘connector’ trail called Betasso Link Trail. The riding directions on the loops vary daily; look for signs at the trailhead indicating the riding direction for the day. The loops are fun and flowy on the downhill sections and moderately rocky and steep on the uphill sections. The loops offer great views of Four Mile Canyon and the surrounding Front Range.
Starting at Betasso Link Trail, it is a short section (2.1 km) of trail that is steep and difficult and is on a totally different level than the rest of Betasso.
Connect with the Canyon Loop riding in the direction indicated for the day. Riding down into the Canyon is fast and technical, with many challenges.
At the top of Canyon Loop trail, connect with Benjamin Loop, again riding in the direction indicated for that day. Benjamin Loop is a newer addition to the local trails, and sure adds a lot of fun! Continuing with the nice flow of the Canyon Loop, it takes you through more varied terrain. Heading through forest and parts of trail carved into rock, be sure to give a little thanks to all the volunteers who made this awesome new addition a reality!
Head back down Canyon Loop in the appropriate direction, enjoying the gentle ride before the up hill, lung busting challenge of stamina and skill on Betasso Link Trail back to the car park.
Close to Boulder? Browse more Colorado mountain bike trails.
Insider Hints for Betasso Preserve
- Many locals ride from Downtown Boulder up the canyon to the Betasso Link Trail; this can be sketchy with traffic along the canyon road so use caution!
- Bikes are prohibited Wednesdays and Saturdays, Hikers Only.
- RTD Bus Service will drop you off at Sugarloaf Rd. and the bus has a bike rack.
Getting to the Betasso Preserve Trailhead
From Boulder, take Canyon Dr. (119) into Boulder Canyon. Approximately 4.8 km up the canyon, on the right, there is a small road side parking area at the trailhead for Betasso Link Trail just before entering the tunnel. Or continue further up the canyon to Sugarloaf Road and follow the signs for Betasso Preserve turning right onto Betasso Road.Route Information for Betasso Preserve
Route Signage:
Good
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Loop
Betasso Preserve Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Betasso Preserve
One of the best trails, decent climbing and partially technical
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- Physical Difficulty
Such a serene place. Love the peaceful atmosphere despite the crowds.
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Definitely prefer biking Betasso Preserve over hiking, but its a great trail either way.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Betasso Preserve is a good challenge. It does need some experience so I would not recommend it for beginner bikers.
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Loved the Betasso Preserve ride!
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Betasso Preserve ride was cool! Really challenging. Loved it.
- Trip Length
- 002:30
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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