Betasso Preserve
- Physical DifficultyThis 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.
- Technical DifficultyThis 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.
Betasso Preserve is a great all-around MTB trail with enough challenges to keep it interesting and test your riding skills. The trail is located conveniently close to downtown Boulder, it is a must do, and one of the best all-around MTB trails we know!
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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.
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
Betasso Preserve Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Crown Rock Trail
- Range View and Boy Scout Loop Trail
- Boy Scout Loop Trail
- Green Mountain via Ranger Trail
- Bear Peak Western Ridge to South Boulder Peak Hike
- Bear Peak Western Approach
- Long Canyon Hike
- Range View Loop Trail
- Tenderfoot Trail
- Chapman Road and Tenderfoot Trail
- Green Mountain West Trail
- Betasso Preserve