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Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 109 Google reviews · Running trail in Boulder, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Rolling to flat, 3-mile loop for walking, hiking and cycling trails amid meadows and an active cattle ranch.
What runners say about Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead
“The trail head is at the end of a well maintained dirt road with parking spaces for about ten vehicles.”
“It was a nice chilly evening with beautiful smells in the air.”
“Very mostly flat and relaxed if you're looking for an easy hike.”
What a lovely trail with all sorts of great views and flowers! We enjoyed every minute.
Wonderful open space. Beautiful views. Gorgeous in all seasons. Approximately a 3 mile loop on the main trail. Benches every half mile or so. Ontrail: walkers, runners, cyclists, and dogs. A few rattlesnakes in the summer. Parking can be challenging during peak hours.
Amazing place to stargaze right outside of boulder! There’s a hill that blocks most the light from boulder
Extremely large ranch. Trail is dirt, but well-maintained. There are a couple of different trails to choose from here. It's like a hub of sorts. Very mostly flat and relaxed if you're looking for an easy hike. Be sure to get out before sunset. Not only does it get pitch black, but also pretty chilly.
Trail conditions & character
“It was a nice chilly evening with beautiful smells in the air.”
“Singletrack for MTB too; I haven't ridden it but looks like it would be a good ride for new MTBers.”
“Open space surrounding an active cattle ranch, a choice of hill and Dale trails, or broad meadow.”
“The trail head is at the end of a well maintained dirt road with parking spaces for about ten vehicles.”
“Very mostly flat and relaxed if you're looking for an easy hike.”
Plan your run at Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebouldercolorado.gov
- Phone+1 303-441-3440
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–11 pm |
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