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Canyon Loop

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (72)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Boulder
  5. Betasso Preserve
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“The original Betasso loop - a short but entertaining loop close to Boulder. ”

Michael Ahnemann
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3.3

Miles

5.3

KM
Singletrack

6,589' 2,008 m

High

6,179' 1,883 m

Low

438' 134 m

Up

439' 134 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Closed to bikes Wednesday and Saturday.

Need to Know

The bike directionality changes month-to-month. Please check and follow signage at the trailhead.

Description

The Canyon Loop is a relatively quick loop (15-20 minutes) that can be ridden by most riders. It's got enough twisty singletrack and fast sections to keep expert riders entertained, but the lack of any extremely difficult moves or dangerous areas will allow intermediate riders to feel comfortable as well. Beginners might want to dismount for a tight right-hand turn on the downhill section, two stream crossings, and a couple of fairly steep (for beginners) uphill rock/root crossings, but even beginners will find that the enjoyment and beauty outweigh the frustrations by far.

The trail surface is dry, hard-packed dirt most of the way, with a short section that winds through slightly more lush forest. There are some nice views along the way, looking out over the hilly terrain of the foothills.

As you ride the downhill portion you might start thinking that the ride back up will be daunting, but it's generally gradual and easy; soon you'll be back at the trailhead, thinking very seriously about doing the loop again.

Contacts

Local Club: Boulder Mountainbike Alliance

Sep 2, 2026: What Do You Want to Ask Boulder’s Candidates?

Aug 24, 2026: From the Bike Ban to South Sky: 43 Years in the Making

Aug 19, 2026: One Trail Connection. One Important Survey.

Land Manager: Boulder County, CO - Parks and Open Space

Shared By:

Michael Ahnemann with improvements by Zander Göpfert
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 72 votes

#2

in Betasso Preserve

#117

Overall
  4.1 from 72 votes
5 Star
31%
4 Star
49%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Betasso Preserve

#51

in Colorado

#117

Overall
5 Views Last Month
6,582 Since Nov 21, 2012
Intermediate Intermediate
2%
6%
81%
10%
2%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Progression of the Betasso climb in three shots.
Oct 30, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Really fun loop!
Jul 9, 2018 near Boulder, CO
In this video I ruin a ribeye steak, get harassed by my dog and drink from a steel mug. Oh, and we also go Mach Chicken thru the trees on two-wheeled wonder machines.
Oct 11, 2019 near Boulder, CO
One on the many stopping points along the trails to hydrate and catch some views.
Jun 28, 2019 near Boulder, CO
The meadow
May 28, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Nice, easy singletrack in Betasso
Dec 5, 2012 near Boulder, CO

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 4 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 11, 2025
Ava P
Sep 15, 2024
Mark B
Apr 21, 2024
Caleb Perkins
May 28, 2023
Kevin Downey
Accidentally did this loop instead of Betasso Preserve 3.3mi
May 23, 2023
Matthew Kittredge
3.3mi — 0h 26m
May 16, 2023
Mike Benam
May 7, 2023
matt pula
7.5mi
Sep 18, 2022
Katie Dederer

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