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Canyon Loop

Intermediate
 4.0 (60)
  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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Map Key

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

Mar 14, 2023: The Rutter Report: Bitterbrush Spring Cleaning

Jan 11, 2023: Weigh in on Open Space Decisions and Policy on an Advisory Board

Dec 13, 2022: BMA’s Dec. 14 Comments Regarding the OSMP e-Bike Evaluation

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

Shared By:

Michael Ahnemann with improvements by Zander Göpfert
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 60 votes

#2

in Betasso Preserve

#152

Overall
  4.0 from 60 votes
5 Star
27%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
22%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Betasso Preserve

#58

in Colorado

#152

Overall
5 Views Last Month
6,582 Since Nov 21, 2012
Intermediate
2%
8%
79%
9%
2%
0%
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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

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 18, 2022
Katie Dederer
Aug 14, 2022
Sierra Duerr
Aug 5, 2022
Thomas Clark
Jul 13, 2022
Sarah Wieszczak
3.3mi
Jun 12, 2022
Matthew Goldatein
May 27, 2022
Dustin Adkins
Feb 14, 2022
Anna Parker
As of 2/14/22 mostly rideable snow, some mud, not too sticky, some ice. 4.2mi
Oct 15, 2021
L A

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