Boulder Reservoir

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

"The Res" as locals call Boulder Reservoir, is nothing special on a bike, but when added to a ride around Boulder Valley Ranch it's a nice way to warm up, cool down, or just add an extra few miles. The Res is also an ideal spot for family rides and newbies just looking to get out and spin.

I prefer to ride the Res counter-clockwise starting through the main gate, simply because I come from that direction and it makes it easier to make a bigger loop using Lefthand and Eagle trails at Boulder Valley Ranch. Cruise through the gate and along the road (there are a hundred variations here and even some dirt to be found). Ride up the hill past the boat racks and then make a left toward the dam.

I like to skip riding the top of the dam (leave it to the runners) and instead veer slightly further east down onto the doubletrack road below. Eventually you hit a gate and then climb back up to meet the main road.

Bend around the steep hill or crank your heart rate by riding up the narrow singletrack climb. On the other side avoid the top of the dam again and instead jump on the doubletrack road below to the east.

Pop back out on the main road and bend around past the 63rd Street trailhead and head west past Coot Lake. Beware of dogs here - you can get a little singletrack here if you jump off the road to the south.

Eventually you'll hit a narrow bridge over a canal (an interesting challenge for those with wide handlebars). On the west end of the bridge you can stay north on the main trail or better yet veer left down the short hill and to a wide trail along the reservoir. This is a fun little section, albeit way too short. Soon, you'll join back up with the main trail and get spit out into the trailhead and North 55th Street. Take a left to loop back past Eagle trailhead to the beginning or take a right and head north out toward Niwot Road and bigger loops.