MTB Project Logo

Backcountry experience from the old-school West Mag trails to the the modern trail through Kinglet.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

18.1

Miles

29.1

KM

95%

Singletrack

9,997' 3,047 m

High

8,629' 2,630 m

Low

2,135' 651 m

Up

2,136' 651 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

The trail through Tolland Ranch is closed when Eldora Nordic Center is in operation

Overview

Experience cool pine forests, aspen groves, historic mining history and a modernly designed trail through Kinglet.

Need to Know

As of September 2023, there is no legal access through or beyond Deadman's Gulch in Eldora.

Description

Getting to the trail through Kinglet is a ride in and of itself with the closest trailhead 3 miles and over 900 ft of elevation away. Start at the Observatory trailhead 1 mile west of the Peak to Peak highway on Haul Road. Take Observatory to Shortstack and cut off at dirt road crossing west to Cutacross to Hobbit 3 to 3.5. This is the most direct way to get to Rocks and Roots on trails. At this point, you've been steadily climbing, but now you get to climb in a really efficient (steep!) way. At the top of Rocks and Roots, hang a right on the dirt road and follow it uphill to the Schoolbus trail. On the right, you'll see the entrance to the trail.

After all that steep climbing, the trail through Kinglet is a welcome reprieve of moderate climbing, bike-optimized turns and great views. As of September 2023, the trail dead ends at Deadman's Gulch. Retrace your steps out of Kinglet, then take Schoolbus back down to the lower trails and the trailhead.

History & Background

The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance has been advocated for this trail opportunity since 2005 when Tolland Ranch was identified for a conservation easement. In 2015, Boulder County, the Forest Legacy Program and Great Outdoors Colorado secured a conservation easement with a recreation easement for the trail. This is the first recreation easement for Boulder County and it's very exciting to have a trail across private property!

Contacts

Shared By:

Wendy Sweet

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 4 votes

#2150

Overall
  4.5 from 4 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#388

in Colorado

#2,150

Overall
0 Views Last Month
0 Since Sep 23, 2023
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%

Photos

Finding flow on the trail through Tolland Ranch.
Sep 23, 2023 near Nederland, CO
The school bus in fall!
Sep 27, 2016 near Nederland, CO
Nice switchbacks on Hobbit 2
Jun 22, 2013 near Nederland, CO
This picture was taken towards the beginning of the trail towards the Magic Bus trailhead. I believe this picture was taken in June 2018/2019.
Mar 6, 2022 near Nederland, CO
This section has a lot of moderate technical downhill flows.
Dec 26, 2020 near Nederland, CO
Quick stop to enjoy the view of the mountains and flowers
Aug 10, 2015 near Nederland, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 79 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 14, 2024
Markus Groner
Oct 22, 2023
Todd Finn
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.