MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

Wild Turkey Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 3.6 (45)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Lyons
  5. Heil Valley Ranch
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A newer trail section at Heil connecting the Ponderosa Loop with the Picture Rock trail to Lyons. ”

Michael Ahnemann
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List

3.0

Miles

4.8

KM
Singletrack

6,659' 2,030 m

High

6,382' 1,945 m

Low

250' 76 m

Up

308' 94 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

This newer section of trail and the Picture Rock trail were built to expand Heil ranch towards Lyons, making it possible to link the popular Heil Ranch and Hall Ranch rides.

The trail is a bit less abusive on your body than the Ponderosa Loop. It still has a few rocky sections, but also has some fast and smooth singletrack through the trees.

The trail branches off from the east side of the Ponderosa loop. You can either follow the entire Wild Turkey trail to get back to the Ponderosa Loop, or you can turn on to the very clearly marked Picture Rock trail and continue towards Lyons.

Contacts

Local Club: Boulder Mountainbike Alliance

Oct 15, 2026: South Boulder Trail Connection: What Happened at OSBT and What’s Next

Sep 29, 2026: Where Boulder’s 2026 Candidates Stand on Bike Issues

Sep 23, 2026: More Voices at the Table: BMA Supports Ballot Question 200

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

Shared By:

Michael Ahnemann with improvements by Wendy Sweet
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 45 votes

#4

in Heil Valley Ranch

#552

Overall
  3.6 from 45 votes
5 Star
9%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
16%
1 Star
2%
Trail Rankings

#4

in Heil Valley Ranch

#169

in Colorado

#552

Overall
9 Views Last Month
3,033 Since Feb 4, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
0%
74%
11%
16%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

A sign warning of an aggressive grouse and the aggressive grouse
Apr 18, 2015 near Lyons, CO
Looking out over Heil Valley.
Jun 17, 2016 near Lyons, CO
I love the forest canopy of Heil Ranch.
Aug 25, 2016 near Lyons, CO
Overlook on Ponderosa Trail is incredible!
Sep 19, 2017 near Lyons, CO
A nice resting spot with a bench and a view.
May 25, 2013 near Lyons, CO
Such a relief to finally make it up to that bench at this intersection.
Oct 1, 2015 near Lyons, CO

1 Comment

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 18 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 11, 2026
Monique M
Jun 4, 2024
Allen Jones
Nov 16, 2019
Roma Velasco
Sep 29, 2019
Todd Murphy
Sep 23, 2018
Rex Dickson
crossed over from altona to picture rock. 2.9mi
Sep 9, 2018
JP Reinhard
Jun 3, 2018
Katie Purdy
Apr 13, 2018
Eric Volk
Tough, rocky climb. Fun and fast back downhill 4.5mi

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started