Canyon Loop Trail

Canyon Loop Trail

If Grandma’s House were at trail’s end, this would be a fairy-tale “through the woods” experience. And nary a big bad wolf in sight… The Canyon Loop Trail weaves through the expansive Betasso Preserve, more than 700 acres of open meadows and forested ravines between Fourmile Canyon and Boulder Canyon. This wonderful path, which offers hikers the opportunity to enjoy great views, an abundance of wildlife, and the potential for solitude, is a singular experience that should not be missed. The Betasso Preserve is adjacent to the site of a once-busy milling and mining hub called Orodell. No sign of this long-defunct town lies along the Canyon Loop Trail; instead of visiting the relics of history, you will wander in and out of densely wooded ravines that stretch from the mountains east toward the high plains. About half the trail passes through thick Douglas-fir on north-facing slopes; this forest is host to sparse but gorgeous wildflowers in spring. Much of the rest of the trail is shaded by vanilla-scented ponderosa pines and striking Rocky Mountain junipers, which grow above a carpet of lush grass and flowers. The trail, which was rerouted in late 1999, is narrow singletrack, making it difficult at times to pass other trail users. The route also gets heavy mountain bike traffic in the evening hours.

See all Hiking in Colorado