Panorama on Betasso Preserve mountain biking trail near Boulder, Colorado
Panorama on Betasso Preserve mountain biking trail near Boulder, Colorado

Betasso Preserve Mountain Biking Trail

Boulder
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Betasso Preserve Mountain Biking Trail

Distance: 9.3mi
Elevation: 2,182ft
Time: 1.5-2.5h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.3 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Betasso Preserve is a great all-around MTB trail with enough challenges to keep it interesting and test your riding skills. The trail is located conveniently close to downtown Boulder, it is a must do, and one of the best all-around MTB trails we know!

Betasso Preserve Mountain Biking Trail Map

Getting there

From Boulder, take Canyon Dr. (119) into Boulder Canyon. Approximately 3.0mi up the canyon, on the right, there is a small road side parking area at the trailhead for Betasso Link Trail just before entering the tunnel. Or continue further up the canyon to Sugarloaf Road and follow the signs for Betasso Preserve turning right onto Betasso Road.

I’ve done this 29 people have done this
I want to do this 37 want to do this route

About

Route Signage

Good

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Loop


Betasso Preserve
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Betasso Preserve

*Bikes are prohibited Wednesdays and Saturdays, Hikers Only*

There are two loop trails; Canyon Loop (3.3mi) and Benjamin Loop (2.4mi) and one out-and-back ‘connector’ trail called Betasso Link Trail. The riding directions on the loops vary daily; look for signs at the trailhead indicating the riding direction for the day. The loops are fun and flowy on the downhill sections and moderately rocky and steep on the uphill sections. The loops offer great views of Four Mile Canyon and the surrounding Front Range.

Starting at Betasso Link Trail, it is a short section (1.3mi) of trail that is steep and difficult and is on a totally different level than the rest of Betasso.

Connect with the Canyon Loop riding in the direction indicated for the day. Riding down into the Canyon is fast and technical, with many challenges.

At the top of Canyon Loop trail, connect with Benjamin Loop, again riding in the direction indicated for that day. Benjamin Loop is a newer addition to the local trails, and sure adds a lot of fun! Continuing with the nice flow of the Canyon Loop, it takes you through more varied terrain. Heading through forest and parts of trail carved into rock, be sure to give a little thanks to all the volunteers who made this awesome new addition a reality!

Head back down Canyon Loop in the appropriate direction, enjoying the gentle ride before the up hill, lung busting challenge of stamina and skill on Betasso Link Trail back to the car park.

Insider Hints

  • Many locals ride from Downtown Boulder up the canyon to the Betasso Link Trail; this can be sketchy with traffic along the canyon road so use caution!

  • Bikes are prohibited Wednesdays and Saturdays, Hikers Only.

  • RTD Bus Service will drop you off at Sugarloaf Rd. and the bus has a bike rack.

Comments

Tom Gregory 4 years ago

One of the best trails, decent climbing and partially technical

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Mary Lou 4 years ago

Such a serene place. Love the peaceful atmosphere despite the crowds.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Annie Smith 5 years ago

Definitely prefer biking Betasso Preserve over hiking, but its a great trail either way.

8.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Kelly U R 5 years ago

Betasso Preserve is a good challenge. It does need some experience so I would not recommend it for beginner bikers.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Lisa B 5 years ago

Loved the Betasso Preserve ride!

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
RocKing 5 years ago

Betasso Preserve ride was cool! Really challenging. Loved it.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
02h 30m Time Taken
6 Comments

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