HRT001
Location: 40.2107391357422, -105.288200378418
Start on the Bitterbrush Trail. This tilted, salmon-colored land was once coastal sand dunes during the Percambrian Era (1.3 billion years ago). Today it offers some of the best singletrack in Boulder County.
HRT002
Location: 40.2109413146973, -105.296699523926
Stay on Bitterbrush Trail, a multi-use path for bikers, hikers, trail runners, and equestrians
HRT003
Location: 40.2097511291504, -105.303497314453
Gear down for a stiff climb and a series of rocky, sometimes technical spots, ahead. Balance, speed, and confidence will push you through. (No worries if you must walk a bit.)
Bitter Sweet Switchback
Location: 40.2127914428711, -105.305107116699
Andy climbs the long, sometimes technical switchbacks on the Bitterbrush Trail.
©Kris Wagner
HRT004
Location: 40.2138519287109, -105.305892944336
The toughest climb is over. Rest @ this overlook looking W to the tilted mesas and foothills.
Overlook
Location: 40.2140197753906, -105.305946350098
This overlook shows off the foothills outside west of Lyons, and is a good rest spot after climbing the 8-percent grade.
©Kris Wagner
HRT005
Location: 40.2168045043945, -105.306655883789
Rest on the W shoulder of Indian Lookout Mtn. Gear up and enjoy the fast, smooth downhill ahead.
Near the Saddle
Location: 40.2170562744141, -105.306716918945
Andy grannys up the shoulder of Indian Lookout Mountain.
©Kris Wagner
Fast Downhill
Location: 40.2199211120606, -105.305488586426
Kris takes a fast, smooth descent. ©Andrew Matranga
HRT006
Location: 40.2202796936035, -105.305603027344
Turn L; trail enters zone of amber grasses
HRT007
Location: 40.2226791381836, -105.312301635742
Mule deer often graze in small hollow; trail gently climbs
Confier Alley
Location: 40.2270050048828, -105.322547912598
Andy cranks through a stand of conifers before beginning the lollipop-loop of Nelson Trail. ©Kris Wagner
HRT008
Location: 40.2266502380371, -105.322799682617
Turn L onto Nelson Loop Trail
Antelope Park
Location: 40.2224731445312, -105.327049255371
Riders cruise into amber fields. ©Andrew Matranga
HRT009
Location: 40.2229499816894, -105.329299926758
Old Nelson Ranch (c. 1890) sits in Antelope Park, a wide meadow beneath 14,255-foot Long's Peak. Spur trail leads R for a closer look at the old homestead.
HRT010
Location: 40.2212295532227, -105.333198547363
Stay straight @ 3-way with Nighthawk Trail
Sweet Views
Location: 40.2221908569336, -105.333572387695
The W side of Nelson Loop offers splendid views of Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak (behind, on R). ©Andrew Matranga
HRT011
Location: 40.2265777587891, -105.326820373535
Trail descends fast, then crosses a mostly dry offshoot of St. Vrain Creek
HRT012
Location: 40.2267112731934, -105.323303222656
Veer L; ride the loop again or return 4.1 miles back to trailhead
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