CAR001
Location: 39.982096, -105.5193874
From the trailhead head northwest. Pass a handicap accessible picnic table on the right shortly after the trailhead.
CAR002
Location: 39.98353, -105.521904
Beyond the trees on the right, catch a glimpse of a nearby peak. Keep going on the well maintained trail.
CAR003
Location: 39.982643, -105.52664
Emerge from the woods onto a small meadow (the first of several you'll encounter on the hike).
CAR004
Location: 39.9852096, -105.5294752
Here the trail merges with the Switzerland railroad grade.
Enjoy flat hiking for a while.
CAR005
Location: 39.985557, -105.52972
An interpretive sign on your left gives some background on the Swizterland Trail. It's the sight of a railroad line that ran from 1904 to 1919 and serviced the mine on the property.
CAR006
Location: 39.9876737, -105.532895
The first view of the ranch can be seen through an opening on the right.
CAR007
Location: 39.9878524, -105.5344212
Stay right to see historic DeLonde Homestead, which includes a renovated red barn and brown house.
CAR008
Location: 39.9906103, -105.5329594
The Blue Bird Loop bears left, but head right first to see the homestead up close and read about it.
CAR009
Location: 39.9905075, -105.5326322
Delonde Homestead; an interpretive sign sits in front of the house. Next continue to the overlook.
CAR010
Location: 39.9902486, -105.532093
The overlook area provides a view of DeLonde Creek and a picnic table. Head back past the homestead and join the Blue Bird Loop on the right.
CAR011
Location: 39.990684, -105.529783
A sign by the trail details the wildlife in the area, such as deer, elk, coyote, and mountain lions.
CAR012
Location: 39.9950078, -105.5323935
At the fork, bear left to continue on the loop. If you have time, bear right to see the Blue Bird Mine (0.2 miles round-trip).
CAR013
Location: 39.994422, -105.533738
Here the trail reconnects with the Switzerland railroad grade. Follow back to the trailhead.
CAR014
Location: 39.990713, -105.538565
Take in one more beautiful view across the fields and forests that you have encircled. Keep following the railroad grade until it meets back up with the DeLonde Trail.
A quick peak at the mountains
Location: 39.9835983, -105.5214286
An opening on the trail
Location: 39.9827269, -105.5261385
In and out of the snow
Location: 39.9865084, -105.5299258
Red barn at Caribou Ranch
Location: 39.9876819, -105.5328575
An open field before the homestead
Location: 39.98757, -105.533982
Red barn in the distance
Location: 39.9876264, -105.5342066
Aspen along the trail
Location: 39.9878072, -105.5343407
Aspen that's been munched on
Location: 39.987762, -105.5342978
Sign to the homestead
Location: 39.9881607, -105.5343622
Red barn
Location: 39.9906308, -105.5332357
Walking up to homestead
Location: 39.9905774, -105.5329835
A sign on the history of the homestead
Location: 39.990514, -105.532672
Delonde Homestead
Location: 39.990513, -105.532658
View overlooking the homestead
Location: 39.9905856, -105.5387878
Heading back
Location: 39.9884649, -105.5382514
This property was once home to the first Arabian horse ranch in Colorado. It was also the site of a recording studio in the 70s that brought Elton John to town, but had to shut down after a fire in 1985. Finally the land was bought by Boulder County and the City of Boulder in 1996, making it available for public use.
This flat trail is great for year-round use, including winter hiking and snowshoeing. The hike starts out on the DeLonde trail which is well-marked with blue-blazes. Follow the trail through a forest of ponderosa pines that's sprinkled with small aspen groves. Dogs aren't allowed on the trail and if you visit during the week, you may have the place to yourself, only hearing the wind in the trees.
The trail opens up several times offering beautiful views. You’ll come to a fork where you head right and follow the sign down to the Delonde homestead. Once you’ve checked out the house and overlook, turn around and hop on the Blue Bird loop, which is roughly 1.8 miles long. Once the trail meets back up with the Delonde trail, you’re about 1.2 miles from the trailhead.
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