Boulder, CO: Caribou Ranch Loop
Nestled between Nederland and the Indian Peaks Wilderness area, this 4.3-mile lollipop trail reveals mountain vistas en route to a 19th-century homestead.
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Take a walk through history on this 4.3-mile lasso loop that tours Caribou Ranch, home to the 19th-century Blue Bird Mine and the site of a ’70s-era recording studio that brought Elton John to town. The well-marked, easy-going trail makes for scenic hiking year-round, and if you visit during the week, you may have the place to yourself.
From the large parking area, follow the DeLonde Trail through a forest of ponderosa pines and intermittent aspen groves. After half a mile, the trail opens up, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains before merging onto old railroad grade. At mile 1.2, bear right at the trail fork for a tour of the renovated DeLonde Homestead. Once you’ve checked out the house, barn, and creek-side overlook, hop on the Blue Bird Loop, which travels north past a spur trail to the Blue Bird Mine. After 2.3 miles, the path merges back onto railroad grade and reconnects with the DeLonde Trail for the return trip to the trailhead.
Note: Caribou Ranch is closed April 1 through June 30 to protect migratory birds and elk calving and rearing.
-Mapped by Sarah Curry, Ben Fullerton, and Kim Phillips
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.9
Waypoints
CAR001
Location: 39.9820857, -105.5193686
From the trailhead head northwest on the DeLonde Trail (marked with blue blazes). Pass a handicap accessible picnic table on the right shortly after the trailhead.
CAR002
Location: 39.9835572, -105.5219007
Beyond the trees on the right, catch a glimpse of a nearby peak, then continue on the well-maintained trail.
CAR003
Location: 39.9826694, -105.5266535
Emerge from the woods into a small meadow (the first of several you’ll encounter on the hike).
CAR004
Location: 39.9852096, -105.5294752
The trail merges onto the Switzerland railroad grade for a flat stretch of hiking.
CAR005
Location: 39.985557, -105.52972
Stop and read the interpretive sign for some background on the Switzerland Trail. In the early 1900’s, the Denver, Boulder & Western Railroad used this route to service the Blue Bird Mine.
CAR006
Location: 39.9876737, -105.532895
The first view of Caribou Ranch can be seen through an opening on the right.
CAR007
Location: 39.9878524, -105.5344212
Bear right @ Y-junction toward the historic DeLonde Homestead, which includes a renovated red barn and brown house.
CAR008
Location: 39.9906103, -105.5329594
Turn right onto a side trail for up-close views of the homestead.
CAR009
Location: 39.9905075, -105.5326322
Delonde Homestead: Read the interpretive sign that sits in front of the house. Next continue southeast to a small overlook.
CAR010
Location: 39.9902507, -105.5320823
This overlook area features a picnic table and views of Delonde Creek. Next, return to Waypoint 8 and bear right @ 3-way junction onto the Blue Bird Loop.
CAR011
Location: 39.9906843, -105.5297434
Pass a sign by the trail that details the wildlife in the area: deer, elk, coyote, and mountain lions. Continue to follow the blue blazes through the forest.
CAR012
Location: 39.9949256, -105.5324149
At the fork, bear left to continue on the Blue Bird Loop. If you have time, bear right to visit the Blue Bird Mine, named for blue azurite (0.2 miles round-trip).
CAR013
Location: 39.994422, -105.533738
The path merges onto the Switzerland railroad grade. Follow the wide and gentle path to the southwest.
CAR014
Location: 39.990713, -105.538565
Take in one more beautiful view across the golden meadows and forests. Follow the path back to the DeLonde Trail at Waypoint 7, then retrace your route back to the trailhead.
Meadow
Location: 39.98757, -105.533982
The trail crosses an open field before the homestead.
Picnic Area
Location: 39.9824228, -105.5194116
DeLonde Trail
Location: 39.9833106, -105.5210209
Trail Views
Location: 39.9835572, -105.521729
A quick peek at the mountains on the DeLonde Trail.
Open Trail
Location: 39.9826858, -105.5261385
Gnarled Tree
Location: 39.9853822, -105.529604
DeLonde Trail
Location: 39.9865002, -105.5299795
The trail follows old railroad grade.
Views of the Red Barn
Location: 39.9876922, -105.532769
Aspen
Location: 39.9877661, -105.5343354
Scarred Aspen
Location: 39.987984, -105.5344319
DeLonde Homestead Sign
Location: 39.9881607, -105.5343622
DeLonde Homestead
Location: 39.9906267, -105.5331552
Interpretive Sign
Location: 39.9905034, -105.5326027
DeLonde Homestead
Location: 39.990487, -105.5325544
Red Barn
Location: 39.9908733, -105.5330372
View of the DeLonde Homestead
Location: 39.9906925, -105.5384231
Return Trip
Location: 39.9884813, -105.5382514
DeLonde Trail
Location: 39.9850123, -105.5291104
Return Trip on the DeLonde Trail
Location: 39.9831709, -105.5207098
Final Stretch
Location: 39.98299, -105.5201626
