60 Hikes within 60 miles: denver and boulder” by Kim Lipker
Heil Valley Ranch has three trails and is part of Boulder’s newest open space: North Foothills Open Space. The longest trail-and the trail featured here-is the Wapiti Trail combined with the Ponderosa Loop. You’ll travel through stands of ponderosa pines and open meadows full of prairie grasses and seasonal wildflowers.
Length: 7.12 miles
Configuration: Balloon
Exposure: Little shade
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Time: 4 hours
5900-6800 feet
My Stats
Total Distance: 7.90 miles round trip
Time: 2.75 Hours
Elevation: 5,911 to 6,764 ft
Elevation Gain: 1,342 ft
This was an relatively easy hike on a perfect day. Very beautiful and little traffic on a weekday except the mountain bikers. I also found out that I hike faster than a horse walks.
