7.0 miles
Distance
950 ft
Climb
-952 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point

Bikes not allowed on Canyon and Benjamin Loops on Wednesdays & Saturdays. Betasso Link Trail is open 7 days as week.

Betasso Preserve is a great intermediate area close to downtown Boulder. Because of its popularity, bikes are not allowed on Wednesday and Saturdays. This ride is rated blue due to small technical rocks and roots features, moderate climbing and many sections of exposure.

Start at the main parking lot at the Canyon Loop trailhead on the left side of Betasso Rd. If this lot is full, there is more parking up the road. Both loops are directional for bikes and change monthly so please make sure to follow the arrows. You'll follow Canyon Loop around to the Loop Link trail. This trail is NOT directional for bikes and is narrow with lots of blind corners so ride with caution (and maybe a good bell). The low point of the Loop Link trail crosses a creek, it's a great time to appreciate you are only 3 miles from Downtown Boulder but it feels like you are in the middle of the Rockies.

Next, you'll come to Benjamin Loop. This trail is directional for bikes so check the arrow. Half way around, you'll come to another intersection to the Fourmile Link trail. If you want to add this trail as an out-and-back, it's about a mile long and has 2 short staircases that are hike-a-bike in both directions for most riders. Finish the Benjaimin Loop (if it's running the "good way", aka clockwise you may want to take another lap), then retrace your path on the Loop Link. Now you are back to Canyon Loop and you'll continue around in the direction you started.

Detailed Description
Betasso Loops is a 7 mile popular intermediate route located near Boulder Colorado. This mountain bike primary route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 9 trails. This route climbs 950 ft with a max elevation of 6,588 ft then descends -952 ft.
Local Trail Association
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International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) (www.imba.com)
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Details

  • Featured
  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    607
More Stats for Betasso Loops mountain bike route
  • Avg time
    1 hr 19 min
  • Altitude min
    6,178 ft
  • Altitude start
    6,562 ft
  • Altitude end
    6,562 ft
  • Grade
    -0%
  • Grade max
    -28.6%
  • Grade min
    29.5%
  • Distance climb
    3 miles
  • Distance down
    3 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,480 ft
Avg: 4 (1 votes)

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youtuber Canyon Loop & Benjamin Loop
Canyon Loop & Benjamin Loop
9:50 | 28 | comments: 0 | favs:
Aug 25, 2023
youtuber Canyon Loop & Benjamin Loop
Canyon Loop & Benjamin Loop
9:50 | 20 | comments: 0 | favs:
Aug 25, 2023

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Loop Link
Sep 21, 2023 @ 8:42am
Sep 21, 2023
Very dry conditions.
Benjamin Loop
Sep 21, 2023 @ 8:42am
Sep 21, 2023
Very dry conditions.
Canyon Loop
Sep 21, 2023 @ 8:42am
Sep 21, 2023
Very dry conditions.
Betasso (parking lot connector)
Jun 23, 2023 @ 4:51pm
Jun 23, 2023
more reports »
  • By WendyBMA BMA & contributors
  • #23304 - 2,940 views