Hall Ranch has something for just about everyone. The most commonly ridden trail (Bitterbrush) has a challenging technical Rock Garden that only fit expert riders can clean bottom to top. The Nelson Loop up top has some beautiful views of the Arapahoe range and Longs Peak in addition to beautiful, flowy singletrack. And intermediate riders can find some suitable terrain by starting on the Antelope Trail, that also leads to the Nelson trail, but bypasses the technical rock garden on Bitterbrush.
This trail is one of the most popular trails within 40 minutes of Longmont/Boulder, which means it can get very crowded, especially on weekends. There can also be significant horseback traffic, so be prepared for frequent stops along the descent as you yield to uphill riders, horses, and hikers. It can be frustrating because the descents are so much fun – but be courteous… it’s a challenging trail for horses, and they can be easily spooked.
There are two parking lots at this trailhead, and toilets, so most people (including the horseback riders) start here. However, this is also the most difficult way to ride Hall. Intermediate and beginner riders might choose to start from the smaller trailhead to ride up the Antelope Trail.
Starting on Bitterbrush – Lower Section, the singletrack begins right at the end of the upper parking lot. There’s a nice sign there to help you get your bearings. Climbing starts almost immediately, but the trail starts off mostly smooth. Before long, you’ll start riding up and over some small rocks, and the trail will get rockier as you climb.
About 3/4 of a mile in, the well-known rock garden starts. From here, it’s a steep climb with frequent big technical moves over rock formations. You won’t need to be a trials rider to clean this section, but you’ll need to be a skilled mountain biker with enough fitness to keep your heart from jumping out of your chest.
There’s a bench at the top of this section with a nice view – a perfect spot for a quick snack if you need it. Otherwise, continue down a short descent and merge onto the singletrack (Bitterbrush – Upper Section) coming up from the Antelope Trail. Settle in for a mostly gradual and smooth climb for about a mile and a half up to the Nelson Loop.
The Nelson Loop can be ridden either direction, although clockwise seems to be the most common. You’ll climb further to the high point at about 6700′ where there’s a hiker’s only trail heading back down to the trailhead and another bench to rest on. Here you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views. Notably, you’ll see Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak. The rest of the loop from this point is a fantastic descent.
Now it’s downhill almost the entire way back down to where you merged onto the Antelope Trail. You can either merge back onto Bitterbrush – Lower Section and re-trace your steps, or add a quick out and back by continuing on the Antelope Trail down to its start and riding back up to the Bitterbrush junction. Antelope is a mostly smooth, intermediate trail – it’s a fun detour if you’ve got the energy.
Once you start heading back down Bitterbrush – Lower Section, you’ll bounce your way back down through the Rock Garden, and it’s almost all downhill from here back to your car
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