Mountain Bikes on Open Space
Boulder County offers a wide variety of mountain biking
opportunities. Most trails are multi-use; however, there are
restrictions at some parks.
Mountain bikes are not allowed on the following trails:
- Anne U. White Trail at Fourmile
Canyon Creek
- Nighthawk and Button Rock Trails at Hall Ranch
- Bluebird Loop and Delonde Trails at Caribou Ranch Open Space
- Lichen Trail at Heil Valley Ranch
- Bummer's Rock Trail at Betasso Preserve
Mountain bikes are also not allowed on the main Canyon Loop
Trail at Betasso on Wednesdays and Saturdays to help mitigate trail user
conflicts. Certain other restrictions at
Betasso also apply.
Because of potential conflicts and impacts, mountain biking is
closely monitored. Therefore, to protect your access to open space
trails, please keep the following points in mind. On all trails:
-
Always yield the right-of-way to other trail users.
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Control your speed at all times.
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Stay on designated roads and trails.
-
Announce your presence when approaching other trail
users.
-
Practice minimum impact cycling: avoid muddy trails, excessive
braking and shortcutting switchbacks.
Take special care with equestrians
Although most people in Colorado
are accustomed to seeing mountain bikers on trails, many horses are not.
When approaching an equestrian:
-
Slow down!
-
Use a normal speaking voice to identify yourself to the rider and
allow the horse to feel comfortable with your presence.
-
Let the rider know how many people are in your party and whether
there are any other approaching bikers.
-
Dismount from your bike and step off the trail until the horse and
rider have passed.
-
If the rider uses hand signals to communicate with other trail
users, watch for them: an arm extended straight out and down indicates
that the rider would like you to slow down; a slow forward and back
arm wave means that it is okay to pass.
-
Mountain biking is prohibited on Wednesdays and
Saturdays on the Canyon Loop Trail.
-
Mountain bikers are required to travel one
direction on the Canyon Loop Trail. Please check the sign at the
trailhead because directional use will alternate monthly. Other trail
users are encouraged to travel in the opposite direction, but not
required.
-
Bummer's Rock Trail is closed to mountain biking.
-
The Betasso/Boulder Canyon Link is open for use.
From the top, access the link east of Bummer's Rock trailhead just
before the water treatment plant. From the bottom, access the link
along Boulder Canyon (Highway 119) just east of the tunnel. This link
is extremely steep with loose rocks on the surface, use at your own
risk.
-
Mountain bikers must ride on designated trails
only. Law enforcement officers strictly enforce these regulations.
Fines begin at $50.
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