Heil Valley Ranch: Wapiti

It’s November 18th and the sun was gracing our clear blue skies today.  In winter we fat tire enthusiasts take to the hills any chance we get and today our weather was in full cooperation.

I decided to ride my favorite training ground-Heil Valley Ranch.  Heil Valley Ranch is located just off of Left Hand Canyon road in north Boulder.  I can always count on Heil for prime riding most of the year.  It can get snowed over but today the trail was nice and dry.

The ride starts at the trailhead on a service road headed north on a gradual climb.  The first time I brought a bike up here I couldn’t make it 5 minutes up this climb before I had to stop.  This does not mean the climb is difficult, quite the opposite in fact.  Today I would post my best time on this trail.  The road is a bit rocky at the bottom but clears nicely as you make your way up to the Wapiti trail.

This first section is hard packed single track and out in the open but not for long.  After a short pedestrian bridge and one really cool switchback, once you pass the park bench you’re right up among the pine trees.

The climbing is pretty steady and with all the recent trail work the route is certainly bike friendly.  No real obstacles on this section, the trail is well groomed and quite shady.  Be on the lookout for riders coming down, they’re supposed to yield to climbers and most do but sometimes you have some riders not paying attention.

Today I’m making great time, carefully pointing my front tire through rocks and roots, rolling over soft dirt and pine needles.  There are a couple of switchbacks up this section but no problem as long as you keep the pedals moving.  It is heavily wooded although the trees seem a bit thin.  There are a couple of rocky sections, nothing too difficult.  Around the 1.6 mile mark you cross a service road and the trail takes on a much rockier personality.

The climb, coupled with rock and loose dirt turns a Green climb into a Blue.  You’ll need to pound on the pedals in a few sections; be careful because there are some pretty jagged rocks up here.  You’ll pass some groomed sections, one long enough to take your eyes off the trail to see if you can catch a glimpse of deer that claim Heil Ranch home. 

Around the 2 mile mark you come to an old homestead ruin.  It’s hard to know how long this has been here but you’ll quickly notice that this structure was completely built using rock from the area.  The trail takes an abrupt turn here on the way up to the first trail junction.  If you’ve made it this far keep going because the trail continues at a much milder climb with fewer rocks until you reach the junction.

Wapiti trail meets with Ponderosa Loop at the 2.69 mile mark.  The trail is extremely rocky and I chose the descent down to Wild Turkey Loop.  This section is fast if you let yourself roll, just be very cautious because rocks are plenty, some that look quite sharp too.  At the junction I go left down to the scenic overlook.  You may remember my Picture Rock post-part of this ride will run along a common section going in the opposite direction because this time I started on the other side of the mountain.  I stop for a few minutes to snap some pictures then off I go on a gradual but very rocky climb up Ponderosa Loop.

Up to this point, other than my rest stop, I haven’t had to stop-a significant improvement for me, especially at this pace.  This climb up the other side of Ponderosa Loop is so rocky I have no chance to take my eyes off the trail.  The trial tops out at 6703 feet; the wind is blowing through a sparse pine forest when I hear some sticks snap just behind me.  I slow and lift my head for a moment when my eyes catch a glimpse of 3 wandering bucks.  I quickly come to a stop, scramble for my camera hoping to snap a photo of these magnificent animals.  Like a friend waiting for me to catch up, they stand there just looking at me, waiting to enter into immortality.  I stand there, my eyes meet the curious stare of the largest buck; looking at each other as if deciding to fight or retreat.  To my relief he chooses to disappear into the woods.

Back on the bike I roll down rocky tread back to the Wapiti trail for the exciting trip down.  Get ready for a thrill ride with a few terrifying speed sections.  This downhill will require some skill; if you’re not comfortable on a bike don’t test your skills here-trees won’t move when you hit ‘em!

Hydraulic brakes work great here because you can apply them with just one finger while the rest of your hand grips the handlebar.  You’ll also need to have a good feel for the width of your bars because trees can line up pretty close together while the trail threads between them.  Also, remember to yield to hikers and climbers.

This trail will require a bit of leg strength and some well tuned lungs.  On my first ride, about 2 years ago, I had a difficult time completing this ride so if it’s your first time, don’t be discouraged if you find yourself turning back.  I would suggest at least going as far as the Wapiti, Ponderosa Loop junction (2.7 miles), the ride down from here is incredible.

Always wear a helmet on our trails and ride in control.  A hard tail bike would make it ok but full suspension keeps the tires where they need to be, on the ground.

Follow my route at connect.garmin.com/activity/244741357  and don’t forget to click on the green arrow to run the player.  Snow is covering our peaks and will soon cover our trails down here.  We can ride all year long so check back often.  Make time to ride; you’ll be glad you did.  Happy Trails.

AR