Review Date
August 6, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: gigante32 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
This is really one of the killer Front range Trails, it gives you everything in less than 10 miles. You can start on the front side, with Bitterbrush, and get killed, or start off at Antelope, and ease in. Either way, it can be tough, but the reward is on the return downhill. What a blast!

Review Date
September 17, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: Ansible ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Mostly smooth and flowy XC trail, except for the lower part of bitterbrush which is rocky and technical. You can bypass the technical part of bitterbrush by going up the antelope trail instead. The challenging rocks on bitterbrush keep me coming back though, recommended if you like technical riding. Beginners and maybe intermediates should stick with the antelope side.

Recommended Route:
I like to start on the bitterbrush side, ride up to the nelson loop, then down antelope and back up again, then finish with the rocky downhill on bitterbrush.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
The 'ranches' - Heil, Walker, White. Also Betasso is fun.

Review Date
November 13, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: bmxgonemtb ,  Downhiller

Summary:
I rode this trail this morning and it was one of the best rides I've been on in a while. Stiff climb at first with a bunch of switchbacks and rocky technical sections that will test your skills. After about 2 miles it levels out and becomes smooth singletrack that leads to the Nelson Loop. Take a left and pass an old homestead. This part of the trail is really smooth and you have the chance to really pick up some speed. However, watch out. There are hidden boulders in the brush that can ruin your day, so stay on the trail. Hook back up with the Bitterbrush Trail and its all downhill from there. Do this ride on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Recommended Route:
take the Bitterbrush trail to the Nelson Loop and ride it clockwise. there is another trail before you reach the Nelson Loop that is open to bikes and leads to another parking lot (Antelope Trail?) 2 miles out and back from the main trail, but has a bunch of fun switchbacks and turns. Watch out because your sight is limited on some parts.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Walker Ranch, Heil Valley, St. Vrain (Millers Rock)

Review Date
October 18, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: illcomm33 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This is a really fun trail just outside of Boulder, CO (about 15 minutes) If you are looking for an epic ride or want to get away from the crowds this trail is not for you. I passed about 10 hikers and saw 3 other bikers on this system. With that being said it is still a worth loading up the MTB and getting a quick 1 to 1.5 hour ride in. It is well maintained and flows really well. After you are done make sure to stop by Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons...it makes the day complete.

Recommended Route:
From the parking lot head up Bitterbrush trail for about 4 miles (good climbing with some tech sections) until you reach Nelsons Loop. Go left on Nelsons loop and enjoy the fun singletrack (fast and flowy) Follow Bitterbrush Trial back to your car.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Walker Ranch, Meyers Homestead, Youngs Gulch (Fort Collins)