The Walker Ranch is a vast public area of natural beauty southwest of Boulder. It can be accessed by the Flagstaff Mountain Road or Colorado 72 and the Gross Dam Road.
The South Boulder Creek Trail is the western segment of a hiking loop that covers more than 7 miles. While the waters of South Boulder Creek are ample all year long, the ideal times for this hike are April, May, October and November to avoid the hot days of summer. Mountain bikers are fond of this trail.
Begin north northeast from the parking area and quickly reach a fork. Continue to the left (north) as the Crescent Meadows Trail leads to the right. Descend eight-tenths of a mile in several switchbacks to a well-built bridge over South Boulder Creek. Boulders in the creek create dramatic flow patterns.
Continue on the path alongside the creek for about 100 yards before a sharp turn to the left. Ascend an old rough road steeply to the north to reach a trailhead and parking area with the Langridge Dyke above on your left. Unless you choose to take the longer loop hike and continue on the Columbine Gulch Trail, return by your original route.
Dave Muller, a Denver psychiatrist in private practice, is the author of several hiking guides.
The details
Hike distance: 2.2 miles each way
Hiking time: Out in 56 minutes. Back in 72 minutes.
Starting elevation: 7,300 feet
Highest elevation: 7,325 feet
Elevation gain: 790 feet (includes 765 extra feet)
Trail: All the way
Difficulty: Moderate
Relevant maps: city of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks
Eldorado Springs 7 1/2 minute
Boulder County
Getting there: From Colorado 93 between Boulder and Golden, drive west on Colorado 72 up Coal Creek Canyon for 7.3 miles and turn right onto Crescent Park Drive. After nine-tenths of a mile on this paved road, turn right onto the unpaved, but good, Gross Dam Road. After a full mile on the Gross Dam Road, go left at a fork, cross railroad tracks and reach trailhead parking on the right after seven-tenths of a mile from the last fork.
