Walker Ranch Park

Tired of fighting the crowd at Chautauqua, not quite in the mood to huff and puff up Sanitas? Then this park/​trailhead may be for you.
Came here on a recent day off to do some exploring and hiking around. The drive up wasn’t too shabby as it was mid-​week however there were several bikers snaking up Flagstaff — not my favorite to navigate around on the steep and windy road.
When we arrived to Walker Ranch there was but one other car in the lot — awesome. The restrooms were clean and open and the wind was a howling. We decided to go for the Walker Ranch loop. We were surprised to find some snow and ice but thankfully the South Boulder Creek was flowing beautifully (we didn’t bring our fishing rods on this occasion though we thought about it).
Aside from the wind the trail was super peaceful and we saw several sizable deer and some funny fast moving/​climbing birds. So great to have a trail so nearby that not only has an easy to park in lot but also provides some sanctuary and peacefulness away from other crowded trails (we only saw 2 other people during our entire trek — 2 mountain bikers).
Dogs are allowed on the trails (on leash) and there is a place where one can borrow a leash (though we noted there were no leashes available on this day). Packing list would be for the typical items, sunscreen, sunglasses, plenty of water, light jacket and perhaps a change of socks (particularly if you like to trek through the creek as I do).
I’ll definitely be returning to hike/​jog on these trails.

Im new to the state and decided to give this a whirl after some easy-​moderate hikes. its got some wonderful views!!! The terrain constantly changes and South Boulder Creek runs though the center of the 7.8 mile hike, which breaks it up nicely. I loved it. Im exhausted but I can’t wait to get back out there and take the counter-​clockwise route. (I started out going clockwise on the trail) Shut your eyes and go!

We did the Walker Ranch Loop this past weekend (parked at the Walker Ranch TH). There was plenty of parking, which is rare in Boulder! The loop was about 7.8 miles and was somewhere between easy and moderate. It’s a really beautiful trail and it follows a reservoir most of the way (at least I think it’s a reservoir — it’s some sort of water!). There are a few nice spots to have a picnic or a snack. It was pretty nice and we’ll probably go back!

I love the outdoors!
This is a review for the Meyers Homestead Trail portion of the ranch. It is a small very limited signage on the right before the main parking lot for walker ranch (if you are coming from boulder)
There are a couple different parking lot options, one closer to the road, once closer to the trail head. The bathroom is at the upper parking lot.
We did the hike on a Saturday morning in April. We left Denver around 9:30am, made the parking lot by 10:30/11am. There was plenty of parking since it was early in the season. There is very little shade, as in, none except at the top.
The trail is pretty wide, so you can traverse side by side with your co-​hikers.
That day there were limited bikes, mainly because it was early April, but also i’ve read that this trail isn’t that big of a challenge to the bikers. They have added a connector trail between this trail and the main Walker Ranch trail, so i expect there will be more traffic as the season gets going.
I enjoy the hike and think it will be beautiful when the wildflowers really get going, but the idea of being on the trail in high sun seems miserable! Maybe a sunset jaunt might be a better idea for that.
The hike is 2.5 miles out and back. Not really much chance of getting lost and if you want to see the status of the trails the range tweets — how cool

The loop is 7.5 miles of easy-​moderate trails that takes you through a variety of terrain. We saw more bikers than hikers and no one on horseback, even though it’s allowed. If a couple of girls used to living at sea level plus one pomeranian can do it, anyone can. Here’s a mile-​by-​mile recap.
Mile 1: The weather is absolutely perfect. What a lovely slightly downward-​sloping stroll. Hey, there’s a stream and a picnic area. This is going to be a breeze.
Mile 2: Going up… good thing we’re getting the tough part out of the way in the beginning. No, I’m not stopping to catch my breath, I’m just thoroughly admiring the scenery.
Mile 3: Hey let’s frolic through this relatively flat valley. THE HILLS ARE ALIIIIIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUUUUUSIIIIIIC!
Mile 4: One false step and I fall off the edge of a cliff. Deciding whether to channel Indiana Jones or Ethan Hunt to survive «the stairs.»
Mile 5: What goes down must come back up. Wishing I had Rogue-​like energy-​absorption powers to leech off of passing bikers and joggers. Wait, if I had Rogue powers, I would just eff it and fly back… I may be delirious…
Mile 6: DEAR LORD are we there yet? Will trade 1 dog for 2 bikes. Any takers? Anyone?
Mile 7: So close I can smell the disgusting bathrooms. Almost. There.
…½ mile later… Pssh that was nothing! Remind me to give Bear Grylls my notes from this trip…

I ran all the way to Walker Ranch from my house after returning from the Colorado Convention Center for a morning meeting. It was soooo gorgeous, clear and mild, I couldn’t help myself.
Really, I ran the whole way (mostly downhill). Once inside the park and its 7-​mile trail, it’s all enjoyment, all fun. The trails are easy, scenic and span several mini-​zones: from low lush creek/​gulch bed with Aspens and other greenery, to high, dry mountain trail in the sun — with everything in between.
You can, as I did, split off to the north (left) and take the S. Boulder Creek trail to Meyer’s Gulch, which let’s out on Flagstaff Rd.
Simple. All in about 7 or 8 miles. Oh, …I saw three people on the trail.
Mountain Lion habitat, too.
But I’ve seen only one lion here in Boulder — ever.

Without a doubt, one of Boulder’s most enjoyable places. It’s a bit of a haul, and if you don’t know where you’re going you might not think you’re headed toward one of the city’s best trail heads. But trust me, it’s worth the drive. But if you reach Gross Reservoir you’ve gone too far. Turn back, Hoss.
If memory serves, Walker Ranch is a 6-​mile loop that twists down into Eldorado State Park (no fee required on the Walker Ranch Trail, as it doesn’t connect to the rest of the park); meanders along, and crosses over – multiple times – South Boulder Creek; and offers hikers, bikers and equestrians great views of the mountains, intoxicating meadows and beautiful wildflowers.
Hike it. Bike it. It’s all good. It’s a beautiful place (still recovering from the fire from a few years back), and you’ll love every second of it.