Lichen Loop Trail
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Recreation Trails Lichen Loop
Lichen Loop is part of the Heil Valley Ranch trail area and is a great destination for a shorter easy walk. Lichen Loop is the only part of the Heil Valley Ranch area that is off-limits to mountain bikers and the area is often much more quiet than the rest of the ranch. The area is a nice combination of open valley and ponderosa forest. Common wildlife in this area includes Mule deer, predatory birds like red-tailed hawks, and even the occasional wild turkey. The area is also a migratory location for Elk that come down from the high country in the winter time. Other creatures you might spot are foxes, marmots, rabbits, and squirrels. Be careful: As always there is the possibility of running across a black bear or a mountain lion.
The 1.3-mile Lichen Loop Trail, is only open to pedestrians. This is one of the few Boulder area open spaces where dogs are not permitted. The area features a decent amount of parking and picnic tables.
- Trail Stats
- Connections
- Photos
- Directions
Distance |
1.3, Loop |
Miles |
Physical Difficulty Technical Difficulty Elevation Gain Starting Elevation Max. Elevation Min. Elevation Facilities Fees Wheelchair Use Mountain Bikes Dogs Horses Fishing Snowshoe X-Country Ski Agency |
Easy Easy 250 5900 6150 5900, trailhead Picnic area. Ample parking, Restrooms. None Not Accessible, Picnic area accessible No No Yes None Yes Yes |
Feet Feet Feet Feet
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Highlights |
Easy stroll Frequent deer sightings. Good spot to picnic and leave the less trail-inclined at the picnic area and wander off. |
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Comments |
The road to the trailhead is shared with residents and there are often cows and other animals on the way in. |
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Connects to Wapiti Trail segment |
View of the Trail
Lichen Loop makes a great evening stroll
Wild Turkeys are occasionally seen in the area.
Trail segment in the Ponderosa Forest
Photos courtesy of J. Thomas Colorado Photographer - All Rights Reserved©
Directions to Lichen Loop
Lichen Loop (at Heil Valley Ranch) is off Foothills Highway (US 36/CO 7) north of Boulder. Turn West onto Lefthand Canyon Dr (you'll see the Jamestown and Ward sign), then right at the Heil Valley Ranch sign on Geer Canyon Dr. Drive slowly on the dirt road in as it often has animals including cows and deer on it.
