Caribou Ranch Open Space

Type … Hike, Woods Wander

Highlights … Views, Creek, Historical Site, Aspens

Seasons … Winter-Fall, Closed April 1 to June 30 for animal protection

Difficulty with Kids … Easy to Moderate due to length of loop but can easily be made shorter

Trail Details … 4.8 Miles or less, Loop (AllTrails)

Closest Town … Nederland

Shade … Some

Parking Situation … Plenty

Potty Situation … Pit Toilets at trailhead

A bit of a hidden gem, Caribou Ranch Open Space is a great, quiet alternative to the bustling trails along the i-70 corridor. And especially wonderful during the fall colors as this trail is dappled with aspen groves. The trail has a lot of variation to it with shaded forests, open fields (lots of grasshoppers to chase!), historical sites, and creek access.

While the full loop is just short of five miles, we typically make it to the creek for a picnic + sometimes the waterfall, as this cuts the loop hike down to about three miles round-trip if hiked as an out-and-back. The kids loved the historical homesites (complete with educational placards that are fun to read as you go!)

TRAIL TIPS

Go Counter Clockwise on Loop. If you want to hike to the creek and/or waterfall and back, veer right at the loop (around the time you hit the historical homes) - continue for another half mile or so until you see the signs for creek access.

MAKE A DAY OF IT

Nederland. Caribou Ranch is less than 10 minutes from Nederland, one of my favorite funky towns in CO. Grab lunch at Blue Moon or Crosscut Pizzeria and ice cream Blue Owl. There is also a small lake in town with a nice beach if you want to soak up some more sun before you head home.
Scenic Peak to Peak Highway. If headed this way during the fall, I highly recommend driving the scenic Peak to Peak highway. It’s a much lower key place to take in the changing aspens then i70 and just as beautiful IMHO!