Trip
Ascending Hikes – Walker Ranch
A ~8 mile and ~1600 ft elevation gain hike along the Walker Ranch loop. Starting from the Flagstaff Road trailhead and hiking clockwise, the Walker Ranch loop descends through pine forest and meadows to South Boulder Creek, where it crosses via a wooden bridge near Boulder Falls. This moderate to challenging hike features rocky sections, steep steps and switchbacks, and about 1,600 feet of elevation gain before climbing back through open terrain to complete the loop.This is the third hike of an Ascending Hikes series.
Contacts
- Mon, Jun 23, 2025
- Ascending Hikes Section
- Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Mileage: 8.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
- High Point Elevation: 7,336 ft
- Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH
- 9 (9 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Beginning at the Flagstaff Road trailhead, this clockwise loop around Walker Ranch Park quickly descends into a rugged landscape of pine forest and open meadows, offering expansive views of the surrounding foothills. The trail is well-defined but can be rocky and uneven in places, especially on the initial descent toward South Boulder Creek. At the Boulder Falls section, the trail crosses the creek via a sturdy wooden bridge, often accompanied by the roar of cascading water, adding a scenic highlight to the route. From there, the trail climbs steadily through a mix of shaded forest and sun-exposed switchbacks, with intermittent views back toward the canyon. Rolling terrain follows, alternating between smooth dirt trail and sections of embedded rock and loose gravel, particularly on the steeper segments. The final leg curves through more open terrain dotted with scrub oak and wildflowers before climbing back to the trailhead, completing the roughly 8-mile loop with about 1,600 feet of elevation gain. We'll find a sunny overlook to stop for lunch. Our pace will be determined by the strength, stamina, and endurance of the group. This is a multi-use trail, so we may encounter the occasional mountain bike rider. (Walker Ranch Loop - Flagstaff TH - CalTopo)
The Colorado Mountain Club's Ascending Hike Section (AHS) provides an opportunity to make new friends and explore new places in Colorado's backcountry, while increasing your personal hiking speed, strength, and stamina. The section is administered by CMC volunteers. There is no cost, fee, or scheduling commitment. There are no dues or elections. Open to all CMC members. To join the section, contact the CMC office. (Ascending Hikes Section — The Colorado Mountain Club)
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the US 36 & McCaslin PnR (SW Corner) at 7:15am, depart latest 7:30am (RTD - US 36/McCaslin Park-N-Ride - Google Maps)
We'll carpool to the Walker Ranch Parking Lot on Flagstaff Road (Walker Ranch Loop Trailhead Parking Lot - Google Maps)
Required Equipment
10 essentials are required. Trekking Poles are recommended.