Trail Description

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Heil Valley Ranch runs north-south along Boulder’s foothills where the Eastern Plains abruptly meet the Rocky Mountain upslope. Its 4,932 acres support wildlife communities from each, including deer, turkey, coyote, fox, mountain lion and bear. 97 breeding bird species have been observed in Heil Ranch, including mountain chickadees, chipping sparrows, yellow-rumped warblers and towhees. Raptors such as red tail hawks, golden eagles, prairie falcons and Coopers hawks nest in the Heil Valley area.

The Lichen Loop Trail circles the lower east side of upper Heil Valley, a sparsely treed slope ringed by dense pine forests above. Hikers, runners and winter recreationalists will enjoy light crowds, mild grades, and good wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Follow signs from the parking area to the beginning of the Lichen Loop Trail (.1 mile : 5,990’). The following description travels clockwise:

The trail heads north through a rolling meadow awash in summer wildflowers. Look for turkey - a common sight in Heil Valley - on the forest fringes. The trail bypasses two spurs for the Wapiti Trail while trending up into timber at the loop’s turnaround point (.45 miles : 6,117’). A few short, steep switchbacks turn you back south and level out beside a long meadow (.65 miles : 6,175’) with sensational views down Heil Valley and across Boulder’s Front Range. The trail glides easily along this slender meadow back to the beginning of the loop (1.15 miles). Retrace your steps back to the trailhead and parking lot (1.25 miles).

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N40 08.958 W105 18.009 - Lichen Loop Trailhead

• N40 09.030 W105 17.935 - .1 miles : Beginning of loop

• N40 09.321 W105 17.866 - .45 miles : Top of loop - climb and turn back south

• N40 09.030 W105 17.935 - 1.1 miles : Complete loop

• N40 08.958 W105 18.009 - Lichen Loop Trailhead

Worth Noting

• Elk were extirpated from Boulder County in the early 1900s, but reintroduced at Heil Valley Ranch between 1913 and 1917. Today these protected lands remain one of the only places in Northern Colorado where elk can complete their natural migration from the Rocky Mountains to Eastern Plains without interruption.



• Fires are crucial to maintaining the long term health of ponderosa pine ecosystems. Naturally occurring, low intensity fires clear space for mature trees, keep densities in check and rejuvenate soils. Fire suppression since the 1880s has created unsustainable forest densities that result in destructive, high intensity fires. Current management programs help restore natural conditions through selective thinning and prescribed burns. You’ll see evidence of both as you pass through Heil Valley Ranch.



• Upon completing the loop you may notice an unusual structure on the hillside above. This beehive-like structure, constructed of Lyons Sandstone blocks, is a lime kiln. In the late 1800s lime was a common ingredient for mortar and cement, used as a soil enhancement and to wash buildings.



• The Heil Valley area was first homesteaded in 1888. Boulder County Open Space purchased 4,923 acres from the Heil family in 1996, who today still operate ranch lands south of the trailhead.

Rules and Regulations

• Cyclists and Equestrians are not permitted on the Lichen Loop Trail.

Directions to Trailhead

From Broadway in Boulder, take US 36 North 4.7 miles to Left Hand Canyon Drive. Take a left onto Left Hand Canyon Drive for 0.7 miles to Geer Canyon Road. Look on the right for the Heil Valley Ranch sign and take a right onto Geer Canyon Road, a maintained dirt road and head North through private property 1.3 miles to the trailhead. Heil Ranch parking will be on the right side of the road. It is important to know that Geer Canyon Road is private and you cannot park your car along the side of the road. Be mindful of free range cattle crossing sections of Geer Canyon Road.

Contact Information

Boulder County Parks & Open Space
5201 St. Vrain Road
Longmont, Colorado 80503
Phone: 303.678.6200
Fax: 303.678.6180
www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace