Near Back Ranch Loop
Running amongst the sage, I swear that stuff makes you run faster! Gore Range off in the distance.
Near Back Ranch Loop
They just reworked the singletrack portion of this trail this past summer, can you spot the border collie?
Near Back Ranch Loop
Coming past the Hay Trail junction, continuing on to the back ranch before climbing up Soda Ridge Trail.
Near Back Ranch Loop
Waiting for me to catch up.
Near Back Ranch Loop
Coming from the Back Ranch, on the road for a bit before you start the climb onto Soda Ridge Trail. Not a bad view of the Tenmile Range poking above the trees!

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Back Ranch Loop

4.2 (22 Ratings)
A beautiful 8 mile loop that takes you through a forested area then along an old aqueduct trail.
7.3
mi
Distance
803
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.29mi
Distance
803ft
Elevation Gain
798ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
9,481ft
High Point
9,087ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Start off crossing a meadow and heading into the woods, the trail intermittently changes between an open meadow and forest for the first couple miles. There are couple short steeper climbs that will slow you down, then it becomes flat/rolling singletrack all the way to the back ranch. The trail is well signed following Soda Creek Trail until you get to the back ranch (~4 miles in) then you hop onto Soda Ridge Trail which then becomes Keystone Aquaduct. The Soda Ridge trail has some steepness to it at the beginning but becomes gentle rolling terrain once you're about halfway through it. What a great loop!

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Matthew Coye