Near Teller Farm - The Tank
Just before sunrise, looking west from Teller Farm Trail between Valmont and the bridge to the East Boulder Trail.
Near Teller Farm - The Tank
Classic Front Range views on the Tank Run.
Near Teller Farm - The Tank
Strava tells you this bridge is out and won't let you create a contiguous route along the trail. It's really OK though!
Near Teller Farm - The Tank
Looking west along former railroad tracks.
Near Teller Farm - The Tank
Looking east along the former railroad tracks.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Teller Farm - The Tank

3.0 (5 Ratings)
Proverbially "Run with the Buffaloes" on this Boulder County and CU classic.
8.7
mi
Distance
393
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.73mi
Distance
393ft
Elevation Gain
393ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
5,238ft
High Point
5,064ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Starting from the Teller Farm - South trailhead, the Teller Lake section of the East Boulder Trail is a dirt and gravel trail. This flat and easy trail cuts through prairie and farmland. Be aware that this trail offers very little sun protection on hot days. Shade is limited to a few rows of cottonwoods, a row of lilacs along the east side of the trail, and a few scattered trees. On the bright side, because the trail is wide open, it does offer some amazing views of the Front Range peaks.Once you've reached the Teller Farms - North trailhead, join the East Boulder - White Rocks section as it runs west, then crosses Valmont Rd. The trail starts off as crusher fines and maintains a width of about 5 feet. About 50 feet down the trail, an 11% grade for 20 feet occurs. This section often gets washed out, creating some tricky little gullies.After about 0.5 mile, the trail crosses over railroad tracks and turns into road base dirt/gravel. Maintaining a width of about 10 feet, the trail runs along a fenced-off private lake and wetland area. After crossing the bridge at 0.9 mile, the trail begins to open up into prairie land. At this point the trail is on a slight uphill grade. After another 0.25 mile it reaches the base of a hill with two cottonwood trees that provide shade on hot days. Continue north as the trail winds its way up the hill. After a 90 degree right-hand turn, the trail swings back, headed north as it parallels W Phillips Rd. At approximately mile 1.75 the trail heads directly east, diverging from the road, contours slightly, then heads north as it drops into a small wash. Follow the general contours of the wash as the trail winds north, eventually meeting with East Boulder - Gunbarrel.Turn left onto East Boulder - Gunbarrel, and head west, uphill to the famed tank. This section rolls through a grassland ecosystem and proves to have some of the best views of the front range, Longs Peak and the Continental Divide.Once at the tank, head back the way you came!
History & Background
Teller Farm is a historic and presently working farm. Irrigation and farming practices have changed since Open Space acquired the land.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Tom Robson