All along the Front Range you will find amazing parks to hike, picnic, mountain bike and horse ride in, and Hall Ranch is no exception. The 11.8 miles of trails are demanding at times, but suitable for most skill and endurance levels. The views from the trail will inspire you to adventure further into the mountains and experience the wonders of the Rocky Mountains. The main parking area of the park is large, with several restrooms and great covered picnic areas, but keep in mind this park can easily fill up in the summer months.

11.8 miles of trails on this guide
Park Details:
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking on some trails
CentaursEquestrians on most trails- Dogs are not allowed in this park
- Open Sunrise to Sunset
- Picnicking
- Hunting is not permitted
- Weapons are prohibited
- Camping is not allowed
- Drinking or drug use are not allowed
- No entrance fees
Emergency contacts:
Boulder County Ranger District @ (303) 541-2500
Boulder Parks and Open Spaces @ (303) 678-6200
If the event is life threatening dial 911
Quick Reference Map
Free downloadable maps are available from Boulder County .You can also use the GPX files to help plan your next adventure in the Rocky Mountains.
Nighthawk Trail:
Nighthawk trail in Hall Ranch Rocky Mountains View of distant mountain ranges
Difficulty Rank | 6 (Moderate) |
Views Rank | 8 |
Distance Rank | 4.7 Miles |
Time Needed | 180 Minutes |
Details:
- Connecting trails: Bitterbrush trail, Button Rock trail, Nelson loop
- Mostly exposed hiking
CentaurEquestrian and Hiker only
Trailhead: Starts at the parking area
Trail Highlights:
- Grand views of the northern Front Range
- Great views of red rock mesa near the parking area
- Very beautiful area
Red farm building off Nighthawk trail Red Rock layers in Hall Ranch Large Boulder in Hall Ranch
Review:
The views all along this trail seem to go from great to outstanding the further along this trail you hike. The trail starts out relatively flat and begins a steady 1200 plus foot climb as you walk past endless natural beauty. There is not a lot in the way of tree cover along the trail so come prepared for the sun. It is worth keeping in mind that if combined with bitterbrush trail you are looking at a solid eight and a half plus mile hike, and if you run this trail out and back you are looking at a good nine plus miles of pure hiking enjoyment..
Nelson Loop Trail

Difficulty Rank | 4 (Easy) |
Views Rank | 7 |
Distance Rank | 2.4 Miles |
Time Needed | 1 Hour |
Details:
- Connecting Trails:Nighthawk and Bitterbrush trails
- Fairly flat hike
- Partially treed
Trailhead:S-Nighthawk or Bitterbrush trail | R or L – Nelson Loop
Trail Highlights:
- Old farm buildings
- Very nice wooden bridge
Farm house and silo at Hall Ranch Wildflowers in bloom in Hall Ranch View of distant mountains from Hall Ranch
Review:
There is a very cool old farm house along the trail abandoned by the habitation of man for some time now. The trail has little in the way of elevation change and little tree cover. From the looks of the trail combined with my ability to look into the nether, I would say that a band of fairies have been collecting the dead fall from the trees and gathering them up to build their homes from. This is most likely reason for the areas intense beauty and continual sense of euphoria while hiking in the area.
Bitterbrush Trail
Difficulty Rank | 6 (Moderate) |
Views Rank | 5 |
Distance Rank | 3.7 Miles |
Time Needed | 80 Minutes |
Red Rocks seen on Nighthawk Trail Parking lot connection trail in Hall Ranch
Details:
- Connecting trails: Antelope trail, Nelson Loop, and Nighthawk trail
- Mostly exposed hiking
- Steep in places
- Very rocky in places
- Would be a technical ride
Trailhead: Starts at the parking area
Trail Highlights:
- Great views
Review:
While there are some great views along the trail, the first portion of the trail is slightly easier on the eyes. The trail starts from the very nice parking and picnicking area and swings out around the towering mesa to the north. When you reach the junction with Antelope trail there is a nice bike station that should help you take care of any bike related issues you may have developed along the trail. The hike is steep in places, but the trail is easy to follow and is well marked.
Antelope Trail

Difficulty Rank | 5 (Moderate) |
Views Rank | 7 |
Distance Rank | 1.0 Miles |
Time Needed | 22 Minutes |
Details:
- Connecting trail: Bitterbrush trail
- Mostly exposed hike
Trailhead: Starts at parking area of Antelope Dr.
Trail Highlights:
- Great Mountain and valley views
Rocks off Antelope Canyon trail Bike repair station in Hall Ranch Gorgeous Rocky Mountain Trail in Hall Ranch
Review:
This trail is best hiked in from the small parking area off of Antelope Dr. The trail is short and exposed almost the entire way, but if you are hiking in the earlier part of the day the large mesa to the south of the trail will likely diffuse most of the sunlight. There is a rather nice bike station at the trail junction with bitterbrush trail and a bench to take a rest before you start the rest of your trek into the park. This trail is a great option if you are looking to jump on Nelson Loop and see the old farmhouse, but don’t have the time to take one of the longer hikes in.