Bitterbrush - Nelson - Nighthawk Trail, Hall Park, Lyons, CO | The Trail Girl

Bitterbrush - Nelson - Nighthawk Trail, Hall Park

Located in Hall Ranch, this loop offers a variety of scenic routes up the sides of canyons, meadows, forests, and cliffs. You will most probably see white tailed deer in your travels, although this area is also home to mountain lions, rattlesnakes, eagles, coyotes, wild turkeys, great-horned owls and Cooper’s hawks. The first half of the route is shared with mountain bikers and features some challenging technical terrain for the first two miles, then a moderate hike through meadows and grasslands to Nelson Loop. The second half of the route travels through the peaceful Nighthawk Trail which is a pedestrian and horse trail only.

NOTE: If doing this trail in the summer, try to get an early start and bring lots of water as there isn’t much shade and you can get pretty hot. This is also rattlesnake and mountain lion country, just make sure to stay on the trail and watch where you are walking. The rattlesnakes are generally out from mid spring to the first frost. They want less to do with you then you do with them, just be reasonably watchful and respect their territory.

Elevation Gain: 1,182 feet
Start to End Elevation: 5,521’ to 6,703’
Rating: Easy - moderate, but long
Round trip distance: 9.4 mile loop
Nearest Landmark: Lyons
Season: 3-5 hours
Popular: Hikers and Trail Runners allowed on all trails. Mountain bikes are permitted on the Bitterbrush and Nelson Loop Trail but not permitted on the Nighthawk or Button Rock Trail. No dogs are allowed on any of the trails at Hall Ranch. Equestrians allowed on Nighthawk and Nelson Loop Trail.

Print Bitterbrush-Nelson-Nighthawk Trail Information

How to Get There: From North Boulder, go north 10.8 miles on Colorado 36 to the intersection with Colorado 66. Turn left at the stoplight and go 1.5 miles where Hwy 66 will dead end. Take a left on Hwy 7 towards Allenspark. The Hall Ranch trailhead is located 1.6 miles on the northeast (right) side of Hwy 7. There is parking area as soon as you turn into Hall Ranch and another parking area just up the hill where you will find restrooms and a picnic area.

Trailhead GPS: N40.212167, W105.289417

The Hike: From the restrooms, head west and you will see the Bitterbrush Trail sign to begin. The curves through low hills then climbs quickly up rugged switchbacks through boulders and ponderosa pines. As you trek upward, you will slowly achieve spectacular views of Hat Rock and Indian Lookout Mountain. At 2.0 miles, the trail evens out on a high meadow and you will come across a prairie dog village. The Bitterbrush trail then descends to the Antelope Trail connection. Stay left on Bitterbrush Trail for another 1.35 miles to the Nelson Loop Trail.

Take a left at the Nelson Loop Trail and the trail takes you through pine forest and open meadows. You will see Longs Peak and Mount Meeker off in the distance to your right. Nelson Loop connects with the Nighthawk Trail which is bike-free trail. Go left at the Nighthawk Trail marker.

Stay to your left past a rock wall formation and enjoy the wide open meadow. The trail rises through forests and canyons. Deer are quite common throughout this area. For the next 3.6 miles, switchbacks wind down and around grasslands and canyons into a shallow gully, then back up through grasslands to the trailhead.

Comments: Mountain Lions have been sighted in this area and while the chances of crossing paths with an aggressive lion are slim, the potential is still there. If you do encounter a lion take the following steps:

Never Run!
Stand your ground, wave your arms and shout!
Back away slowly, do not crouch or turn your back.
Throw stones, sticks, etc., if the lion acts aggressively.
Fight back if a lion attacks.
Report all sightings to: Boulder County Parks and Open Space Dept 303-678-6200

Watch where you are stepping – if you see large, round paw prints with no claw marks, you’ve probably discovered a mountain lion track. Dog tracks have claw marks. Remember to respect wildlife. Don’t approach animals or attempt to feed them. Enjoy them for a distance.

The prairie rattlesnake is commonly seen here from March through October. Wear sturdy boots, watch where you place your hands and feet, and shuffle your feet while hiking to warn snakes of your presence. Rattlesnakes don’t deliberately harm people; they strike only in self-defense.

These rugged animals are sensitive to human interaction, so the trail system is designed to avoid their habitat.

At the Hall Ranch Trailhead there are several trails available but they have different uses: