White Ranch

White Ranch, a 4200 acre park located just a mile or two northwest of Golden, offers a network of superb trails, with constantly changing views of forested slopes, rocky cliffs and the Great Plains. Like most Front Range mountain bike rides, White Ranch begins with a difficult climb that will leave most mortals gasping for breath. After about twenty minutes of grinding, the trail branches into singletrack and becomes more technical. Numerous water bars, rock steps, and tight switchbacks will challenge all but the very best riders. After several miles of absolutely sweet singletrack, the upper parking lot is reached, where riders have the choice of exploring one or more additional loops deeper into the backcountry, or shifting into high gear for a blazing descent back to the car.

      Map of White Ranch (click to enlarge)

        Leaving the trailhead with cool weather and cloudy skies.

        Alli looking slightly unhappy on the grueling initial climb.

        On the Shorthorn Trail.

        Spectacular views in the late afternoon sunlight.

        Entering a shady woodsy section of FUN singletrack.

        Dana shows us how it's done. He rides a super light titanium bike with NO shock.
        Don't know how he does it...

        Rounding a bend on the north slope of the Longhorn Trail.

        Dana, didn't anyone tell you not to play at the table?

        Starting the long downhill through an extremely green meadow.

        A small herd of yearling mule deer watched us curiously...