Ride Left Hand Canyon in North Boulder
Adventure Destination

Ride Left Hand Canyon in North Boulder

Explore a 34.1-mile gravel biking route in North Boulder with elevation gains of 1,581 feet. A beginner-friendly ride through diverse terrains offers scenic views and local wildlife. Enjoy the tranquility year-round, especially in spring.

Gravel Biking7.5/10Easy
Photo Gallery

Category

Gravel Biking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Easy

About This Adventure Destination

Overview: Left Hand Canyon in North Boulder offers a picturesque gravel biking experience with stunning views and varied terrain. This route is perfect for beginners looking to enjoy a scenic ride through the beautiful landscapes of Boulder.

Recommended Suggestions:

  • Route Description: The ride starts from the Left Hand Trailhead parking lot and takes you through a mix of wide crushed gravel trails, dirt-packed roads, narrow single-track trails, and paved roads.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy expansive and diverse views from the pretty, cottonwood-ringed Left Hand Valley Reservoir to the distinctive Haystack Mountain.
  • Level: Beginner-friendly route with a total length of 34.1 miles and an elevation gain of 1,581 feet.
  • Preparation: Ensure you have a pre-planned route, carry plenty of water, snacks, and rain gear, as you may encounter remote locations with limited phone service.
  • Equipment: Consider using a bike computer with mapping and navigation features for added convenience.

Local Knowledge:

  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer, birds, and other fauna along the route.
  • Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including unexpected showers, especially in the mountainous areas.
  • Community: Boulder boasts a friendly gravel biking community, so don't hesitate to join group rides or seek advice from local cyclists.

Driving Directions from Boulder, Colorado:

  • Head north on US-36 towards N Broadway.
  • Continue onto CO-119 N/Diagonal Hwy.
  • Turn left onto Neva Rd, then left onto N 61st St.
  • Finally, turn right onto Left Hand Canyon Dr to reach the Left Hand Trailhead parking lot.
Editorial Assessment

Ride Left Hand Canyon in North Boulder offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, with its scenic views and natural beauty. However, while it's a popular local destination, it lacks the global recognition and uniqueness of the world's most iconic natural landmarks.

Ride Left Hand Canyon in North Boulder

Adventure Guide to Ride Left Hand Canyon in North Boulder

1

Experience Ride Left Hand Canyon in North Boulder

  • Special Features: Explore a 34.1-mile gravel biking route in North Boulder with elevation gains of 1,581 feet. A beginner-friendly ride through diverse terrains offers scenic views and local wildlife. Enjoy the tranquility year-round, especially in spring.
  • Visitor Tips: Best time to visit is during Spring. Bring adequate water, appropriate outdoor gear, and camera.
  • Directions: Lefthand Canyon Drive, Boulder County, Colorado
2

Exploring Near Boulder, Colorado

  • Local Insights: Offers direct access to top trails, protected natural reserves, and picturesque viewpoints across Boulder, Colorado.
  • Visitor Tips: Check local regulations, trail conditions, and weather before heading out.
3

Photography and Wildlife

  • Special Highlights: Watch for native wildlife including Deer, Birds.
  • Visitor Tips: Arrive in early morning or late afternoon for the softest lighting and quieter trails.

Reviews

J
Jacob M3 months ago

Beautiful road to cruise

M
Mary Jonesa year ago

Outstanding... everywhere you look there is something in life that makes one feel blessed.

K
Karen Lippoldt2 years ago

I give a4 for the views. We have been to over 50 national parks now with our pass. All have amazing staff but this one. Rude and unhelpful. The camp ground ranger was very unfriendly. At the Visitors center one ranger at the desk is the most unhappy man alive. A group of 3 came up and asked for a map. His response was "they give these out at the gate". While he's sitting by a stack of 300 of them!! I'll come back again but will not be staying in the park or spending any money there

N
Nancy Caballeroa year ago

Afternoon drive into the mountains!!

V
Virginia Aragon3 months ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Adventure Destinations

View All Destinations →
**Serenity at Wonderland Lake**6.84.31 miEasy
Wonderland Lake

**Serenity at Wonderland Lake**

Explore Wonderland Lake in Boulder, Colorado. This easy trail offers scenic views of the Flatirons and is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Best visited in spring or fall for pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers.

View Details →
Paddling at Boulder Reservoir in Boulder7.04.92 miEasy
Boulder

Paddling at Boulder Reservoir in Boulder

Paddle at Boulder Reservoir in Boulder, CO. Experience easy access for kayaking and paddleboarding with stunning Flatirons views. Rentals available on-site. Ideal for beginner-friendly water adventures and moderate crowds during summer.

View Details →
Hiking the Mount Sanitas Loop: Boulder’s Perfect Urban Escape 7.85.26 miModerate
Mount Sanitas Trail

Hiking the Mount Sanitas Loop: Boulder’s Perfect Urban Escape

Explore the 3.1-mile Mount Sanitas Loop near Boulder, CO. This moderately challenging trail takes about 1.5 to 3 hours to complete and rewards hikers with sweeping city and mountain views. Popular for hiking enthusiasts, it's a perfect urban escape especially in spring and fall.

View Details →
Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

On the Edge of Boulder: A Full-Day Ascent of a Flatiron7.18 mi
Boulder, Colorado

On the Edge of Boulder: A Full-Day Ascent of a Flatiron

A full-day, guided climb to the summit of one of Boulder's iconic Flatirons — over 1,000 feet of climbing with spectacular views and an easy approach.

7.18 miView Trips & Details →
Make a Tiny Tree Over Pints: A Two‑Hour Bonsai Workshop at Gilded Goat Brewing32.0 mi
Fort Collins, Colorado

Make a Tiny Tree Over Pints: A Two‑Hour Bonsai Workshop at Gilded Goat Brewing

A two-hour, beginner-friendly workshop at Gilded Goat Brewing Company where participants build and keep a tiny bonsai with all materials and expert guidance—useful for anyone planning an evening craft outing in Midtown Fort Collins.

32.0 miView Trips & Details →
Primitive Rug Hooking with Theresa Rapstine — A focused 2027 workshop in Grand Lake, Colorado29.3 mi
Grand Lake, Colorado

Primitive Rug Hooking with Theresa Rapstine — A focused 2027 workshop in Grand Lake, Colorado

A concise, factual guide to the Primitive Rug Hooking workshop led by Theresa Rapstine in Grand Lake, offered by Rocky Mountain Folk School.

29.3 miView Trips & Details →
Glass and Craft at Altitude: An Intermediate Fusion Workshop in Granby32.2 mi
Granby, Colorado

Glass and Craft at Altitude: An Intermediate Fusion Workshop in Granby

A focused, intermediate-level glass fusion workshop in Granby, Colorado run by the Rocky Mountain Folk School — this guide compiles what the experience is and where to check operator details.

32.2 miView Trips & Details →
Eight Days, Private Guide — A Tailored Circuit Through Colorado’s Rockies and Front Range30.6 mi
Denver, Colorado

Eight Days, Private Guide — A Tailored Circuit Through Colorado’s Rockies and Front Range

An eight-day private tour out of Denver with a dedicated guide, luxury transport, and multilingual commentary — this guide explains what’s included, how the routing works, and the booking logistics.

30.6 miView Trips & Details →
Ten Days of Private Guiding from Denver: A Custom Colorado Rockies Circuit for Small Groups30.6 mi
Denver, Colorado

Ten Days of Private Guiding from Denver: A Custom Colorado Rockies Circuit for Small Groups

A fully private, customizable 10-day tour for groups of 5–13 with a private guide, luxury transportation, and multilingual guide options—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

30.6 miView Trips & Details →