Run Joder Ranch + Lefthand OHV

For Saturday we'll be heading to Joder Ranch Trailhead (off highway 36 a few miles north of Boulder). We'll run the 2 miles to Old Stage Road, then head over to Buckingham Park. From there we'll head up and into the Lefthand OHV area and trail system.

Planned Option:
We'll do the route as a lollipop loop. Distance is just under 14 miles. Gain is around 4800 ft. Yes, this is for real! Plan fuel and fluid requirements for around 4-5 hours.

Shorter / Less Gainy Options:
If any of you are looking for a shorter or less gainy option, there are a few. First option is to do the route as an out/back and turn back at any point. The other, less gainy options are to access the Lefthand OHV trail system via Lefthand road in the place the mountain bikers do. This will skip one of the major climbs, but you will need to run on the side of the road for a little bit. You can skip it on the way in, the way out, or both. I'll make an announcement at Buckingham Park before we make the first climb. Alternatively, you could start from Buckingham Park, which will cut out about 5 miles, but you will have no warm-up before you start the climb (which will be mostly hiking), or you could start from where the mountain bikers start / enter and you'll skip the first climb and have a little warm-up. If anyone wants to do one of these options, but need more detail, add a comment below and I'll respond with answers to your questions, but please don't wait until last minute to ask them, so I see them.

Longer Options:
If you want to add on, I'd suggest running to the trailhead from Boulder, and/or back, via the North Sky Trail. From one of the North Boulder trailheads it's about 5 miles one way.

The trailhead parking lot is not big, so plan to arrive a little early. Overflow parking is across the road from the trailhead entrance. So, ultimately there is plenty of parking. No formal carpool spot, so if you need that, please coordinate on your own, or put a request in the comments.

The trailhead is a few miles north of Boulder off the west side of highway 36 by Neva Road - Google Maps Link.

Dogs are allowed, if leashed.

Scott Miller
(303) 885-9826
TrailAmbitions
Running Tips and Guidance: YouTube@TrailAmbitions