Run Niwot Ridge and Sourdough

This Saturday we’ll be running Niwot Ridge and a section of the Sourdough Trail via Long Lake. The plan is to run this route in a clockwise direction heading up the ridge first then head down into Brainard and back on Sourdough.

ROUTE
Distance will be around 16.5 miles, which includes a roughly 4 mile gradual climb to above tree-line, then a 10+ mile cruiser down the other side of the loop. Total elevation gain will be around 2900 ft, and we'll be out there around 5 hours.

There is a 4 mile extension above tree-line for anyone looking to add a few miles, and for anyone wanting to do a shorter option, I'd suggest doing an out/back on the Sourdough trail, which could get you up to 12 miles. If you start a little later, you could time it so the group catches you as we loop around towards the finish.

CARPOOL / DIRECTIONS
We’ll carpool from the Boulder Justice Center parking lot at 6th & Canyon at 7:00a.

For those wanting to meet at the trailhead, head to Nederland and then head north on the Peak-to-Peak highway (highway 72) for 6-7 miles and turn left on Co Rd 116 (Rainbow Lakes Rd). It's a large trailhead not too far off the highway. We should be at the trailhead around 7:30a.

CONSIDERATIONS
Dogs are allowed.
There is water available when you get to Brainard (Long Lake) if you have something to filter it with.

IMPORTANT NOTE
I (Scott) will not be leading this Saturday. Jeff Dansereau (781-248-6458) will be leading; however, Jeff is still recovering, so he isn't sure if he'll be able to do the whole thing, either way he won't be up front. Therefore, I request that someone (or several) from the front of the pack download the GPS tracks, so you have something to guide you on the set route. You can download the route from my Garmin account. Also, assume Jeff won't be at the carpool spot (he can comment if this is not the the case), so someone will need to monitor the clock and head up at the appropriate time. I'd suggest 7:05. Since the RSVP list won't be monitored, if you are running late, make sure to call someone you know or have directions ready to drive yourself up. The parking lot at the trailhead is large, so there will be no parking issues.

BREAKFAST
No trailhead breakfast this week. Instead, consider heading to Nederland after the run and eat at the Kathmandu Restaurant (110 N Jefferson St, Nederland, CO 80466). Their buffet is awesome!

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