Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Hike

I did my first hike here a year-ish ago and loved it! We were lucky enough to see a herd of at least a couple hundred elk which was just icing on the cake. A really nice hike with varied terrain. So let’s do it again…but now they have a new Elk Meadow Trail so we will add on the new trail.

Difficulty: About 13 miles with about 2,000 feet elevation gain. Note that this is a self-created trail so distance and elevation gain could be a bit different.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5 to 3mph. Although the group may split up due to different hiking paces, everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that we can regroup and so no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to take a break at a convenient spot & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

DOGS: 🚫 No dogs allowed at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Let’s go to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area…where there are grassy valleys, foothills, ponderosa pines, stunning red rock cliffs and the ridge with views of the distant mountains. Bobcat Ridge is home to elk, wild turkey, mountain lions and other wildlife. We will pass one historic homesite. On October 17, 2020, the Cameron Peak Fire burned 80% of Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The wildfire burned grassland, shrub, and forest habitat, while damaging infrastructure such as bridges, trails, and small portions of historic buildings. Volunteers have worked hard to restore and repair Bobcat Ridge. We will do the following hike on alltrails except we are adding on the NEW Elk Meadow Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/ginny-and-dr-trail. I will post into photos the trail with the new Elk Meadow route.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Bobcat Ridge Trailhead. The address is 10184 West County Road 32C, Loveland CO 80538. Alternatively you can click on the alltrails links above and click directions. Or If you use Google maps or Apple Maps, you can type in “Bobcat Ridge Natural Area” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.4820896&lon=-105.2271149

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.