It was a wonderful experience. Feeling the ancient mountains.A great way to get healing from the life stresses that exist in most other places.

The trail system here is quite good, having good variety and pleasant scenery, with adequate mileage to please both hikers and mountain bikers. Access, especially to the north end, is relatively easy and parking generally not a problem.

First time at Heil Valley Ranch. I parked at south end and got in a 7.5 mile hike on the Lichen Loop, Wapiti and Ponderosa Loop trails. Gorgeous day, low 60s in February. The trails were almost entirely dry, thanks to good design and maintenance (see photo). The overlook on the Ponderosa trail was outstanding. Along the way you get some nice views of Mt Meeker and Longs Peak. Great place to spend a few hours. This said I think nearby Hall Ranch is more scenic, and overall better for hikers since it has a long, pedestrian only trail. But Heil might be better for spotting wildlife, with all the sheltered meadows and thick Ponderosa stands. This time I only saw two mule deer, though. No wapiti (elk). Two mountain bikers fell on rocky sections of Wapiti, so I guess it's not a cakewalk.

This trail network is north of Boulder just off of Hwy 36 and the turn to Lefthand Canyon. It is in the foothills with plenty of shade. When you get near the top (6800', about a 1000 foot elevation gain) there are good views in all directions. I am a hiker and found this trail to be easily shared with the mountain bikers - Everyone is courteous and there is ample time for a warning. I use this as an early season hike to get back in shape while snow still covers the higher mountain trails. Even though this is near civilization I have seen herds of deer and have heard the gobbling of wild turkeys. For bikers, this appears to be a fairly easy trail. The trail is also well groomed with flat rocks to facilitate some of the turns. Near the trailhead, there is a picnic area and a short nature trail