Heil Valley Ranch

Boulder Colorado Hikes , Boulder Colorado Parks , Boulder County Colorado Parks , Denver Area Hikes

Welcome to Heil Valley Ranch, a place that has remained mostly undeveloped since the pre-historic times!

Park History: Archeologists estimate that before the arrival of Anglos, there were at least four Native American camps on this land. Once the gold rush brought in the Anglos farming soon followed. Like the Hall Ranch sandstone was also mined on the property. In 1949, the Heil family purchased the land and operated it as a cattle ranch for Herefort Cattle. In the 1970's they attracted more tourists by allowing for hunting on the land as well as by having horseback riding and hayrides. In 1996 Boulder County purchased the land.

The park's lack of development makes a prime wildlife refuge. Some of the parks wild animals include foxes, coyotes, bears, deer, rabbits, and mountain lions. For the human visitor the parks offers over 15 miles of multi-purpose trails ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate. No dogs are allowed in the park. Come on out and see the scenery.

When visiting any park in Boulder County Colorado please respect the rules.

*All open space parks open at dawn and close at dusk. Unattended vehicles in the parking areas after hours are subject to citations.

*Except for the campground at the Fairgrounds, all camping is prohibited in Boulder County Parks.

*There are some parks where dogs are not allowed on the trails and these areas will have signs posted. Dogs are allowed in areas where there are no restrictions posted but they must be leashed and waste removed.

*All equestrians and cyclists must stay on designated trails. *

Please respect all park wildlife and do not harrass or torment them. Hunting and trapping are also forbidden.

*Swimming is not permitted anywhere and fishing is allowed only in designated areas.

*All burning is restricted to picnic grills.

*No littering! Please dispose of all trash in proper containers and help keep the parks clean.

Please respect these rules, the parks, and all local, State of Colorado, and United States statutes.