Caribou Ranch

Caribou Ranch is a mountain park and the westernmost park in the Boulder County Park system. It sits at an elevation of around 8600 feet on the edge of the Roosevelt National Forest.

Park History: Caribou Ranch has a rich history. It was used as a hunting ground by the Native Americans for many thousands of years. More recent history in the park includes what the remains of an old silver mine started in the 1870's known as the Blue Bird mine as well at a path that was once part of the Denver, Boulder, and Western Railroad, which ran from 1904-1919. The old railroad bed is now known as the Switzerland Trail.

The first man to own the ranch was Canadian miner William Martin who named the place Tucker Ranch. In 1936 the land was purchased by a rancher by the name of Lynn W. Van Vleet who breeded Arabian horses on the property. Two movies were filmed at the ranch, Sons of Courages and Arabians of the Rockies. In 1971 James Guercio, a music producer purchased the ranch and changed them name from Tucker Ranch to Caribou Ranch. And finally, a quarter of a century later in 1996, the land was purchased by Boulder County and turned into Caribou Ranch Park.

Today the parks 2180 acres provide over 4 miles of trails that are open to hikers, horses, and skiers in the winter. However dogs and bikes are not allowed in the park at any time. Come on out and explore.