When I’m short on time and can’t make it out to my usual trails in Lyons, you’ll usually find me hiking at Sandstone Ranch in Longmont, CO. It’s a short drive just east of the downtown area, and has more elevation change than most of the flat walking trails elsewhere around the city.
Sandstone Ranch was founded around 1860-1880, and the original homestead serves as a small museum to the history of the farm and the geology of the area. The parking lot is near the bluff overlooking the valley, so I usually start my hike there. Enjoy the view of the mountains (and the abandoned sugar mill) in the distance, along with the St. Vrain river below.
After enjoying the overlook, I tend to head down the trail to the left. While you’re walking down, pay attention to the rocks on either side of the trail – there are many fossils from the ancient seabed along the way.
The trail curves to the right at the base of the sandstone bluff, giving visitors a fantastic view of the rock formations. As the trail moves on, you’ll find yourself at the historic homestead, surrounded by other farming structures and a pond.
The trail connects off to the side with the St. Vrain Greenway, so walkers can head off to see more of the river and the plains if they choose. Alternately, you can keep curving to the right, past the house, and head back up the hill towards the parking lot. Hiking at Sandstone Ranch is short but with lots of interesting views – perfect for those days when you want to enjoy nature but can’t invest too much time into an outing!
Today’s hike count: 92.
AllTrails difficulty rating: N/A.
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