Long ago, I viewed “anglers” as a lazy bunch. They (meaning those anglers other than you) choose the path of least resistance, opting to drop a line in water closest to the road, closest to the trail, near the campground, and nearest the parking lot. Even more industrious anglers don’t walk far enough away from public access points, giving up to the lure of the water after only 10 minutes of walking. 

Then a few years ago I began to apply my skills to fly fishing and, boy, what an amazing experience. I discovered that fly fishing was one way I could get my aerobic workout out of the way with the hike in and then relax on the side river in my quest for the best.

Given my love of nature and my fitness background, I immediately took to the first task of those who fly fish: finding the fishing hole. I had heard about one fishing area in particular that intrigued me: It was located five miles deep in the forest — seven and a half miles up Boulder Canyon at Walker Ranch. Walker Ranch is for the adventure angler looking to combine his workout and his big catch.

Walker Ranch is a relatively unknown fishing paradise offering “a rich mosaic of mountain habitats to explore in any season. Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs are interspersed with open meadows and aspen groves,” notes the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Web site.  Homesteaded by James and Phoebe Walker in 1882, the property was once one of the largest cattle ranches in the state. Boulder County purchased some of the property in 1959 and now owns more than 2,500 acres, leasing an additional 1,212 acres from the Bureau of Land Management. The ranch is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  On September 15th, 2000, the tragic Eldorado Fire burned about 1,062 acres, almost exclusively on Walker Ranch. Rehabilitation efforts have been completed and the ranch is again full of a great diversity of plants and animals. Coyote, deer, black bear, mountain lion, and wild turkey frequent the area, and elk migrate here from higher elevations in the winter.

I make my first trip to Walker Ranch each year in early spring, as the South Boulder Creek begins to flow. It comes right through Walker Ranch from Gross Reservoir, located upstream and west of the open space boundaries. At that time of year, the weather is still a bit chilly but at 8,000 feet the sun beams down to keep me warm. I tend to dress in layers so I have the option of shedding clothing as my body begins to warm up from the long, winding hike down to the river.

There are three trailhead access points to Walker Ranch:

•     Crescent Meadows parking lot at  Eldorado Springs State Park,
•     South Boulder Creek parking lot off Flagstaff Road, and
•     Ethel Harrold Picnic Area off Bison Road.

With several trail-heads to choose from, this hike provides the opportunity for short day hikes or even a multi-day circumnavigation.

To access the South Boulder River, begin your hike on the north side of Walker Ranch at the Crescent Meadows parking lot. The 14.5-mile loop around Walker Ranch can be one of the longest trails in Boulder Canyon. The trail snakes around the canyon and follows the South Boulder River up to the Ethel Harrold Picnic Area. The trail is well-marked and wraps counterclockwise as it winds through the canyon in a loop. It starts off on a well-maintained surface of crushed stone, but within a quarter mile turns rocky and rough as it approaches the river. Some of the best views of the river occur near mile marker two on the trail and thereafter. As you finish your initial 1.25-mile descent through a pine forest down to the river you will come upon a great little picnic area off to your left. I oftentimes stop here to enjoy a quick bite and take in the beauty of the river. If you chose to continue, the trail climbs to the right for less than a mile before leveling off, offering some of the best views.

In early spring the trees are still bare but come July or August the picnic area is overgrown with pines and trees. This creates a well-shaded fishing spot. I personally like the overgrown trees and shaded river beds to keep me hidden from the trout. This area of the river is packed with primarily brown and rainbow. If you choose to walk upriver another three miles you will find brook and cutthroat trout.

If you’re looking for a quiet, almost untouched, river, try your hand at Walker Ranch.