Ester Dome Single Track (Happy Valley Trails)

The feel

The Inner Loop is purpose-built singletrack that winds through birch forest, mostly open aspen with denser stands of spruce and birch here and there. It is hiked and run as well as ridden, and it belongs to the larger Happy Valley Trails system of about 11 miles.

Watch for the occasional moose. The trail is set up for mountain bikes, which can make footing harder on foot, and several intersections call for care. Colored reflectors mark the way: yellow for the Inner Loop and orange for the Outer Loop.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 2.8 miles, with about 410 ft of gain, on singletrack through birch and aspen forest.

Time

About 1.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Best from June through September. All trails are two-way, so yield to uphill traffic.

Parking

A small lot on Ester Dome Road holds about 6 to 8 vehicles, with the trailhead at its uphill side.

Fees and passes

Parking is free.

Dogs

Allowed, and may be off-leash in some areas.

Hazards

Slick spots after rain, a lot of mosquitoes, and moose. Take care at the intersections, where the Inner and Outer Loops meet three times.

Season and access

Used year-round, including by fatbikers, walkers, runners and snowshoers in winter. There is a brief closure during spring break-up.

Mingo says

Wait for a dry day, because the trail turns slick after rain. Bug spray matters here, since mosquitoes can be thick in summer.

Before you go

• Take Sheep Creek Road to Ester Dome Road and climb about two miles to the lot on the left.
• Look for the yellow reflectors that mark the Inner Loop.
• Pack bug spray.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.