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Rampart Reservoir Mountain Bike Trail
Woodland Park, Colorado
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
31 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 8/29/10 by RoadWarrior |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 14 miles | Global Rank: #463 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 145 | Wishlist: 64 |
| Avg. Speed: 5.56 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 36min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,281/-967 ft |
Directions:
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Description: This trail is an excellent ride for riders of almost all skill levels. The scenery is excellent, the trail is fast yet technical, and the length is just right. The only problem is, some of the other users of this trail aren't too friendly (depends). Anyway, to avoid any dirty looks, etc, ride this route clockwise. Follow the double track / dirt road down from the trailhead. At the bridge on the right, CONTINUE straight to do this loop in an acceptable manner. There are alot of side trails here but as long as you stay close to the lake front, you will not get lost. This trail reminds me of some east coast rides, particularly lake rides like Tsali and Owl's roost. Lots of trees, lots of technical sections involving large rock formations (although each of these can be avoided by taking an alternate route around them). Keep your eye out. Oh yeah, and be courteous. When someone yields trail to you, say thanks, say hello when you pass, etc. A great ride.
You can also go camping nearby at Meadow Ridge.
Description: This trail is an excellent ride for riders of almost all skill levels. The scenery is excellent, the trail is fast yet technical, and the length is just right. The only problem is, some of the other users of this trail aren't too friendly (depends). Anyway, to avoid any dirty looks, etc, ride this route clockwise. Follow the double track / dirt road down from the trailhead. At the bridge on the right, CONTINUE straight to do this loop in an acceptable manner. There are alot of side trails here but as long as you stay close to the lake front, you will not get lost. This trail reminds me of some east coast rides, particularly lake rides like Tsali and Owl's roost. Lots of trees, lots of technical sections involving large rock formations (although each of these can be avoided by taking an alternate route around them). Keep your eye out. Oh yeah, and be courteous. When someone yields trail to you, say thanks, say hello when you pass, etc. A great ride.
You can also go camping nearby at Meadow Ridge.
added in 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Palmer Trail / Section 16 in Colorado Springs
Buffalo Creek in Pine
Monarch Crest Trail in Salida
Peaks Trail in Breckenridge
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by Gairo on August 10, 2011
I first heard of this trail some years ago from a Colorado MTB "ace." He said the trail "sucked" because it was TOO easy. I am not a technically adept rider, so I thought this might be a good fit for me. Like so many have noted, lotsa' hike a bike sections. Not a great overall flow. I wasn't disappointed, but I don't think I will come back. It would nice if some of the more insanely technical sections had bypasses built around them. It took me an 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete the loop. Whenever you see a rock formation coming up on the trail, rest assured that a technical section awaits you. Dismount as needed.
reviewed by mbspark on July 12, 2011
I just rode the trail today after work. I'm just getting into mountain biking so I found this trail very difficult in sections. I see some of the earlier reviews on here that make it sound so easy. I would love to get tips from those riders, because as later posts suggest, some of the areas are just impossible (at least to me) to be ridden. Having said all that, it only took me 1:49 to ride it, so I was also surprised to see the average time being 2 1/2, since I'm just getting into it. The trail is beautiful and majority of it is very fun to ride, but be prepared to get mad having to get on and off your bike frequently.
reviewed by newtwuzhere on July 3, 2011
Rode this yesterday, going clockwise. Since nobody seems to be acknowledging this on here, I'll do it. I'm a fairly advanced rider accustomed to east-coast riding, and rode with a friend who is an advanced rider accustomed to riding in Arizona. Both of us had to walk our bikes, I'd say close to 10% of the time on this trail. The trail is deceptively easy most of the way, then suddenly you come upon a completely unpassable section, with another 50 yards later, and another 70 yards later... etc. Great scenery, but I'll honestly probably never come back. There's no flow whatsoever, and if you start to pick up speed, beware. You'll probably have a lot of difficulty stopping when you come upon deadly obstacles. I'd typically WANT to direct other riders toward the trails that I don't plan to ride, but its quite a drive just to be disappointed. Also, lots and lots of people here.
Similar Trail: I've never seen anything like it. Both the easiest and most difficult trail I've ever ridden, all on the same trail.
reviewed by Toddab on June 5, 2011
This was a fun trail, but a little understated. The trail is easy most of the way, but there are more than a few hike a bike sections without options. I would ride it again but understand it is a long ride and not for the faint at heart. No long climbs no long downhills except the section coming from rainbow parking lot and then coming back. Overall it was a good trail.
reviewed by Toddab on May 26, 2011
I took my wife on this ride over the weekend, and it might have been a bit much. Overall it was a good ride with a lot of sandy areas that reduced traction a bit on some of the small climbs. It got a bit frustrating getting off the bike and hauling it over and thru the unrideable rocky areas. If the average time is 2hrs and 45 mins we must be pretty slow. The whole ride from the free rainbow lot took us almost five hours. Overall a fun ride when we were riding.
reviewed by zr140th on May 26, 2011
Not a bad ride! 14 miles, decent speed, GREAT VIEWS, acceptable gravel amounts, just enough climbs to let you know you're still in CO. I liked the mix of some East Coast riding conditions in there as well (dense trees, dirt and pine needles, roots). There were a number of spots that I had to get off due to either being in the wrong gear coming out of a blind corner or rock sections that were impossible for me to ride through...narrow. Overall though, none of those sections were enough to call this trail technical or unbearable.
Similar Trail: Falcon
reviewed by maddslacker on March 15, 2011
This is one of the first trails I rode when I got into mountian biking and I still like to revisit it. The scenery is excellent, and it has fast singletrack combined with technical features for do-overs. It is recommended to ride it clockwise, and the hikers are supposed to go counter clockwise. There tend to be lots of people walking dogs on the trail.
reviewed by DSmithOU on October 18, 2010
This is an awesome trail! First time to ride a CO bike trail. Took the 3 of us just under 3 hours. Beautiful views while on the trail - after you leave, park your car on the right side of the road and soak in the view of Pikes Peak. Just awesome.
reviewed by RoadWarrior on August 29, 2010
Rode the trail clockwise, seams to be the best, but with 3 different access points and people using the trail for, hiking, biking, running ,and getting to their favorite fishing spot I guess anything goes. Everyone I met or passed was very friendly. Great trail, trail on south side is much easier than the north side, and a good choice for beginners. A good option for those with the legs is to take the Back door trail on the north side of the dam. Granny gear climb but the views up there are great.
reviewed by ljimmie on July 31, 2010
Just read about this trail in a book and rode it today. It's a great trail no matter your skill level. One thing I must note, the book and others I have talked to said to ride clockwise, but I was the only one doing it. Be sure to go counterclockwise.
reviewed by ralbritton on July 23, 2010
This is an awesome ride! Not very technical or difficult but it's made to ride fast and with 14 miles it's can be a bit of a workout. The track is perfect, very few rocks with a light covering of crushed granite. I give it an intermediate level due to the length and altitude. Oh and the views are incredible. Be sure to put this ride on your list if you're in the area.
reviewed by tlemons on July 20, 2010
Ride it CC. Flowy, yummy singletrack with short bursts of climbing. I have been riding this for 10 years and it is fun every time! I think its a bit too much for kids though. I see families stuck out here all the time realizing half way into it they took on too much.
reviewed by SWAD44 on June 5, 2010
Great Single Track. Not too difficult at all, good scenery, not many climbs. The only thing bad that I noticed were several annoying cement water "gulleys" that run directly across the trail.
reviewed by rearrango on July 26, 2009
Mostly singletrack around the reservoir, except for crossing the dam (pavement). The trail is easy to find and follow. Enough technical features to keep your skills honest. Ride it clockwise like recommended. We never saw another rider except at the parking lot. Great views of Pike's Peak to the south, so stop along the way and enjoy the scenery. Took us 2:20min with a couple of stops.
reviewed by sleeper6 on June 26, 2009
I hiked this trail today. I will be going back soon to ride it. There are a couple of spots that have been washed out (only one that might cause beginners problems). You have this trail listed as "Closed" but it is open and there were several bikers on it today as well. Best to ride trail in the morning if you don't wanted to get wet with the afternoon thunder showers.
reviewed by mtnspectre on June 17, 2009
Rode this trail numerous times when I lived in Colorado. Last time I was there I took some of my Army buddies up there. Inexperienced riders and they enjoyed the ride. Would love to take my wife there when get go back to visit.
reviewed by vbeckman74 on March 13, 2009
I love this ride. It's rolling hills with a view of the lake for most of the ride. Not very technical, but there are some parts that will make you pay attention.
reviewed by skibum on October 12, 2007
This is one of Colorado's most popular trails, and for good reason. The singletrack is way cool, with lots of variety and great views of Pikes Peak. To be honest, the reservior isn't as pretty as a natural lake, especially when the water is low, but the woods and rock formations you're riding through (or over) are spectacular. This one is just plain fun. Unlike most riders, I prefer to ride counterclockwise. This gives the best way to hit the flowy singletrack and the technical spots, and gives you the best downhill about 75% of the way through the ride. Of course, if you go against the grain, it's best to go at an off-peak time.
* Review edited 2/1/2011
Similar Trail: Waldo Canyon
reviewed by wjacobsen on September 12, 2007
This trail has changed a lot. With many weeks of hard rains in the area. There are several places on the trail where the earth has eroded and the trail is very technical. NOT for beginners and slow for advanced. Expect to take about 5 hours around the lake.
reviewed by shane_anthony77 on June 18, 2007
Nice trail. It is all crosscountry, and the views are very good.
reviewed by arnolda14 on June 6, 2007
Way fun. The exposure to the water adds a kind of fun psychological boundary - makes it seem more exciting somehow.
reviewed by teamfreak16 on May 29, 2007
One of the most fun rides I've ever done. Rampart has a little bit of everything, rollers, technical sections (lots of roots,) climbing, downhills, and the scenery is spectacular. Well worth the effort.
* Review edited 5/31/2007
Similar Trail: Parts of Winter Park are similar, albeit without the lake
reviewed by utedude on August 18, 2006
This trail has it all. Fast single track, banked curves, good uphills, great scenery, and some really tight, pedal sc***ing technical sections. A great place to train or stop and have lunch at one of the many picnic tables or amazing boulder formations. I highly recomend this trail to anyone who is visiting the Colorado Springs area.
Similar Trail: The Chutes, Colorado Springs
reviewed by geargrinder on July 31, 2006
What a great ride! This singletrack is fast and fun with just a few technical sections and short climbs. If you are a beginner looking to experience singletrack this is a good place to start as the technical sections are not steep and are easy to walk around. If you are an expert it is a blast to rail the corners and negotiate the simple obstacles. Lots of beginners ride this on the weekends, making frequent stops and enjoying the scenery. It can take 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete a leisurely ride of the loop, so pack lots of food and water! During the week or even late in the evening on weekends there is little traffic. There was once a race here and it took the winner less than an hour to complete a loop. If you are going that fast please be considerate of others, make way for beginners, and smile as you whiz by! This ride has introduced lots of riders to singletrack in Colorado. The scenery, twisty trails and length make it perfect for luring new bikers into our sport.
Similar Trail: Buffalo Creek is a step up in difficulty (more climbing) but not as technical.
reviewed by c3667 on May 28, 2006
Great Trail! There were quite a few people there (holiday) but a great veriety of singeltrack and not a lot of climbing! Just and overall great ride!
reviewed by sionnach on April 22, 2006
I love this trail, great workout, few technical ares but an all around good trail. I will ride this again!
reviewed by telemarkdude on October 2, 2005
This is a great trail trail and recommended. It's mostly smooth gentle up and down singletrack. The technical sections that everyone keeps referring to are very short (just a couple moves here and there, to get through some rocks). A very fast and fun trail.
Similar Trail: Twin Lakes Loop
reviewed by Ratchet_Jack on September 26, 2005
Rode this in the afternoon of 9.24.05 after a family picnic under some aspens across from the trailhead. Very nice ride. The water was low and showed off some really cool boulders and watermarks. You can get up some pretty good speed on this ride. The few technical areas are good spots for practice. Not sure what the mountain bikerís code would say about that but I did take a couple of mulligans. The flagstone sluice boxes that funnel runoff into the lake are interesting. Like riding through a bathtub. Lots of side trails that are great for exploring and most lead up to access roads or down to the reservoir. I really got a kick out of the high bank ěIndyî style corners with the Colorado Corn in the apex, challenging at speed. Next time, I may park by the dam as bonkedagain suggests, the ride in on that dirt road is total washboard. Fun ride, canít wait to try it in the Spring.
reviewed by bonkedagain on August 2, 2005
This trail is always a pleasure to ride. No gut buster hills (especially if you park near the dam), lots of swoopy turns. A couple short technical sections for variety. Nice views. Rideable by anyone with basic bike skills. A great place to have a fun ride without killing yourself.
reviewed by carbon_bars on July 1, 2005
rode here this morning it is a good loop. has alot of smooth single track with pretty much even terrrian. good trail to ride a single speed on or just grind out your middle ring. if scopebite is looking to ride this trail i do not think he could hang.. lol over all great cardio loop!!
reviewed by trek7k on July 18, 2003
Rode out here today, 18 July 03. The trail is open even though there are signs saying the reservoir is closed. Just park at the trailhead described in the review above and you'll be alright. The lake level is up, the grass is green, and the flowers are out. Awesome time to ride here.
Similar Trail: Colorado trail near Deckers, CO.
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