Rampart Reservoir Trail #700, CO

The Reservoir This reservoir is open to fishing, boating, camping, mountain biking and hiking around this beautiful body of water. Te Colorado Division of Wildlife is responsible for stocking the lake with trout, including :Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout and Lake Trout. The Reservoir is covers 500 acres and holds roughly 13 billion gallons of water which is supplied to the Colorado Springs area. Keep in mind that if you park at the dam, the gate is only open from 7am-7pm. However you can park (for free) before you enter the reservoir area and there is a trail leading to the path around the lake.

The Trail The trail is very popular with mountain bikers, especially beginners. Most bikers will prefer to go counterclockwise but if you hike this one it shouldn't make too much of a difference which way you head. It is a 12 mile loop around the reservoir and only at one point does it stray from far enough from the waters edge to where you cannot see the enormous body of water you are circling. During the fall, aspens here dot the forest with colors from bright yellow to dark red and brown. The water is a beautiful blue color and the beaches on the water's edge curve in and out from the water. Keep in mind that during dry years, the water level is much lower. The trail winds in and out of the pine trees surrounding the water up and down gentle rolling hills.

Check out the Official Route and Triplog.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2010-10-15 kentman2020