15 Mile Loop Trail 9000-9300 Elevation
Rampart Reservoir sits on a scenic 9000 foot plateau between Woodland Park and Colorado Springs. The circum-lake trail is twelve miles of smooth trail and small hills with beautiful views of the lake and Pikes Peak. This fast trail is one of the most fun and scenic in the region, and even has two campgrounds for those who just can't get enough. Fishing is allowed from shore or boat.
There are two starting points for the lake trail. The campground and boat ramp near the dam make a convenient place for those who want to spend the day, or the night. ($3 parking fee) This report starts at the Rainbow Gulch area, on Rampart Range Road, which is easier to get to but adds three miles to the trail (making the above 15).
As soon as you pull into Woodland Park turn right onto Baldwin, right in front of Mcdonalds, and then continue north three miles to the fork next to an old water plant. Follow the right fork, Loy Creek Road, one mile up a hill and turn right at Rampart Range Road. In about two miles is the Rainbow Gulch parking area on the left.
Walk the bike through the gate and start down the 1.3 mile access road. Stay to the left side of the creek and lake, and start the trail for the northern half of the lake. The first few miles is a smooth trail winding through the aspens, just above the high water line as it follows in and out of the coves.
After about six miles, the trail runs into numerous steep hills and rock piles, but the trail is still quite fun. The cove at mile eight is a particularly bad rock pile that can be partly bypassed. This is also the most scenic part of the trail, with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak rising above the lake and forest, and car sized boulders popping out of the lake. Once at the dam, there is a restroom but no drinking water, and plenty of boats and fishermen.
The first mile after the dam has numerous obstacles both natural and man made, but then the trail turns smooth and fast and is particularly fun as it weaves through the forest. 2.5 miles past the dam is the foot bridge that was passed at the start of the ride. Cross it and follow the access road back to the parking lot.
