The most scenic trails usually have a good varitey of
green trees, good views, cool rocks, and a creek or lake.
These locations have a good sampling of these features.
Rampart Reservoir Trail
The 12 mile trail that circles Rampart Reservoir has it
all - cool forest, cool rocks, great views, and a beautiful
mountain lake. This popular location also boasts three
campgrounds and good fishing. The south side trail is easy
and the north side is just a little challenging but loads of fun.
Emerald Valley Road
Just off of Gold Camp Road is one of the prettiest valleys
in this region. This fun jeep road crosses the creek eight
times as it climbs through aspen forest and beaver ponds
with towering peaks nearly straight overhead.
Crags Trail
Just south of Divide village, this popular trail can be a
zoo on busy weekends. But it's still beautiful. It starts
out following a creek through the forest then passes below
towering rock formations. It ends up on the Crag formation,
overlooking the whole Ute Pass area.
Phantom Canyon Road
This 25 mile road drops 4000 feet between Victor and Canyon City.
It starts out in the big green pastures and forest of the
Cripple Creek plateau and then winds into Phantom Canyon
with its towering cliffs and riverside forest. You can't
quite coast the whole way, but it's one of the most
enjoyable rides in this region.
Elevenmile Canyon
This is one of the most beautiful canyons in Colorado.
The Platte River churns its way below the towering canyon
walls, where you'll find ten miles of great fishing,
wading, biking and climbing. It even has three campgrounds
in case you can't explore it all in one day.
