8 Mile Loop 9000-9300 Elevation

Rampart Range Road runs north from Woodland Park for fifty miles, following the flat top of Rampart Range nearly to Denver. This range is littered with old jeep roads that offer some of the best mountain biking in the region. Six miles north of W.P. is the Balanced Rock jeep road which makes a fun loop through forest and big rock formations, and can be combined with other roads for loops of any length.

As soon as you pull into Woodland Park turn right onto Baldwin, right before McDonalds, and then continue north three miles to the fork next to an old water plant. Follow the left fork one mile up a hill and go north on Rampart Range Road. In about two miles is the Mount Herman Road, pull in and park in the bushes.

From the junction of Rampart Range Road and the Mount Herman Road, ride east on the Mount Herman Road. This narrow dirt road runs a dozen miles east to the town of Monument. Traffic is light and the road is dotted with rock formations and good views. After 2.5 miles turn left on FR 322A. This rancher's road is the most scenic part of the loop, as it drops for a mile toward Monument Creek. At the creek is a big meadow and towering rock formations, and a scenic trail follows the creek in both directions.

Pass the creek and the road climbs quickly through two switchbacks, passing above one of the rock towers looking over the creek and meadow. After a mile of climbing is the Balanced Rock Road, turning right is scenic but a dead end. Turn left and follow the road along the crest of Rampart Range with good views of Pikes Peak and miles of mountains and forest. This stretch, like all roads in this area, is dotted with side roads that make good camp and picnic spots. After 2.5 miles is Rampart Range Road, turn left and ride a mile back to the car.