Rainbow Gulch (let's try it again)

Highlights: Lots of Aspen trees along a stream leading to Rampart Reservoir Scenery: Distance: 2.6 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 250 ft Hike Time: approx. 1.5 hours (unless we go farther around the reservoir) Difficulty: Easy Trail Condition: Well maintained trail HikeType: Out and Back If you are late/lost or need to cancel last minute, call Sandy: 440-537-8922 --------------------------------------------------------------- Summary: This is an alternative access to the Rampart Reservoir trail. The trail also is used as a service road so it is a wide trail. 4 people could easily walk along next to each other. The trail is fairly well graded which also makes it popular for cycling. The trail follows a gentle decent along Rainbow Gulch. About halfway down the trail you will come to an Aqueduct outlet that supplies Rampart Reservoir. The trail does a Y here. Take the left (West) side for the smooth wide path, or take the right (East) side for a single track trail that meanders through willows. We'll take the right path, as there are usually less fisherman. At the end of the trail you will be able to see Rampart Reservoir. You can head back from this point or follow the Rampart Reservoir trail all the way around the Reservoir before returning. In the winter this trail is excellent for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trailhead: The trailhead is located on Rampart Range Road which is accessible from both Woodland Park and Colorado Springs. From Colorado Springs head west on highway 24, and at the second stoplight in Woodland Park by McDonald's turn right. This road will become Rampart Range Road. When you reach a Y in the road at the North end of town veer right. When you come to a T at the end of the pavement turn right again. After 2.4 miles you will see a large parking area on the left. This is the trailhead. It is well labeled with signs. (Lat:38.97763 Lon:-105.00916) Meeting spot: We will meet at Woodland Park Park and ride and then caravan from there to the trailhead