Rainbow Gulch to Rampart Reservoir

Let's take our pups to Rampart Reservoir for some splash time!

The Rainbow Gulch trail is wide and well maintained; it starts as a service road in forested terrain, then follows an aqueduct outlet and stream to the reservoir. We'll take the southern path around the reservoir to one of the nice spots where the dogs can frolic and cool off in the water; we'll then return the way we came. Hopefully it won't be as heavily trafficked on a Tuesday!

Highlights: Lots of Aspen trees along a stream leading to Rampart Reservoir
Distance: About 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 250 ft
Hike Time: approx. 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
HikeType: Out and Back

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 mountain bikes. 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 (North/West) side for the smooth wide path that continues along the north side of the reservoir, or take the right (South/East) side for a narrower trail that meanders through willows and continues along the south side of the reservoir. In the winter this trail is also excellent for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The trailhead is located on Rampart Range Road. In Woodland Park, turn north on S. Baldwin Street from Hwy 24 (at the McDonalds), this road will become Rampart Range Road. When you reach a Y in the road at the North end of town veer right; this will be Loy Creek Rd. When you come to a T at the end of the pavement turn right again; this will be County Road 300. 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)

We'll meet at the Trail head - https://goo.gl/maps/honT51LTv6e7X1Z4A