Rampart Reservoir Loop

Rampart Reservoir Loop is a long hike located in Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area near Woodland Park. This hike follows the shoreline of Rampart Reservoir. This loop is 15.4 miles long and gains 726 feet of elevation.

This hike starts from Rainbow Gulch Trailhead. There are no amenities at the trailhead. Begin hiking east on Rainbow Gulch Trail. This is a wide and flat trail that heads downhill. After 0.8 miles, the trail begins to run parallel to a creek. After another 0.6 miles, you will turn right and cross a bridge to continue on Rainbow Gulch Trail. Another 0.5 miles will bring you to a junction. Turn left onto Rampart Reservoir Trail. You will now be walking near the south Shore of Rampart Reservoir. Continue on this trail for 2.9 miles. Here, you will turn left and begin hiking on Forest Road 306. The terrain opens up here and you will have a great view of Pikes Peak to the south. Ormes Peak is also visible to the southeast. 

After 0.9 miles on Forest Road 306, you will turn left onto Rampart Reservoir Trail. You will now be hiking along a tree lined trail. The trail has many small ups and downs as you travel along the northern shore of the reservoir. This trend continues for 2 miles. Here you will encounter a more sustained uphill followed by sustained downhill. This lasts for 0.9 miles before the ups and downs begin again. After 1.8 miles, you will encounter a junction and go straight to stay on Rampart Reservoir Trail. Another 3.4 miles will bring you to a junction. Turn right here to take Rainbow Gulch Trail. From here, you will retrace your steps uphill to the trailhead.

Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area is accessible year round via Rainbow Gulch Trail. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are allowed on this trail.