TMJ Reveals Favorite Trail Gems
Trevor Phipps & Rick Langenberg
The Teller County/Ute Pass region sports some of the best hiking and outdoor excursions in the state, many of which aren’t that well known. We sometimes like to keep it that way. Here are some of TMJ’s favorites.
Rampart Reservoir – Located just to the east of Woodland Park is the beautiful Rampart Reservoir that is nestled in the mountains above the city. The lake has a boat ramp along with several other camping and picnic areas. However, for those who do not wish to drive into the park and pay the fee to get in, there is a trail located off of Rampart Range Road just before the official entrance to the lake. The Rampart Reservoir Trail is rated as moderate, and is a 13.2 mile loop that takes adventurers on a route around the entire reservoir. The trailhead starts on Rampart Range Road and follows along a river that flows out of the ground from other reservoirs in the western part of the state. The trail from the road to the reservoir is about two miles and it is a nice trip alongside a quickly flowing stream. Once trekkers reach the reservoir, they then have the choice of which way they want to take around the lake. This trail is open to both hikers and mountain bikers, and it offers exquisite views of the gorgeous lake and picturesque sightings of America’s Mountain.
Schubarth Trail – The Schubarth area can be reached by turning a right at the first “Y” on Rampart Range Road and then going straight at the four- way stop at the top of the hill. The road is kind of rough but it can be traversed carefully in a two-wheel drive car. The first section of the road rides through private property, including an aspen tree growing area for the US Air Force. Once you ride through the private property, the surrounding area around the road is National Forest property. Those driving cars should be cautious how far they drive from this point because the road does start to get rough. Shortly after the National Forest sign, there are several pull offs to the right where vehicles can park. There are several trails from these pull offs that lead down to the trail that circles Rampart Reservoir. One of the trails takes hikers down to a point where there are beautiful rock formations nestled on the reservoir’s shore.
Rule Creek Trail – This trail is located off of Hwy. 67 just north of Woodland Park, and this exact area is not as well-known as other trails in the area. The trail is accessed by turning off of Hwy. 67 on Forest Road 339 and then staying to the left. Once the river crossing is reached, it is wise to park there. Hikers can then follow the river to the north or south. Hikers that choose to go south can follow a trail along Trout Creek to the back side of the Lion’s Camp property. Trekkers can then stay along the creek and follow it to where Rule Creek runs into Trout Creek.
Horsethief Falls – This Teller County trail offer views of waterfalls as well as options to hike around the mountains. The trailhead to these high mountain falls is located off of Hwy. 67 in between Cripple Creek and Divide, just after the old railroad tunnel that is blocked off. The start of the trail gives hikers many options of trails that traverse the foot of Pikes Peak on its western edge. The trail starts by leading explorers up a steep climb up the side of a mountain. After about 0.8 miles, the trail levels out into a pleasant valley and the trail comes to a tee with a sign leading to either Pancake Rocks or the falls. Heading north will take hikers on the Pancake Rock trail, whereas continuing to travel straight east will bring them to the beautiful, high mountain waterfalls. The falls are only a short half mile journey from the sign in the valley. Anne Marie Falls The Anne Marie Falls trail is a hidden gem that is also located in between Divide and Cripple Creek. However, instead of going all the way to the tunnel, visitors turn off near the Mueller State Park entrance towards the Crags Campground east of Highway 67. To view this waterfall, hikers must park at the parking lot at the end of the road that leads to the campground. Then, the adventurers must take the Ring The Peak Trail for a short distance past three river crossings
Catamount Recreation Area – Usually when the government gets involved in conservation and trail preserving, bad things happen. But this is one example where such a venture turned into a real outdoor win for Teller County. The Catamount Ranch Recreation area is located off Edlowe Road and features The Fehn/Elder and Vayhinger route, or hikers can venture out to the reservoirs, and hook up to Ring the Peak. In any case, great views of the back side of the Peak prevail, and these can be accessed by those with basic walking skills.
Green Mountain Falls’ Mount Dewey – This Green Mountain Falls gem is a fairly new route, located on the sunny side of the mountain and quite different from other trails in the area. Access is right downtown, across from the swimming pool, just follow the signs through a few uphill residential roads. In fact, the access to the trailhead is probably one of the more rigorous parts of the journey. The Dewey route offers great, un-obstructive views of the Ute Pass, and make sure you stop at the infamous Spiritual Platform about a quarter of the way up the mountain. Great spot for yoga, mediating, playing a musical instrument, taking a few photos or indulging in your beverage of choice. The summit of Mt. Dewey then connects to the Bratton trail and Catamount routes and Thomas juncture. An absolutely fantastic loop, and well suggested by area trail buffs, and accessible almost any time of the year. This trek has emerged as one of the big outdoor hits during the annual Green Box Arts Festival. Plus, if you want just a rigorous mile or so jaunt up the summit, this can be achieved fairly quickly. Or, you can turn the trek into a more multi-hour journey. The choice is up to you.
Woodland Park’s Red Rocks – When most say they are going to “Red Rocks” they are usually talking about either going to the amphitheater located west of Denver or the open space area on the west side of Colorado Springs. However, most locals know that there are beautiful red rock formations right here in Teller County north of Woodland Park off of Highway 67. The area can be accessed by turning right at the intersection where the Lion’s Camp is on the left side of the highway. The road brings hikers to a large parking lot where the trail starts that leads up to the rocks. We could reveal more hiking gems, but here is a good start. Happy trails.
