The Rampart Reservoir is the perfect place for a day trip! Our family left in the late afternoon and still had plenty of time to get there and to enjoy it's beauty. If you are leaving from the Springs there is two easy ways you can access the reservoir. The first is leaving from Garden of the Gods and heading up Rampart Range Road, which is approx. 57 miles on a dirt road. The route has beautiful scenery and gives for a great ride with lots of beautiful picture opportunities. The second way is on Highway 24, which takes you towards Woodland Park and is about a 30 mile drive depending on where you leave from in the Springs. Our family has gone both ways and they are both great options.
Things to do at Rampart Reservoir
The Reservoir itself
is the biggest attraction. Wading, swimming, and water skiing, however, are
prohibited. You can enjoy fishing if you have a valid license and follow the
rules. This lake is a beautiful lake to kayak around as the water is very clear. Several excellent hiking opportunities are also
available in the area with trails like Rainbow Gulch, Rampart Reservoir, and
Nichols. These trails also are a favorite
destination for Mountain biking as well.
Furry friends are welcome as long as they are on leashes and don't go in the water.
Camping Opportunities:
There are plenty of camping opportunities for those visiting. The Meadow Ridge and Thunder Ridge areas around the reservoir were converted from picnic areas into campgrounds in around 1974. Both campgrounds or campsites are located at an elevation of 9200 feet.
View from the "scenic road"-Rampart Range Road.
Once
you’ve driven up a ways, you will be
greeted with great views of the Garden of the Gods, spectacular
views of Pikes Peak, the prairie, the rugged Front Range and Tarryall Mountains.
The road is very exposed and unsecured with a lot of twists and turns and there are no services. We met all types of vehicles on the road and many that did not appear to have four wheel drive.