Try This Epic But Easy Scenic Drive From Colorado Springs

Try This Epic But Easy Scenic Drive From Colorado Springs

 

To us, nothing is better than driving dirt forest roads in the Rocky Mountains. Better yet, in Colorado. We have been driving these scenic Colorado mountain roads for over twenty years. We still get excited to explore these roads because we never know what we’ll come across. 

 

Simply, being alone on mountain tops is our happy place.

 

Rampart Range Road begins a relaxing scenic drive but turns into tight switchbacks with steep drop-offs and amazing views of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, and Garden of the Gods. Initially, it sounds scary for some, but it shouldn’t be. 

 

Don’t miss this moment of a lifetime because of self-doubt. You can do this. And, you don’t need four-wheel drive. Don’t lose out on this fabulous scenic mountain drive, especially from the comfort of your own vehicle. 

 

We’ll show you this easy, yet not well-known, road to have an experience you’ll remember forever.

 

Here’s how to have a magnificent experience that’s off the beaten path.

 

Starting Off Our Rampart Range Road Scenic Colorado Drive

Our Rampart Range Road (forest service road 300) scenic drive started through a residential neighborhood in Woodland Park then quickly turned into a gravel road. Initially, we drove through a lot of trees. Before long, surrounding trees turned into wide views of rolling meadows and grand mountain views.

 

You’ll pass road 309, which goes to the Air Force Academy’s recreation area and resort.

 

Next is Springdale Campground. You can watch for herds of deer and elk while enjoying the views in this personal 13 site National Forest campground.

 

Although the road is gravel it is well maintained making our drive more easygoing. This section follows a ridgeline with meadows and some trees in the distance but you easily see both sides. Pikes Peak also shows up soon. We stopped at a rancher’s gate since no one else was around to enjoy the panoramic views.  

 

After the gate, the road goes back through a wooded area where Rainbow Gulch Trailhead comes up. The 3.4-mile trail leads to Rampart Reservoir and is rated for all skill levels.

 

If you’re looking for a nice group camping site then go to the Dispersed Campground just past the Rainbow Gulch Trailhead. Once again, you’ll find spectacular views of Pikes Peak. 

 

Look for road 306 soon after. It goes to Meadow Ridge and Thunder Ridge campgrounds, Promontory Picnic Area, and a boat ramp at Rampart Reservoir. Don’t be surprised when you see the fee booth in the middle of nowhere though.

 

Overall, this meandering section of the road is relaxing with incredible views of the backside of Pikes Peak.

 

You need to experience another favorite drive that’s so easy in the wildflower capital of Colorado. Crazy, But Crested Butte Is Better Without Snow

 

Major Landscape Changes On Our Rampart Range Road Scenic Colorado Drive

Not long after the Dispersed Campground and road 306, it gets a little bumpier with some occasional potholes. Here, the road and mountain scenery starts to change.

 

The brown road gradually turns red, along with the soil on the mountain.  

 

Additionally, huge boulders scatter on the landscape. Not jagged but rounded and smooth. Like the size of cars and apartment buildings.

 

The biggest change comes from a recent forest fire. We crossed the fire boundary into burned trees as far as we could see. Even though this seems unattractive, we had better mountain views.  

 

This is where the road starts to get curvy with tight switchbacks and steep drop-offs. But also fun to drive. At the same time, you can see the red dirt road for miles ahead.

 

Be sure to stop at overlooks for excellent scenic views of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado Springs.

 

Don’t be afraid to try this epic but easy scenic drive from Colorado Springs because you will miss out on an incredible experience.

 

Fabulous Views Of Pikes Peak And Colorado Springs On Our Rampart Range Road Scenic Colorado Drive

Once again, the road transitions between red and brown as you leave the forest fire area. Nevertheless, more switchbacks still appear with trees and boulders. Outstanding scenic views keep coming, one after another.

Aspen trees start working their way into patches of forested areas. Regardless, amazing scenic views remain. 

 

As scenic views of Colorado Springs get closer, spectacular alpine scenery changes into dull desert-like bushes and landscape. For instance, like what is seen out west in old movies. You know, the landscape where rattlesnakes roam.

 

We want everyone, and their dog, to have a safe time when outdoors where snakes live. Did you know rattlesnakes generally don’t live above 9,000 feet? For this reason, read our article Easy Ways That Will Keep You And Your Dog Safe When Hiking With Snakes.

 

Traffic picks up as you get closer to Colorado Springs and it reminded us how nice it was to be alone in the mountains.

Garden of the Gods comes into view in due time as you’re driving switchbacks down the mountain. Eventually, rarely seen from backside views of Garden of the Gods come up.

 

Before you know it, you drive onto the back end of Balanced Rock.

 

Driving Tips For This Scenic Mountain Road

• For a more personal time go early in the morning before traffic arrives.

• Storms and fog can start instantly so go early to have a clear view.

• This is a good road for any vehicle.  Even though we have a four-wheel we didn’t use it.

• Rampart Range Road closes for the winter months therefore check ahead to make sure it’s open.

• The road is wide enough for two vehicles but it doesn’t have guardrails.  Don’t get too close to the soft edge of the road.

• Drive slowly around blind curves and switchbacks. This way everyone has room to safely maneuver.

• Don’t assume other vehicles are not coming from the other direction. Occasionally, you will encounter someone going too fast. You have to watch out for other drivers for your own safety.

 

This scenic drive is fun for all ages and it’s even an easier drive. A Fascinating Colorado Scenic Drive With Silly Chipmunks

 

Final Thoughts

 

Overall, Rampart Range Road starts as a relaxing road with a casual pace. It’s an easy-to-drive dirt road that’s well maintained. Especially for forest roads.  

 

Some sections do have tight switchbacks and steep drop-offs but take it as slow as you feel comfortable with and you will be just fine. You will find great places to hike, camp, and fish, along with unbelievable scenery.

 

Since both ends of the road are near towns we saw more traffic at each end. Thus, Kristi had to keep busy in her role as Social Ambassador To The Dirt Roads. I drove and watched for potholes to avoid so she gave passing vehicles a friendly wave.

 

Go ahead and try something new. You will be surprised by how easy and enjoyable Rampart Range Road is.

 

As always, thanks for reading, and keep following along because we’ll show you easy, yet not well-known, roads to have an experience you’ll remember forever.

 

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Tom and Kristi