Rampart Reservoir

Aliases: Rainbow Gulch Trail

This mountain reservoir is the largest in El Paso County. The reservoir itself may not be great for birds, but the forest surrounding it is excellent, and most of the mountain specialties, including American Three-toed Woodpecker, can be found. The Rainbow Gulch Trail is especially good birding. Keep an eye out in the area for Golden or Bald Eagles around the reservoir. Pine squirrels, chipmunks and porcupines frequent the area.

County: El Paso

Habitat: Reservoir; Mixed-Conifer Forest

Directions: From I-25, take Exit 141, Cimarron Street (Rt. 24), west about 18 miles to the city of Woodland Park. Turn right on Baldwin Street, which becomes Rampart Range Road and heads 2.9 miles to Loy Creek Road. Turn right on Loy Creek; drives 1.5 miles, then turn right on Rampart Range Road (FR 300). Drive 2.4 miles to the parking area. You will have to walk approximately 1.2 miles on the Rainbow Gulch Trail to reach the reservoir. The path around the reservoir is 11 miles long with heavy mountain bike traffic.

Delorme: 62 A3
Roads of Colorado: 89 D4

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: 0
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Hiking can be a hazardous activity; bring raingear and water, and avoid thunderstorms

Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Tent camping

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Limited

Elevation: 8980

Latitude: 38.97969
Longitude: -104.95994