I keep forgetting that this area is full of trails to ride! Make sure that you bring a fishing pole; the reservoir looks like a great spot for fishing. I have always wondered how to get up here from the Air Force Academy, and I may just have found the road. Updated Photos & KMZ June 17th, 2008
Location: 45 minutes from Colorado Springs
Dates: July 2007 – May 2008, June 2008, August 2009
Photos: Click to view album
Getting There:
- HWY-24 from Colorado Springs to Woodland Park.
- Turn right at S Baldwin St
- Continue on CR-22 / Rampart Range Rd
- Turn right at Loy Creek Rd
- Continue on Shubarth Trail
Trail Ride Description: (See Google KMZ file below for ride directions) Like I said, this is a great area to ride. The trail starts out on a 4×4 dirt road made of the typical Colorado crushed granite. Most everything to the north allows vehicles (including ATVs) on it, bit if you head down into the southern area you’ll be where they can’t! Even-though, vehicles are allowed, I usually don’t see to many. Today I saw 3 parked cars and 2 ATVs. I stopped and talked with the guys on the ATV as they were trying to find a way to Stanley Reservoir for a little fishing. It broke my heart to state the obvious - No Motorized Vehicles! They were bummed as I rode off and down to the the lake. Be prepared for some climbing, I got in almost 1,400 feet in this 11 mile loop. This is a neat & clean trail that I would not be afraid to take kids or beginners on.
Click for full view of the trail profile
The Basics: This is a heavily populated area on the weekends as it is so close to Colorado Springs so expect motorized traffic of all kinds. There is no water at any of the camping areas and the two lakes are kind of far away to use for horses/camping, so bring your own. I would recommend shoes if you are going to ride this area a lot.
Maps to Download:
Google Earth KMZ file with Photos & Waypoints
