Review Date
October 8, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: pitt44904 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Maybe not as hardcore as some people like, but, for me, pretty fun. It's a pretty long loop, made psychologically more so every time you ride in and out of the many inlets on the north (?) side of the lake, and you see the dam at what appears to be the same distance for like an hour. For reference sake, I'm a flatlander from Ohio, so there is one climb on the north side that I consider significant, though not hard. After that climb, there's a short descent that winds through the woods, over lots of roots, and reminds me of my favorite trails back home. It's a blast, but so short I always have to ride back up and do it again. Another section that feels similar to me and is really fun is the last mile (?) or so before you get back to the creek. Mostly downhill, over lots of roots. I rip through there. I love that section. All around, there are a few sections that are pretty hairy, but aside from those, Rampart is fairly easy, and really fun.

Recommended Route:
CLOCKWISE.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Palmer Park, Ute Valley Park

Review Date
September 4, 2006

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: mountains80918 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
9/4/06-
This trail has an intermediate level of difficulty. Expect to walk your bike in some tight areas between boulders and other washed out places. This trail is a bit long compared to others I've ridden in the 8 mile range of length.
The views are amazing. I would recommend taking some extra time to enjoy a lunch or break of some type next to the water.

Recommended Route:
I read that bikers should travel clockwise and I followed this rule despite the fact that a few others didn't. I can understand why some bikers would get upset. Since this trail is singletrack with the many areas bordering boulders and steep slopes ending in the resevior, I would recommend that everyone follows this rule.

Review Date
June 18, 2005

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: ridenkd ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Great beginner trail as long as the beginner is in decent shape. I took a novice buddy of mine on it and he had the look of death on his face. 15 miles for a newbie is a bit much.

unless you're into downhills, it has good stuff. If going clockwise, the first half up to the dam is the harder part. it's more technical, occasionally encoutering sections that require walking or some supernatural talent. The half after the dam is a breeze & is considered by some as boring. But it is very scenic. Overall, ok ride. No climbs of any mention...or any downhills either

Review Date
April 19, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: lwmyers ,  Downhiller

Summary:
This trail is intermediate with plenty of short ups and downs. Here is an added bonus for those of you who are hardcore. When you get to the parking area at the boat ramp look up the hill to the north. There is a single track heading up the hill that looks like a washout. Go up it, it levels out shortly, from the top of the ridge there if an old forest road called Stanley Rim trail. Good view and pleasant riding all the way to Stanley Reservoir, which is a stocked, foot and bike access only reservoir. There are loop possibilities from here on old roads that head back uphill and north into the old Schubarth recreation area, once on the old schubarth access road head back west there will shortly be an old service road on your left, it dives back down to the rampart reservior trail.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Balanced Rock, Ice Cave Creek, Ormes Peak trail. All off the rampart road and within a few miles.

Review Date
August 4, 2004

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: MMIII ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Great ride, especially for beginners. In answer to the "trail closed" issue: The trail around the reservior is not closed, but the Rampart Reservior State Park was (possibly still is) for construction. Just park at the Rainbow Gulch Trailhead North of the Park Entrance and ride down the service road (follow the creek) to the reservior and you'll see the trail (or ride into the reservior if you miss it). Current as of 8/4/04

Recommended Route:
Team Telecycle, a local club, would like all to ride clockwise--less head-on collision possibilities with all riding the same direction. The trail is good both directions, so it really doesn't matter.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Anything in Palmer Park, anything in the Cap'n Jacks trail network, especially Jones Park.