Pictures of Colorado often make it look like Denver sits at the foot of the Continental Divide. In reality, the Continental Range begins about 50 miles west of here. The smaller mountains close to Denver are called the "Front Range," and that part of the Front Range between Denver and Colorado Springs is called the Rampart Range. There is a dirt road that goes along the crest of the Rampart Range and, as we hadn't seen it for a few decades, that's where the LC took us yesterday.
The road is paved for the first 100 feet or so. The other 38 miles is gravel.
For the most part, the road is graded to the point you could drive a Cadillac over it. (It used to be much rougher and more fun.)
We decided to get a look at Devil's Head before heading down to Woodland Park.
Even the narrowest parts are nicely groomed.
The aspen are starting to take on their fall colors.
There are few panoramic vistas to take in along Rampart and, unfortunately, the air wasn't crystal clear.
We did find a shady spot to enjoy lunch.
The only wildlife we saw was a gang of wild turkeys. It was difficult to get a clear shot as they blend into the undergrowth pretty well.
In all, the ride was much tamer than I remembered. They've improved the road a lot (too much) since I last rode it on a dirt bike. But it was a beautiful day and a great way to get out of town and enjoy a change of scenery.
The road is paved for the first 100 feet or so. The other 38 miles is gravel.
For the most part, the road is graded to the point you could drive a Cadillac over it. (It used to be much rougher and more fun.)
We decided to get a look at Devil's Head before heading down to Woodland Park.
Even the narrowest parts are nicely groomed.
The aspen are starting to take on their fall colors.
There are few panoramic vistas to take in along Rampart and, unfortunately, the air wasn't crystal clear.
We did find a shady spot to enjoy lunch.
The only wildlife we saw was a gang of wild turkeys. It was difficult to get a clear shot as they blend into the undergrowth pretty well.
In all, the ride was much tamer than I remembered. They've improved the road a lot (too much) since I last rode it on a dirt bike. But it was a beautiful day and a great way to get out of town and enjoy a change of scenery.
