Lovell Gulch Trail

Lovell Gulch is a loop through ponderosa and aspen in the hills north of Woodland Park, with the west side of Pikes Peak filling the view from its upper ridge. It is about 5 miles with 900 feet of gain (the Forest Service calls the lariat 4.4 miles; GPS tracks run closer to 5.3), easy enough for a family, and it is where Colorado Springs hikers go when the Manitou and Garden of the Gods trails are full.

From the trailhead on Rampart Range Road, the trail crosses a meadow and enters the forest, following the gulch gently uphill for about a mile to the start of the loop. Most people go clockwise, climbing the west side through aspen and pine to the ridge, where the trees open and Pikes Peak stands across the valley to the south with the Rampart Range to the east.

The ridge section is the high point of the loop at about 9,000 feet, with a couple of short climbs and a bench or two. The trail then drops back into the forest on the east side, following a second drainage down to the loop junction and the mile back to the trailhead. The junctions are signed. The loop works in either direction and connects to longer trails in the Rampart Range for anyone who wants more.

From US 24 in Woodland Park, take Baldwin Street north, which becomes Rampart Range Road (County Road 22). The trailhead is about 2 miles north of town on the left, next to the city's public works building, a gravel lot with room for perhaps 20 cars. It fills by mid-morning on summer weekends. No fee or permit. There is no toilet.

Dogs are allowed and are common on the loop; keep them leashed. Camping is allowed at undeveloped sites at least 300 feet from the trail and the stream. The grade and the distance suit kids who are used to a couple of hours on their feet. Mountain bikers use the loop and the ridge; it is popular with them on weekends. Carry water; the gulch is dry most of the year. Woodland Park, 5 minutes away, has groceries, restaurants, and gas, and the Pikes Peak Highway starts on the far side of town. The Colorado Springs hikes page has the Manitou trails, and the Front Range page covers the rest.