Castle Rock area this week

Hey everyone. I’m Castle Rock this week on vacation and was curious on what trails might be in good shape to take the wife and our 3 year old son out on. I have my FunTreks books with me but figured I would reach out to you all as well.

2012 DCSB TRDOR stock height. Fresh 265/75/16 Cooper AT3s.

We’ll be headed down towards the springs tomorrow or Wednesday as well. Want to hit Garden of the Gods, maybe Cave of the winds.

Appreciate any suggestions and would be neat to meet some of you if it works out that way!

Eric

 

I was thinking Rampart might be a good bet after GOTG. I'll check out Mt. Herman as well. We head back out on Friday and it looks like decent weather Wednesday and Thursday.

Thanks for chiming in!

 

FYI - Typically Rampart Range north entrance off Hwy 67 and the south entrance at GOTG are closed this time of year. I know GOTG entrance was closed three weeks ago when I was there with my daughter. Also, Mt Herman is closed at the entrance off of Hwy 105. I believe they open around May 15, unless it is muddy.

I recommend FunTreks page 192, Trail 82 Rainbow Falls.
From Castle Rock take Santa Fe (Hwy 85) north to Sedalia.
West at Sedalia (Hwy 67).
About 15 minutes in, on the left hand side is the Rampart Range (RR) entrance. Check if the gate is open. RR south empties at GOTGs. A more scenic route is to continue heading west on 67.
At Sprucewood take a right (Pine Creek Road) until it intersects the Platte River.
Left on Platte River road and follow the river to Deckers.
Left at Deckers
After about 15 to 20 minutes, past the uphill curves at West Creek, on the left hand side is a sign for Rainbow Falls. Left.
Pick trails you are comfortable with from the description in Funtreks.
One recommendation is 350 to 350B (or 350A) to 351 to 347 (Missouri Gulch) to 79, which dumps you back onto Hwy 67 south of Rainbow Falls.
67 south takes you to Woodland Park where you pick up Hwy 24 south to Cave of The Winds, then GOTGs and Colorado Springs.
That is a lot to pack into one day. Get an early start.
Enjoy your adventure!

 

Thanks for another great suggestion! I think we are going to head to Cave of the Winds here shortly. We might run your suggestion in reverse since it should be a bit nicer after lunch.

 

I know this is an older thread, but happy to find it. Might go check these trails out next week!