Looking at http://drwelby.net/coloradogravel/ there could be a loop of gravel/dirt on Rampart Range, Hidden Valley, Fern Creek, others. These are west of Castle Rock & Monument. Has anyone ridden these?
I have ridden Rampart Range Road a couple of times and pledge myself to avoid it at all costs. Rampart Range Road is a rough, washboarded surface across the entire width of most of the road due to the heavy traffic with pickup trucks towing trailers with ATVs, as there is a vast network of ATV trails in the area. I haven't ridden Hidden Valley or Fern Creek. My most valuable source of maps is the Benchmark map book entitled "Colorado Road & Recreation Atlas". Benchmark's legend makes it easy to discern main gravel roads from "B" roads and paved roads. The scale is also the largest as compared to the Gazeteer series of map books. I can't recall where I purchased mine. They are also available via benchmarkmaps.com.
I rode Rampart Range Rd down to Woodland Park then looped back around on Hwy 67 a couple of weeks ago. I agree Rampart does have a fair bit of washboard, but I'd still go ride it again. Its beautiful back there and I'd like to explore some more options for loops that would avoid riding as much pavement as I did.
Thanks for the info! I was mostly concerned about road conditions and knowing that it was popular motor area that it wouldn't be the most friendly, but sounds like something to still checkout. If I figure out a time I plan on riding down there, I'll try to post something about it.
