Rampart Range Road

Hi All: Is this a good gravel road, paved or does one really need a 4WD?

Thanks
Cynthia

During the summer its good enough gravel --I think its pretty passable by car. With snow, then its 4WD or closed. I haven't been up there in a couple years though.

You'll need 4WD in winter--unless there's no snow for weeks. Barring no storms, you can probably get 10-11 miles from GOG before drifts turn you around.

Thanks guys.

I'm trying to remember who got stuck up there last year. I drove it in late winter and got all the way through but it was a little nerve racking when the snow got deep. I'd say 4wd drive for sure this time of year.

Jack

I wouldn't go up there right after a snow storm without 4WD. In the summer it is passable to cars, but the lower section coming from Garden of the Gods is a bit rough.

The portion from Woodland Park to the turn for Rampart Reservoir is pretty well maintained in winter. I suppose it is to keep the access open for Colorado Springs Utilities. It is usually OK for car travel unless there is fresh snow.

From the Colorado Springs side, the road is usually fine until you go a bit beyond the shooting range or more specifically when you get above the rim of Waldo Canyon. Once you get up there, you'll get into some taller trees that shade the road. From the turn to Rampart Reservoir down to the shooting range can be kinda sketchy in winter even in 4WD. Its usually better in early winter and gets a bit tricky as we move towards March.

It is best even with 4x4 to care a tow chain in case you get stuck in a drift. Also keep to the middle because there are some deep culverts on the edges and it is easy to sucked into them.

I didn't realize it was not a main road. I don't have a 4WD I have a Toyota pickup with only rear wheel...so you can see the problem. I was looking for views of Pikes Peak, any other ideas besides GOG?

I've gone all the way from Garden of the Gods to WP in winter in my old Chevette, and I've gotten stuck halfway between in my 4WD Silverado (neither of which I still own). The problem is that there are a few spots where the wind really piles a lot of snow over the road and makes it impassable, even with 4WD (depending on recent snows). There are also long stretches that see very little sun, and therefore remain covered in deep snow. However, you can find great vantage points within a handful of miles from either end of the road. With recent storms, and with more coming over the next several days, I'd count on not being able to go the whole way. But you still have lots of opportunities along portions that are passable.