Rampart Range History

During the Great Depression the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the Rampart Range road as a public works project. Sixty years later, the road continues to provide public land access for recreation to Denver and Colorado Springs residents. Motorcycle and ATV enthusiasts from around the country flock to the area for the challenging trail system, while others come for the spectacular vistas offered from the road itself. The Devils Head fire lookout tower offers one of the best views on the Front Range with peaks visible for 100 miles on clear days. Forty years ago Congress enacted the Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of 1960. Under the act the Forest Service is required to manage outdoor recreation, watershed, range, timber, and wildlife in a sustainable manner to provide for current demands without sacrificing the availability of resources for future generations. For motorized recreation that means developing, maintaining and protecting the area so tomorrow's cyclists and ATV enthusiasts have somewhere to ride. Routes that are established by illegal use rather than sound engineering and land management principles threaten water quality, wildlife habitat, and even their own sustainability. New, poorly designed social trails strip the land of vegetation and speed erosion. Erosion can effect water quality. Ultimately, when faced with the question of priorities: OHV trails remaining in compliance with the Clean Water Act and protecting resources, land managers are offered little choice under the law but to close trails. Protect the future of motorized recreation on the Rampart Range by sticking to the numbered trails.

Why are there so many dead trees around here.

This area has fallen victim to two separate infestations affecting two different species of tree.

The ponderosa pines along the Rampart are under attack by the mountain Pine beetle. The first sign of attack is the formation of pitch tubes, which appear where the beetles have entered the tree. A few months after the initial infestation a staining fungus begins to discolor the wood and cut off the tree's ability to move nutrients and water. Approximately one year later the needles turn red and the tree's die. In the last few years the area has seen several attacks, which resulted in the loss of dozens of trees along the Rampart. Mountain pine beetle attacks are a natural part of the ecosystem. While not aesthetically pleasing in the short term, pine beetle attacks and forest fires have historically been the source of Colorado's open meadows and mountain parks. There is currently a contractor removing trees that have been attacked to help slow the spread and reduce the risk of fire.

Along Sugar Creek (affecting Hwy 76 & FDT 677, 675, 674, & 653) the Tussock moth infested the area feeding on the new growth of the Douglas fir trees. Their 1995-1996 attack resulted in the largest infestation in the states history, involving hundreds of acres of forest. While the infestation is over now, the standing dead trees remain and will continue to pose a hazard to riders, hikers, and campers in the area. Look out for falling trees during high winds especially around thunderstorms. Be alert to the presence of fallen trees while riding and driving on forest roads and trails.