Trail Overview

The Mount Herman and Rampart Range Roads route offers a mix of terrain, starting with a rougher ascent on the Herman side before easing into smooth, easy travel once reaching the top. The trail is generally free of obstacles, but washboard sections may challenge drivers to maintain steady control. Views along the route are spectacular, with sweeping panoramas of the surrounding Rampart Range and notable landmarks such as the Garden of the Gods. High-clearance vehicles can comfortably navigate the trail, making it accessible to a wide range of off-road enthusiasts.

Photos of Mount Herman & Rampart Range Roads

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Difficulty

This is an easy trail with no obstacles. The Mount Herman side is rougher and narrower, but once you reach the top, you'll be afforded incredible views and an easy drive.

History

The Rampart Range is rich in scenic and recreational history, with trails originally used for grazing, forest access, and early mining exploration. Flora along the route includes ponderosa pine, aspen groves, and alpine meadows, while wildlife such as deer, elk, and various bird species are frequently observed. The trail’s vistas, particularly looking toward the Garden of the Gods, highlight the geological formations that make this region iconic. Its combination of accessible terrain and stunning alpine scenery makes it a popular choice for both day trips and extended off-road adventures. The Rampart Range Road was constructed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, and the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938.

Technical Rating

Derek Myers

Jun 20, 2026

Open

Beautiful trail with excellent scenery and plenty of places to pull over, take photos, relax, or enjoy lunch with a view. We drove it in a 2025 Bronco Badlands on 33’s and spent about 5 hours on the trail from beginning to end. The main route is very easy overall and should be comfortable for most stock 4x4s and SUVs. The only notable issue is a stretch around the midpoint where the road has significant washboard/corrugation. It’s not difficult, but it does make the ride rough. Airing down isn’t necessary, but I probably will next time just to smooth out that section. There are also some additional side trails off the main route, but we stayed on the primary trail this time.

Big J garner

Jun 17, 2026

Open

Beautiful Trail recommend for rookies.😁 like me. It was my first trail ever great experience. Can’t wait to go again

Alek Byers

Jun 05, 2026

Open

Quiet trail around 11:30am on a Friday. Tons of places to pull off and hang out or camp, just pay attention to signs. A decent amount of spots to test out your rig if you’re a beginner like me.

Gage Carroll

May 29, 2026

Open

Was easy accidentally went beaver creek and that was fun but other then that nice road washboard was insane and blew an engine mount but other then that was fun and scenic

Dave Seaton

May 16, 2026

Open

Drove from Monument to the Rampart Road intersection. Easy, no issues.

Kole Stout

May 05, 2026

Open

David Purser

May 05, 2026

Open

Some confusion here as Mt Herman Rd and Rampart Range are almost two completely separate experiences. In my opinion they shouldn’t be listed together as one route. Mt Herman is currently closed 5/3-5/15 for road repairs and the east portion of Mt Herman Rd is extremely rough. The east portion close to Mt Herman itself has a number of switchbacks, exposed rocks in the trail, and deep washouts (which I hope they are fixing while it is closed). Rampart Range remains open and is an easy drive for all vehicles including (generally) with trailers. Some washboard and bumps but nothing that requires extra care.

Kevin Bice

May 04, 2026

Open

Took this all the way to Schubarth loop. It was open many people on the tree even some low clearance cars. Very easy trail with some killer views. It’s basically just a dirt road.

Keren Arango

May 03, 2026

Open

Rogelio Fernandez

May 03, 2026

Open

Got here and it was closed, did some research online and it was closed until may 15

Brian Wing

Apr 18, 2026

Open

Conditions weren’t bad. I’d rate this a 1 but there were two obstacles coming in from the North side that makes it a 2. Other than that, easy, wet & a little muddy ride.

Andrew W

Apr 18, 2026

Open

Mick DeNudt

Apr 05, 2026

Open

We started on the garden of the god side. Went all the way up to the reservoir but most of the side gates were closed until we got up further closer to schubrick loop there's a lot of fire mitigation. Check the local area listings before heading out. Many of the side trails are still closed until you get a little further up closer to rainbow falls. Very dry, no snow

Ethan R

Apr 04, 2026

Open

There were some significant ruts that were a bit rough on my stock Subaru Forester and the trail was very narrow at points. Overall a very pretty drive with good views.

Kevin Bice

Mar 24, 2026

Open

Easy trail pretty bumpy. There’s one spot closer to monument that has a deep hole but that’s about it. Otherwise very easy trail.