oil well flats
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Start: Begin your ride at the first trailhead. Additional parking is available just 0.2 miles up the road.
Elevation gain: 800 feet from the first parking area to the high point - Island in the Sky Fitness effort: Medium to strenuous Difficulty: Novice to advanced Terrain: Rocky; natural surface singletrack Seasons: Best during spring and fall; rideable in winter when dry; summer will be hot Trail users: Hikers, bikers, equestrians Dog friendly: Be courteous of others and keep your dog on a leash, bring waste bags, and clean up after your pet. Watch for both wildlife and cattle. Distance: ~12 miles total for a round trip on the singletrack (double up or ride in reverse)Note: Hikers tend to prefer the two upper parking lots to access the higher terrain, but the hiking is enjoyable wherever the trails take you! Horse trailer parking is available in the second lot. |
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TRAIL BETA
Oil Well Flats utilizes some dirt roads, but consists mostly of singletrack trails. Cruise through junipers and piñons as you ascend toward Fire Canyon and Unconformity, areas that were altered in 1988 as a wildfire scorched the area.
Fracture - This is a flowy, novice trail that will delight experienced riders as well. Connecting with other intermediate trails within the system, beginning riders on Fracture could be encouraged to expand their biking skill-set with these nearby trails.
Island in the Sky (Clockwise) - Begin with some welcome shade in tall pine trees. The trail soon leads to an open meadow where you’ll begin your ascent. Rocky across the top of the ridge, but you’ll be rewarded with views of cliffs, Cañon City, and the snow-capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range.
MOOve Over - This feature-heavy trail offers experienced bikers a wealth of opportunities to test their skills. Best ridden downhill, but please be cautious of uphill trail users.
Fracture - This is a flowy, novice trail that will delight experienced riders as well. Connecting with other intermediate trails within the system, beginning riders on Fracture could be encouraged to expand their biking skill-set with these nearby trails.
Island in the Sky (Clockwise) - Begin with some welcome shade in tall pine trees. The trail soon leads to an open meadow where you’ll begin your ascent. Rocky across the top of the ridge, but you’ll be rewarded with views of cliffs, Cañon City, and the snow-capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range.
MOOve Over - This feature-heavy trail offers experienced bikers a wealth of opportunities to test their skills. Best ridden downhill, but please be cautious of uphill trail users.
Please be aware that Oil Well Flats is home to some grazing, and plan accordingly. This area is closed to motorized vehicles during muddy conditions. Respect all trail / gate closures to help maintain the integrity of the trails. Check the BLM or FAR website for updates on conditions and closures. Expect and be courteous to equestrians.
LocationFrom downtown, head east on Main Street or Highway 50. Turn left (north) onto 15th Street and continue for .9 miles. Turn right (east) on Central Avenue and continue for 1.0 miles. Turn left (north) onto Field Avenue and continue for 2.2 miles. Continue north at Y intersection with Red Canyon Road. Travel on Red Canyon Road for 3.7 miles. Turn right (east) on dirt road (first available right-hand turn after Red Canyon Road crosses to the east side of Fourmile Creek) and continue to parking lots.
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