Facility Overview

The Rampart Range Road Entrance Lot is a rugged, open-air dirt and gravel staging area situated along Colorado State Highway 67 (Jarre Canyon Road) just southwest of Sedalia, Colorado. Serving as the primary northern gateway to the acclaimed Rampart Range Motorized Recreation Area within the Pike National Forest, this surface staging area accommodates outdoor enthusiasts heading into thousands of acres of public lands. Because the parking footprint is an expansive open-sky lot, there are zero vertical clearance restrictions, making it exceptionally well-suited for high-clearance 4x4s, full-size pickup trucks, camper vans, and vehicles towing multi-axle utility trailers or motorized toy haulers carrying dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned directly at the junction of CO-67 and Forest Service Road 300 (Rampart Range Road), this lot serves as the definitive jumping-off point for outdoor exploration in Douglas County and the Front Range foothills. Notable nearby destinations and landmarks include:

• Rampart Range Motorized Trail System: Direct, immediate access to over 100 miles of designated single-track motorcycle and double-track ATV trails maintained by the US Forest Service and the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee (RRMMC).
• Indian Creek Trailhead & Campground: Located approximately 4 miles to the west via CO-67, offering access to the Colorado Trail and multi-use equestrian and mountain biking paths.
• Jarre Canyon Scenic Corridor: Beautiful red-rock sandstone outcroppings and pine forest scenery lining Highway 67.
• Historic Sedalia & Local Eateries: Situated roughly 10 miles northeast down Jarre Canyon, featuring classic mountain-town stops such as the Bud’s Bar (famous for burgers) and Gabriel’s Italian Restaurant.
• Devil’s Head Lookout: Further south along Rampart Range Road (seasonal access), leading to the historic working fire lookout tower and panoramic Front Range views.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to the lot is straightforward via State Highway 67. Traveling southwest from US Highway 85 (Santa Fe Drive) in Sedalia, drivers ascend through scenic Jarre Canyon for about 10 miles until reaching the marked turnoff for Forest Road 300. Ingress and egress points connect directly to the paved highway, though drivers towing long trailers should use caution when slowing down to turn across traffic, as Highway 67 is a winding, two-lane mountain corridor. There are no municipal bus or rail transit routes servicing this mountain recreation area; personal transportation or carpooling in a reliable private vehicle is required.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Ample unpaved ground allowing flexible parking arrangements for oversized vehicles and long trailer rigs.
• Unrestricted Clearance: No height limitations or overhead barriers, easily accommodating roof racks, rooftop tents, lift kits, and fifth-wheel setups.
• Trailhead Information Kiosks: Periodic informational signage and USFS trail system maps posted near the entrance.
• Free Public Access: Staging and day parking are generally free of charge on public forest land turnouts.
• Direct Off-Road Trailhead Link: Immediate access to Forest Road 300 without navigating private property.

Ideal For

• OHV Enthusiasts: Dirt bike riders, ATV operators, and side-by-side drivers unloading before hitting motorized recreation trails.
• Dispersed Campers: Adventurers staging vehicles before scouting national forest dispersed campsites along Rampart Range Road.
• Hikers & Trail Runners: Visitors seeking access to non-motorized and connector trails within the South Platte Ranger District.
• Scenic Day-Trippers: Explorers driving the seasonal backcountry route south toward Woodland Park and Colorado Springs.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Seasonal Road Closures: Rampart Range Road (FSR 300) undergoes seasonal gate closures during winter and spring mud seasons (typically December through mid-to-late May) to preserve trail integrity and ensure safety. Always check USFS road status alerts before planning deep backcountry travel.
• Peak Arrival Times: Weekend mornings during late spring, summer, and early autumn draw heavy trail traffic. Arrive before 8:30 AM to secure flat parking space that leaves ample room for turning trailer rigs around.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: This is a primitive, leave-no-trace staging facility with no regular trash service or potable water. Carry sufficient drinking water and take all refuse with you.
• Cellular Connectivity: Cellular reception along Jarre Canyon and the entrance lot can be weak or intermittent depending on your carrier. Download offline topographic maps and GPS directions prior to leaving Sedalia.