Rule Ridge

Divide, Colorado (Teller County)

Last Updated: 10/11/2021
3.8 / 5 ( 10 reviews )
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Status:
Open
Typically Open: Year Round
Length: 9.27 miles
Highest Elevation: 9057 feet
Duration: About 1 hour, 30 minutes
Shape of Trail: Straight Through
Best Direction to Travel: N/A
Nearest Town: Divide
Nearest Town w/ Services: Divide
Official Road Name: 357
Management Agency: United States Forest Service
District: Pikes Peak Ranger District

Highlights

Highlight: Rule Ridge
This scenic 4WD & OHV trail starts near the Westcreek area off 67 in the Hayman burn area. While there isn't much vegetation at the start of the trail, the views of all 14,110ft of Pike's Peak are amazing. As you proceed down the trail, the trees will start to pick up and you'll even encounter some logging operations by the Forest Service to thin out the trees towards the south. Rule Ridge is great for camping near 67. While there aren't well-known trails on this route, the spurs off the main trail offer a little of something for everyone.

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Route Information

Technical Rating

( EASY )

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Waypoints

1. Rule Ridge/Creek FS 357 Trailhead (0 mi)
The entrance to Rule Ridge is easy to find along Painted Rock Road. There is a large trail opening that includes the signage for the trail. Make sure to stop by there and check for any restrictions or special notices. Since a large portion of Rule Ridge runs through burn area, the area is more sensitive to dry conditions. Rule Ridge has large parking areas near both entrances. It's recommended that you air down here if wanted as coming from Painted Rocks Road there is little to no parking outside of camping spots throughout the trail.

Directions to Trailhead

Starting Point: Divide, CO

Take Highway 24 and head northwest to Highway 67 and then north towards West Creek. Turn left on Painted Rocks Road, 7 miles north of Woodland Park.

Camping

Dispersed

Land Use Issues

This area is part of Pike-San Isabel National Forest, and as such is part of the 2011 Lawsuit where a coalition of conservation and recreation groups were suing the U.S. Forest Service over what they say is an illegal addition of 500 miles of motorized roads and trails. A settlement was reached in late 2015 that is requiring the U.S. Forest Service to re-evaluate the roads and create a new travel management plan. 30 roads have been partially or completely closed while this evaluation takes place over the next few years. Those trails affected have been noted here at trailsoffroad.com. It is imperative that the OHV community makes their voices be heard on this issue. If we do nothing, those 500 miles will be shut down, some already have. Contact the local ranger districts and let them know why the area is important to you and the history you have there. Contact your Congressperson and Senator as well. They know how important the OHV community is to the economy of the state.

Trail Reviews (18)

Questions & Answers (2)

Q: We're looking for a relatively easy trail without a lot of high-speed traffic for our son to drive his small side-by-side without holding everybody up. It seems like this might be too busy; any thoughts? He can handle level 2 or light level 3 trails.
–Bryan Tillman (08/31/2020)
–JD Marshall (09/01/2020)
Q: Is the camping at the beginning of this trail have good coverage or is in the burn area? Also, how busy is the area for camping? Would I be able to find a spot on Friday evening?
–P (08/12/2020)
–JD Marshall (08/12/2020)

Writer Information

JD Marshall

Mapping Crew - Colorado
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Jen & JD moved to Colorado from Chicago in May of 2015 for work and brought with them a 2001 stock Jeep Wrangler that had been garage bound for two years. Within a month of arrival, all rusty 170,000 miles of it was shaking on Colorado trails and they've never stopped. As time as gone on, their 2001 TJ had to be traded and a 2015 Jeep JK has been added to the family. JD works as a Systems Engineer for a cable company and Jen runs a business from their home during the week to pay the bills. When the weekend hits, they're almost always hitting the trail. When Sunday night rolls around, the question turns to, 'so what's next week?!'.
For individual use only, not to be shared.

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