Peak Ascent

Back To The Trails

The definition of ‘rampart’  is “a broad elevation raised as a fortification”. This description perfectly matches the geography of the Rampart Range, a smaller division of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. On the Southwest edge of the Denver suburbs, the Rampart Range protects the wilderness beyond its steep slopes. Tucked against the soaring ridges here, sits Roxborough State Park, a small preserve of red rock formations that would fit right in at Moab. The 6.4 mile out-and-back trail to Carpenter Peak is a trail runner’s fantasy. Climbing over relatively moderate and smooth hardpack, the trail leads to the 7,160 foot summit and affords 360 degree views of the surroundings from a rugged granite viewpoint. As a hikers-only park, the trails are in excellent shape. The scrub oak grows to the edges of the trail and I brushed against the coarse leaves frequently along the way. My favorite trails involve a rocky technical descent and the finish of this run fits it to a tee, especially the close growing shrubs that make the footing trickier. Today’s run felt the best of all my runs this week.