Rampart Reservoir

Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.
--Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) Italian Painter, Sculptor, Architect and Engineer.

Rampart Reservoir (surface elevation 9,000 ft) is less than an hour's drive west of Colorado Springs and a fantastic place to unwind, relax and take in some beautiful Colorado scenery.  The dam creating the 500-acre reservoir was completed in 1969 but it was not until five years later that the lake was filled, providing drinking water for the City of Colorado Springs. With its crystal clear water and many inlets, it's a favorite for those who love trout fishing. A lakeside trail wraps around the reservoir for 12 miles and is popular with both hikers and bikers -- and numerous picnic tables are available (see photo below). While some of the area around the lake shows extensive damage from the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire, most remains lush and green. I saw one report that said that 18% of the reservoir's watershed was affected by the fire. No camping, campfires or swimming is allowed. And only electric or unpowered watercraft are allowed. Part of the road to get there is dirt, and though I've read comments online that said the road can be rutted and rough, it was in excellent shape when we visited and didn't present any issues for our car. There is a small per-car fee at the gate ($6 when we visited).  The reservoir is open seasonally to the public from May to November (the specific dates can change from year to year). Click here for more information.

You can also go camping nearby at Meadow Ridge and Thunder Ridge Campgrounds.

Directions: From Colorado Springs, drive west on Highway 24 for about 24 miles to Woodland Park. Right before McDonalds, turn north on Baldwin. You'll soon (~2 miles) come to a fork in the road, turn right onto Loy Creek Road, and then take another right on FDR 300 (Rampart Range Road). Follow signs. Rampart Reservoir entrance is about 4 miles further on the left. For a helpful map of the area click here.