Russell Ridge Road

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overall, this is a pretty solid dirt road. Some spots get rocky but shouldn't pose any problems.

To get to the trailhead, take Hwy 67 west from Sedalia into the mountains. After passing a youth camp, the road will curve to the south. At that point, start keeping a lookout for a dirt road on the right with signs to the "Columbine Public Archery Range" (39°21'59.1"N 105°07'00.2"W). Follow the signs along the dirt road to the archery range that will dead end into a parking lot. The trail is the old forest road on the north side of the parking lot.

The trail is a pretty easy run along the old forest road. The majority of the steady uphill portion is between 0.25 miles and the 1 mile point. After that, it just gently rolls up and down. At the 3 mile point, the road forks and the trail continues to the left (39°24'04.4"N 105°08'33.1"W). The right fork leads up a short ways to a camping spot at the top of the hill with a great 360 degree view! The last 1/4 mile is downhill and terminates at an old "No Motor Vehicles" sign and another great camping spot.

Lots of butterflies and grasshoppers can be found on this trail.