Oil Well Flats Mountain Bike Area
Challenging rocky trails and serene arid landscapes, perfect for mountain biking, equestrian rides, and primitive camping year-round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear of snow and ice
Oil Well Flats Mountain Bike Area
Best Time
Clear of snow and ice
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Challenging rocky trails and serene arid landscapes, perfect for mountain biking, equestrian rides, and primitive camping year-round.
"A crown jewel trail system for equestrians and a must-ride for mountain bikers, offering breathtaking views."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain is rocky; sturdy shoes or boots are essential for both riding and hiking.
🗺️ Navigate with a Map App
Print a map or use a navigation app to best utilize the trail system and plan your ride distance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Outer Loop Trail
Oil Well Flats
A 13.25-mile loop offering challenging, rocky terrain with breathtaking arid scenery.
Equestrian Trail System
Oil Well Flats
Significant multi-use trails perfect for equestrians, with ample trailer parking and varied ride lengths.
Winter Riding Haven
Oil Well Flats
Normally clear of snow and ice, making it an ideal winter riding destination when mountain trails are inaccessible.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Clearance
Camping & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain is rocky; sturdy shoes or boots are essential for both riding and hiking.
🗺️ Navigate with a Map App
Print a map or use a navigation app to best utilize the trail system and plan your ride distance.
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle
Recommended for accessing campsites due to washouts and ruts on the dirt roads.
🏕️ Basic Camping Experience
Enjoy serene camping with good cell service, but pack all essentials as there are no amenities.
Canon City trails
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain is rocky; sturdy shoes or boots are essential for both riding and hiking.
🗺️ Navigate with a Map App
Print a map or use a navigation app to best utilize the trail system and plan your ride distance.
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle
Recommended for accessing campsites due to washouts and ruts on the dirt roads.
🏕️ Basic Camping Experience
Enjoy serene camping with good cell service, but pack all essentials as there are no amenities.
🐻 Wildlife Awareness
Be aware of potential wildlife encounters; keep food secure and be vigilant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oil Well Flats is lauded for its challenging trails, stunning arid scenery, and its value as a winter riding destination. Campers appreciate the solitude and good cell service, though the primitive nature of the sites and the need for high clearance vehicles are noted drawbacks. Some visitors have encountered thunderstorms and wildlife, adding to the adventurous experience.
"Equestrian’s this multi use trail system that’s especially significant for Equestrian use is perfect for your riding needs! When driving into this riding area the Equestrian trailhead in the second one in with plenty of room for rigs with horse trailers to park. This trail system provides many opportunities for different lengths of rides. What I call the outer loop is right at 13.25 miles and you can easily cut that in half with cross trail use and cutting the length in half if needed. The terrain is rocky, so shoes or boots are required. The trails are challenging, but not impossible for most equestrian skill levels. They are marked well and I suggest you print out a map or get a navigation trail map app to ensure you navigate the trail system in a way that helps you meet your distance and time requirements. This is a crown jewel trail system for Equestrian’s and a must to ride, better yet while you can’t ride in the mountains further north in the winter, Oil Well Flats is normally clear of snow and ice making it a perfect winter ride area for Equestrian’s! The views are breathtaking for sure!🤠"
Robert Rickgauer
"Pretty ride with some chunk and rocks and a thunderstorm for added drama"
Frederick Bailey
"So far so good. Camping at 1800hrs. and there is not a sound. Beautiful and serene. Had my dinner and watched the sunset. Camp spot #14 is a nice large area. Cannot see the other camp spots. High clearance 4WD is reccomended. The roads have a great amount of washouts. I did not have to use 4WD, just needed the clearance. Was looking at other reviews and saw a picture of a bear from 3 months ago. Texas boy ears are on alert, lol. Would recommend for camping. The trails are well marked."
Derek Sexton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oil Well Flats is located near Pueblo, Colorado. Access roads are dirt and can be rutted, with washouts, so a high clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended.
Yes, Oil Well Flats is typically clear of snow and ice in the winter, making it a great destination when mountain trails are inaccessible.
It's highly recommended to print out a trail map or use a navigation trail map app to ensure you can navigate the system effectively and meet your desired distance and time requirements.
Yes, there is an equestrian trailhead that is the second one you'll encounter when driving in, offering plenty of space for horse trailers.
You can expect beautiful and serene arid scenery, with breathtaking views, especially during sunset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required for trail access at Oil Well Flats Mountain Bike Area. It's a public land area for recreation.
Camping at Oil Well Flats is generally free, but it is primitive camping with no amenities.
The trails are generally open for public use during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours, but it's advisable to be off the trails before dark.
There is no specific entrance fee for the Oil Well Flats Mountain Bike Area.
Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays.
🎫 🚵 Onsite Experience
The trails are described as challenging but not impossible, with rocky and chunky terrain. The outer loop is about 13.25 miles, but can be shortened.
While there are challenging sections, the trail system offers opportunities for different lengths of rides, so beginners might find shorter, less technical routes.
Camping is available in designated spots, offering a quiet and serene experience with good cell reception. However, it's primitive camping with no amenities.
Yes, the trails are generally well-marked, but using a map or navigation app is still highly recommended for optimal route planning.
The terrain is rocky and can be challenging. High clearance vehicles are recommended for navigating the dirt roads to the campsites due to washouts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services or restaurants within the Oil Well Flats area. Visitors need to bring all their own food and water.
Campfire regulations can vary. It's best to check local fire restrictions before your visit. If permitted, ensure you have a safe fire pit.
The nearest towns with dining options would be Pueblo or Colorado Springs, which are a significant drive away. Plan to pack all your meals.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and meals for your entire stay, as there are no facilities available.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can set up a picnic at your campsite or find a scenic spot along the trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The arid scenery, rock formations, and expansive views offer great photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
While not a primary wildlife viewing area, there's a possibility of spotting local fauna like skunks or even bears, so keep your camera ready.
A versatile lens for landscapes and potential wildlife shots would be ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for the expansive views.
The trails themselves offer numerous viewpoints. The higher points along the outer loop provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding arid landscape.
Golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography, highlighting the textures of the arid terrain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key Recommendations: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities. Ensure you have a vehicle with good clearance for accessing campsites. Emphasize the importance of staying on marked trails and being aware of the surroundings, including potential wildlife. The scenic views provide a great backdrop for family photos.
🏇 Equestrians
The rocky terrain provides a good challenge, and the trails are well-marked. Its status as a winter riding area, typically free of snow and ice, makes it an invaluable destination when mountain trails are inaccessible. The breathtaking views add to the overall riding experience.
🏕️ Campers
Essential Gear: A high clearance 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for navigating the dirt roads to the campsites. Be mindful of wildlife, such as skunks and bears, and store food properly. Enjoy the stunning arid scenery and the peace of being away from developed campgrounds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
For equestrians, the system is a crown jewel, offering ample space for trailers at the dedicated trailhead and routes suitable for various skill levels. The ability to cut across trails also allows for shorter rides if desired. Whether you're on two wheels or four hooves, the varied distances and challenging terrain ensure an engaging outdoor adventure.
Pro Tip: Many users suggest using a navigation app to maximize your experience and ensure you hit your desired mileage. The arid scenery provides a unique backdrop for your ride, making it a memorable outing.
Camping at Oil Well Flats
Accessing the campsites requires a high clearance 4WD vehicle due to the dirt roads, which can have significant washouts and ruts. While some visitors have managed with just high clearance, 4WD is recommended for peace of mind. Be aware of potential wildlife, including skunks and bears, and take appropriate precautions to secure your food and campsite.
Key Takeaway: Come prepared for a true backcountry camping experience. The lack of amenities is offset by the tranquility and beautiful arid surroundings, making it a great spot for stargazing and enjoying nature.
Best Time to Visit & Conditions
The terrain is rocky and can be challenging, so sturdy footwear or appropriate riding gear is essential. Visitors have encountered thunderstorms, adding an element of adventure to their rides. The arid scenery is breathtaking, particularly during sunrise and sunset, offering photographers and nature lovers stunning vistas.
Consideration: While generally accessible, the dirt roads can be rough, especially after rain or snowmelt. Always check recent conditions if possible, and be prepared for varied weather, even in milder seasons.
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