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Oil Well Flats Mountain Bike Area

4.6
·147 reviews·Cañon City, United States

Challenging rocky trails and serene arid landscapes, perfect for mountain biking, equestrian rides, and primitive camping year-round.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Clear of snow and ice

CrowdLow
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Cliffs, Island in the Sky Trail

Oil Well Flats Mountain Bike Area

Best Time

Winter mornings

Clear of snow and ice

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Challenging rocky trails and serene arid landscapes, perfect for mountain biking, equestrian rides, and primitive camping year-round.

4.6
(147 reviews)

"A crown jewel trail system for equestrians and a must-ride for mountain bikers, offering breathtaking views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 147 reviews

Type

Campground

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outer Loop Trail

Outer Loop Trail

Oil Well Flats

A 13.25-mile loop offering challenging, rocky terrain with breathtaking arid scenery.

Equestrian Trail System

Equestrian Trail System

Oil Well Flats

Significant multi-use trails perfect for equestrians, with ample trailer parking and varied ride lengths.

Winter Riding Haven

Winter Riding Haven

Oil Well Flats

Normally clear of snow and ice, making it an ideal winter riding destination when mountain trails are inaccessible.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Clearance

Be prepared for rocky, challenging terrain that requires sturdy footwear. High clearance 4WD is recommended for navigating washouts, especially if camping. Check recent conditions before you go.

Camping & Amenities

Camping is available but basic, with no amenities like trash cans. Cell reception is good, but be aware of potential wildlife like skunks and bears. Book campsites in advance if possible.

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Clear of snow and ice
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Enjoy sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This was kind of the perfect day trip from Denver! Location: Royal Gorge Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado 2 hours from Denver Class: Vista Dome Cost: $129 The train runs from March-December I would recommend booking tickets early! #solotravel #denvercolorado #coloradotravel
@lilmsawkward
129.2K likes • 1.1M views

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

The terrain is rocky; sturdy shoes or boots are essential for both riding and hiking. Reddit

🗺️ Navigate with a Map App

Print a map or use a navigation app to best utilize the trail system and plan your ride distance. Reddit

This was surreal 🫶🏾 Royal Gorge Train in Cañon City, CO.
@according2ro
114.8K likes • 462.5K views
WORTH EVERY PENNY! 🙌🏽 The Royal Gorge is one of the most popular train rides in the world, and I finally had a chance to check it out. 🚂 This train ride is located in Canon City, only about 2 hours from Denver. The ride lasted about an hour and a half, and it had epic views the entire time! Being able to stand outside during the ride was the main selling point for me, and it made the experience so...
@hasanguy
102.7K likes • 1.6M views

🚗 High Clearance Vehicle

Recommended for accessing campsites due to washouts and ruts on the dirt roads. Reddit

🏕️ Basic Camping Experience

Enjoy serene camping with good cell service, but pack all essentials as there are no amenities. Reddit

reddit.com

Canon City trails

Not Colorado Springs, but close enough. Any recommendations for trails near Canon City? Looks like there might be some around the Royal Gorge but am open to anything with amazing views and the chance to see wildlife.

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. Reddit

🗺️ Navigate with a Map App

Print a map or use a navigation app to best utilize the trail system and plan your ride distance. Reddit

🚗 High Clearance Vehicle

Recommended for accessing campsites due to washouts and ruts on the dirt roads. Reddit

🏕️ Basic Camping Experience

Enjoy serene camping with good cell service, but pack all essentials as there are no amenities. Reddit

🐻 Wildlife Awareness

Be aware of potential wildlife encounters; keep food secure and be vigilant. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(147 reviews)

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

Challenging rocky trails
Beautiful arid scenery
Great winter riding

What People Dislike

Rough access roads
No amenities at camp

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. Reddit

Yes, Oil Well Flats is typically clear of snow and ice in the winter, making it a great destination when mountain trails are inaccessible. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there is an equestrian trailhead that is the second one you'll encounter when driving in, offering plenty of space for horse trailers. Reddit

You can expect beautiful and serene arid scenery, with breathtaking views, especially during sunset. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Camping at Oil Well Flats is generally free, but it is primitive camping with no amenities. Reddit

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. Reddit

There is no specific entrance fee for the Oil Well Flats Mountain Bike Area. Reddit

Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays. Reddit

🎫 🚵 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. Reddit

While there are challenging sections, the trail system offers opportunities for different lengths of rides, so beginners might find shorter, less technical routes. Reddit

Camping is available in designated spots, offering a quiet and serene experience with good cell reception. However, it's primitive camping with no amenities. Reddit

Yes, the trails are generally well-marked, but using a map or navigation app is still highly recommended for optimal route planning. Reddit

The terrain is rocky and can be challenging. High clearance vehicles are recommended for navigating the dirt roads to the campsites due to washouts. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Campfire regulations can vary. It's best to check local fire restrictions before your visit. If permitted, ensure you have a safe fire pit. Reddit

The nearest towns with dining options would be Pueblo or Colorado Springs, which are a significant drive away. Plan to pack all your meals. Reddit

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and meals for your entire stay, as there are no facilities available. Reddit

While there are no designated picnic areas, you can set up a picnic at your campsite or find a scenic spot along the trails. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The arid scenery, rock formations, and expansive views offer great photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. Reddit

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. Reddit

A versatile lens for landscapes and potential wildlife shots would be ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for the expansive views. Reddit

The trails themselves offer numerous viewpoints. The higher points along the outer loop provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding arid landscape. Reddit

Golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography, highlighting the textures of the arid terrain. Reddit

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