Hiking to Rampart with guns?

[Pancho Villa]

I was contemplating a hike from balancing rock up to Rampart range, for some shooting, this coming weekend. But then I realized that the first few miles of the hike isn't in forest, its in a city park (Garden of the Gods) if I'm reading my maps correctly.

Who would I contact about the legality of hiking FM300 up through the park with a (unloaded, slung) rifle? Am I reading my map right and FR300 is still in Co Springs jurisdiction and not a part of any park?

[Colorado Osprey]

Correct... Rampart Range Road starts in Garden of the Gods and is under the jurisdiction of Colorado Springs PD. I really doubt they will allow it if you call since there is a sign at the entrance of that park that forbids firearms in the park.
City should allow it once outside the park. There is a switchback and the end of the park is clearly marked. The city limits ends I belive at a sign that says no shooting for so many miles....

There are also some crazy drivers on that road.... I don't even like taking an enduro motorcycle up there. Be careful on your hike.....

You could park on the top end and walk in from the Woodland Park side.

[xjtwo]

Yeah there are some bad drivers, I MTB from Balancing Rock parking lot to the range (little over 5 miles) then drop in on Williams Canyon.

Gotta go fast for the first part though, the trail drops in right before the Shotgun Range!

[Pancho Villa]

Sent emails to the Co Springs police and Parks & Recreation dept for clarification.

I love hiking and getting a good workout, I also love shooting. Would like to try combining them in a day. I'm sure I can figure something out.

Related: anyone else interested in taking a longish hike from some point up to Rampart Range? Benefits include starting before dawn, not being arrested for brandishing since I'm checking legalities beforehand, and shooting at the end of the hike, followed by a long hike back to our vehicles.

[GunTroll]

How are you going to keep your beer cold for the shoot during the hike? I like to just pull up the truck and pull out the cooler for a seat for the shootn'!

[Pancho Villa]

Five words: Backpack full of dry ice.

[Armed Springs]

Have met a person up there once that starts outside of GG and hikes up to rampart to collect brass. He said he takes the canyon trail, but I remember him open carrying a pistol.

[Pancho Villa]

Where is the Canyon trail? Is that FR300?

[GunTroll]

Five words: Backpack full of dry ice.

Good man!

[jackmode9316]

When are you going? How hard is the hike? I want to make sure I can keep up. I've been climbing some hills on the weekend @ green mountain for exercise.