Oil Well Flats Trail System

For our fellow Coloradans who live for outdoor adventure, whether on horseback, mountain bike, or simply with a backpack and tent, the Oil Well Flats Trail System near Cañon City is a truly exceptional destination. This isn't just a collection of trails; it's a multi-use outdoor haven, particularly significant for the equestrian community, but equally welcoming to hikers, mountain bikers, and dispersed campers. Nestled amidst stunning red rock scenery and offering breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range, Oil Well Flats provides a serene escape with challenging yet rewarding terrain. If you're seeking a place where you can ride for miles, explore well-marked paths, and camp in peaceful solitude under a vast Colorado sky, then this "crown jewel trail system" is an absolute must-visit. Its unique climate also offers a remarkable advantage for year-round recreation, especially when other mountain areas are locked under snow and ice.

The Oil Well Flats Trail System is conveniently located approximately 6.5 to 8 miles north of Cañon City, Colorado, with its address listed as FS Rd 5940, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA. This places it within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office's recreation area, known for its diverse landscapes and outdoor opportunities.

Accessibility to Oil Well Flats is generally good, though travelers should be prepared for the final stretch of road. From US Hwy 50 in Cañon City, you can turn north at the traffic light at Steinmeier (near Wal-Mart) or head north on Raynolds at the next traffic light. Both roads will curve left and intersect Field Avenue. Turn north (right) on Field Avenue and continue for about five miles. This road will join Fremont County Road 9 (also known as Red Canyon Road) at a "Y" intersection. From here, continue north for about 3.5 miles until you see BLM Road #5940 on your right. This final road section involves a "steep grade" and can be rocky, making "high clearance 4WD recommended" for vehicles, especially those towing trailers. While 4WD might not always be necessary, the ample "washouts" on the roads mean good ground clearance is highly advisable to avoid issues. There are multiple parking areas, with the second one specifically designed with "plenty of room for rigs with horse trailers to park," highlighting its equestrian-friendly design. Despite the potentially rough access road, the system is well-regarded for being normally clear of snow and ice during winter, offering a fantastic year-round destination when higher mountain trails are inaccessible.

The Oil Well Flats Trail System, being a multi-use recreational area primarily managed by the BLM, offers a range of services centered around providing an expansive and relatively undeveloped outdoor experience. The focus is on access to trails and designated camping areas, rather than commercial amenities.

• Extensive Trail System: Offers "many opportunities for different lengths of rides" and hikes, with an outer loop of approximately 13.25 miles and various cross trails to customize distances.
• Designated Dispersed Camping: Provides numerous "suggested camping sites, marked with a camping symbol," allowing for a quiet, "off-grid" feel. Campsites are primitive, with no water or electricity hookups.
• Trailer Parking: Features dedicated parking areas with ample room for "rigs with horse trailers," making it highly accommodating for equestrians.
• Well-Marked Trails: The trails are "marked well," aiding in navigation, although bringing a map or navigation app is still recommended for optimal route planning.
• Year-Round Access (Generally): The area is "normally clear of snow and ice," making it a "perfect winter ride area for Equestrian's" and accessible for other users when higher elevations are snowbound.
• No Toilet or Trash Facilities: It is important to note that "there are no toilet or trash facilities on site so please pack out all waste." Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient in this regard, practicing Leave No Trace principles.

The Oil Well Flats Trail System truly shines with its impressive features and highlights that cater to a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts, establishing it as a premier destination in the Cañon City area for its unique offerings and natural beauty.

• Exceptional for Equestrian Use: This is a "multi use trail system that’s especially significant for Equestrian use," described as "perfect for your riding needs" and a "crown jewel trail system for Equestrian’s and a must to ride." The design clearly caters to horse riders.
• Breathtaking Views: Visitors are consistently rewarded with "breathtaking views" of the surrounding red rock landscape and the distant "Sangre De Cristo Mountain range," providing stunning backdrops for any activity.
• Challenging but Accessible Terrain: The terrain is described as "rocky," requiring "shoes or boots" for horses, and the trails are "challenging, but not impossible for most equestrian skill levels." This indicates a rewarding experience without being overly prohibitive.
• Flexible Trail Lengths: With various loops and cross trails, users can easily choose "different lengths of rides" or hikes, from shorter excursions to the full 13.25-mile outer loop, allowing for customized adventures.
• Winter Recreation Hub: A major highlight is its accessibility during colder months; "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!" This makes it a vital year-round option for outdoor recreation.
• Secluded Dispersed Camping: The camping offers a "beautiful and serene" experience, with sites like #14 being "nice large area" where you "cannot see the other camp spots," providing a true sense of isolation and tranquility.
• High Clearance Vehicle Recommended: The road conditions, with "great amount of washouts," mean a "high clearance 4WD is reccomended," ensuring the adventurous nature of accessing this prime outdoor spot.
• Wildlife Encounters: The presence of potential wildlife, like bears (as noted in a past review), adds to the authentic wilderness experience, encouraging awareness and respect for nature.

The Oil Well Flats Trail System is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). For the most accurate and up-to-date information on trail conditions, closures, and camping regulations, it is best to contact their local office.

Address: FS Rd 5940, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA

For inquiries regarding Oil Well Flats Trail System, including current conditions and regulations, please contact the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office:

Phone: (719) 269-8500 (This is the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office general contact number).

You can also visit the official Bureau of Land Management website for Oil Well Flats Recreation Area for maps and additional information. While a phone number for the specific trail system isn't available, the BLM office can provide comprehensive details.

For our fellow Coloradans, the Oil Well Flats Trail System stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination, offering a unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and accessibility that caters to a wide range of outdoor passions. Its designation as a "crown jewel trail system for Equestrians" makes it an absolute must-ride for horse lovers, with ample parking for trailers and diverse trails suitable for varying skill levels. Beyond equestrian use, its well-marked trails and "breathtaking views" also make it a fantastic choice for mountain bikers and hikers seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience amidst Colorado's stunning red rock country. What truly elevates Oil Well Flats, however, is its remarkable year-round accessibility; "normally clear of snow and ice" even in winter, it provides a vital outlet for outdoor activities when many higher elevation areas are inaccessible. For campers, the opportunity for quiet, dispersed camping in spots where you "cannot see the other camp spots" offers a rare sense of solitude and serenity, perfect for unwinding under the vast Colorado sky. While the access road may require a high-clearance vehicle, this only adds to the "off-grid" appeal, ensuring a less crowded experience. Oil Well Flats offers a genuine, immersive outdoor adventure that truly embodies the spirit of Colorado's rugged beauty and vibrant recreational scene, making it a highly recommended spot for locals seeking an escape.

Oil Well Flats Trail System

FS Rd 5940, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA