The Lovell Gulch Trail is a real local gem in our opinion. It's not because it's the best trail in Colorado, but that it's a fantastic trail that's so incredibly close...one of those trails where you drive just a short distance, and in time at all, you feel like you're away from it all. The hike starts out in a somewhat residential setting, with a few houses and overhead power lines to deal with. Those are quickly left behind, and you'll enjoy a trail that meanders along a creek, eventually heading up to Rampart Range Road before looping back down. Along the way, various side spurs provide opportunities for exploration. The are a few nice views of Woodland Park, but for the most part the scenery consists of forest vegetation. The trail can be steep in places; bicyclists may wish to traverse the loop in a counter-clockwise direction as otherwise you'll be facing a long, steep uphill section with poor traction as the trail surface is quite loose.The trail is popular with mountain bikers and hikers, and especially popular with dog owners - it seems most people on the trail have at least one dog tagging along (one biker we saw had three!). If you do venture off trail to explore the various singletrack offshoots, be sure to stick to the singletrack and not go off-road - there is an abundance of wildflowers and other ground cover that could be damaged if you do.The trail is about five miles (round trip), and there's approximately 900' elevation gain. Plan on it taking 2-3 hours.