Schubarth Loop Trail

Headed out to run the Schubarth Loop Trail just outside Woodland Park, CO this morning. Overall I'd say that Onx's rating of 4/10 is pretty accurate for most of the trail, aside from the northeast portion of the trail (FS 311.A) that has a couple of rock gardens that I'd say are more the 5/soft 6 territory.



There is a good area to air down right as you cross over into Pike NF from winding through a mixture of private property and Air Force Academy property coming in from Rampart Range Road.



From there, the trail just follows FS 307 heading east until you hit the fork with FS 311. You can run the trail either direction, but we ran it counter clockwise (right at the fork) which I think makes the obstacles a little more fun. From there, follow FS 307 to FS 313 which shoots you Northeast and starts the tighter sections of the loop. You'll eventually come to the below rock formation, which I of course had to stop and get a couple pictures on featuring the little doge.




Once you turn left onto FS 311.A, which is where the fun begins. If you plan on doing this section in a Tundra, then I would highly recommend rock sliders, skid plates, and some higher-than-stock ground clearance. Shorter wheelbase trucks can probably make it through with a little delicate line picking, but our trucks are going to drag. There's a tight squeeze at the beginning of FS311.A, but don't worry, you'll make it.




Shortly after, you'll get to the first of the rock gardens. It's nothing crazy, just pay attention to where you're going.



After a small water crossing (or two, can't remember the order now), you'll come to the main feature of the trail, a pretty decent sized rock climb with a tight right turn after. This is where the wheelbase of our trucks does us a favor by keeping everything stable. Any shorter or top heavier I think things have the potential to get a little tippy if you take the right line. I think a 35" tire with 20 or less PSI in it should grip and walk up this obstacle with a little working. As always, just take it easy and let the truck do the work.






Of course photos never do it justice, but it's enough to warrant getting out and looking at your options before heading up. After that, there is a tight right hander through some rocks and roots then you're back onto FS 311, which any 4x4 can tackle. After that, just head back west/southwest towards the trail head, or you can head right and check out what I've heard is pretty cool picnic/camp spot overlooking the Air Force Academy. We didn't have time to check that out, but definitely will on the next outing that way. Oh, and I've also read that there's some spicy lines on the eastern spur of FS 311.A, which I hope to check out in the future.

Overall, it was a great time to get out with the fam and push the truck a little. Definitely made me want lockers and more articulation, but I made it through just fine. Hope you enjoy!