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United States
Colorado
Douglas County
Highlands Ranch

Rueter-Hess Reservoir – Wildcat Point Overlook loop from Rock Canyon High School

Routes
United States
Colorado
Douglas County
Highlands Ranch

Rueter-Hess Reservoir – Wildcat Point Overlook loop from Rock Canyon High School

Hard

3.5

(28)

53

riders

Rueter-Hess Reservoir – Wildcat Point Overlook loop from Rock Canyon High School

03:42

50.9km

710m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 18, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Daniels Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

24.7 km

Incline View

Highlight • Viewpoint

When you put in the effort to climb to the top of the Incline, you get a great view of the Front Range, it's called payback!

Tip by

2

24.8 km

The overlook at the top of the Rosie Rueter Trail makes all the steps of the "incline challenge" worth it. The majority of the trail is dirt double-track, but there is a section of stairs that is best done uphill/clockwise.

Tip by

3

29.9 km

Rueter-Hess Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Climbing westward at the end of the ride is always a bitch. Have low gears & get in the groove for a sustained climb. Almost feels like you're climbing a pass. Give yourself extra time & extra water.

Tip by

4

41.5 km

Wildcat Point Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

At 6,610 feet, Wildcat Point serves as a great overlook of the city and surrounding foothills. You can easily access this overlook from Daniels Park.

Tip by

5

44.3 km

View of Denver

Highlight • Viewpoint

Between you and me, this is one of the best viewpoints in the area. You can see Downtown Denver and the foothills as they stretch all the way to Boulder.

Tip by

6

48.0 km

West Big Dry Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The West Big Dry Trail is a mostly singletrack (with some double-track) unpaved path that passes through a number of parks and open spaces in the natural areas and regional …

Tip by

B

50.9 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

17.1 km

12.5 km

12.4 km

6.75 km

2.22 km

Surfaces

28.5 km

16.2 km

3.38 km

1.59 km

971 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (2,000 m)

Lowest point (1,810 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Wednesday 15 July

33°C

17°C

17 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a challenging gravel biking route with big views, the Rueter-Hess Reservoir – Wildcat Point Overlook loop from Rock Canyon High School delivers. This difficult 31.6-mile (50.9 km) ride packs in 2341 feet (714 metres) of climbing over approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes, making it a solid choice for experienced riders seeking a rewarding workout and panoramic vistas. It's a fantastic option when you want to push your limits and earn those expansive Colorado views.

What to expect on Rueter-Hess Reservoir – Wildcat Point Overlook loop from Rock Canyon High School

This loop offers a diverse journey across mixed terrain, perfect for gravel bikes. You'll navigate a combination of paved sections, packed dirt, and gravel, with some singletrack thrown in to keep things interesting. The scenery shifts from open fields to areas with trees, but the real highlights are the impressive views of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir and its dam. As you climb towards Wildcat Point Overlook, situated at 6,610 feet, prepare for a sustained ascent that will test your endurance, but rewards you with sweeping panoramic views stretching from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak on a clear day. This route is best suited for riders with very good fitness who are comfortable with significant elevation changes and varied surfaces.

Planning your visit

Starting from Rock Canyon High School, this route primarily uses sections of the East/West Regional Trail. While the area around Rueter-Hess Reservoir offers some flatter paths, this full loop is considerably more demanding. Ensure your gravel bike is in good condition and you're prepared for the substantial elevation gain. There are no specific permit requirements mentioned for this route, but always check local regulations before you go. Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as much of the ride is exposed.

Trail details

  • Distance: 31.6 miles (50.9 km)
  • Elevation gain: 2341 feet (714 metres)
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Estimated time: 3 hours and 42 minutes

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