Russell Ridge Route

Page Type Page Type: Route
Location Lat/Lon: 39.38610°N / 105.1245°W
Additional Information Route Type: Hiking
Seasons Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Additional Information Time Required: Half a day
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview

Exploring outcrops on Bennett MountainExploring outcrops on Bennett Mountain


The Russell Ridge Route leverages a gated dirt road most of its distance. A short, moderately steep section of user footpath carries the hiker to the summit. The best views are enjoyed by leaving the summit and continuing south along the rocky ridge to open overlooks.

Roundtrip Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
YDS: Class 1+

Getting There

Head north past this gateHead north past this gate
Devils Head from southern overlookDevils Head from southern overlook


From Sedalia at Hwy 85 (Sante Fe) / Hwy 67

• Head west on Hwy 67 from Sedalia
• At roughly 8 miles out of Sedlia, pass Rampart Range Road (on your south / left)
• Continue for two miles past Rampart Range Road toward small community of Moonridge
• Just north of a Douglas County Fire Station see a simple dirt road (no markings at time of my visit, just a few address signs) toward a forest service / Douglas County archery range.
• Follow road .4 miles to the end. See parking with gates on either side (blocking access to the cross road)

Route Description

Russell Ridge Route Map


Nice boulder on Bennett MountainNice boulder on Bennett Mountain
West from southern outcropWest from southern outcrop
Ascending the west slopeAscending the west slope
Bennett Mountain from the saddleBennett Mountain from the saddle


• From the fenced parking area near the archery range, head northbound on gated road (appears are Russell Ridge trail on Trails Illustrated map)
• The road climbs mostly moderately, trending north-northwest. After close to one mile of travel, you will reach a short west-trending switchback
• After the switchback you will gain a broad, level, wooded ridge
• Continue on this ridge for about ¼ of a mile to a higher point along with ridge where the old road turns to trend to the northeast
• As you follow the old road to the northeast, Bennett Peak will come into view across a saddle to your east-northeast
• Descend a bit into the saddle before picking up a foot path that ascends the western slope of Bennett Mountain
• This footpath brings you right up to the summit boulder
• Don’t forget to continue southbound along the ridge to enjoy the wide-open views from the bare boulders

Essential Gear

Typically conditions along the old roadTypical conditions along the old road
Approaching Bennett Mountain from the SouthwestApproaching Bennett Mountain from the Southwest


• Trail Map: Trails Illustrated Map #135 Deckers, Rampart Range should meet basic navigation needs
• Colorado Gazetteer or similar roadmap illustrating tertiary county roads and Forest Service routes
• Compass or GPS
• Water and snacks
• First aid kit


Parents 

Parents

Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports.