Rode from Dutch Fred (7mi in) to the intersection with Road 27 (13.5mi in from north start of Rampart Rd at CO-67) and I thought the road was pretty good, pretty typical Colorado Front Range Gravel. It's hilly, not rolling, a fair bit of climbing. This was Early June 2023. Packed dirt road, nice and wide, some potholes, some erosion trenches, but most could be avoided, and it was a 90% smooth ride. Very little washboard. Did on a Summer Friday and there weren't many cars, 8-10 over 12mi of riding. Though I did nearly rear end the back end of a line of cars stuck behind a Subaru who was slamming on the brakes for potholes. I was faster so I passed them. Lots of campsites along the road. Perfect balance of only a few cars, but still enough other people to feel safe that there are others out to help you if you crash or have a mechanical. Popular and Historic area for off-road dirtbiking, but only licensed vehicles are allowed on the road and I did see pass the Sheriff. I would not recomend the forest road to the side as they're very rough and well used by motorized OHVs. Lots of Trailheads, Parking and Bathrooms but I didn't see any water.

Rode northern 20 miles of this July 2019. Miserable experience. Very wide, 90% side-to-side washboard and/or bumpy, dappled shade so difficult to pick a line or to pick up any speed. Road is busy with recreation traffic. The area provides motorized offroad trails, but also camping and hiking - posted 20 mph but folks driving much faster. Can't speak for the southern portion.