It's a simple loop from the parking lot--you can't get lost if you stay on the main trail. There are a bunch of detours on bridle trails--leave them to the equestrians. The singletrack is usually wide, non threatening, and passes through a mix of ponderosa forest and open meadows. The loop is just over 5 miles with about 300 feet of elevation change, so the grade is always gradual. Going CCW provides a longer, more interesting downhill. Although a map is not necessary, one is available on the Douglas County web site.
From Denver/Castle Rock--head south on I-25 to the Plum Creek Exit--go west across the freeway and turn south on the frontage road. Go 5 miles to Tomah road and go right. It's another 1.5 miles to the Dawson Butte Ranch entrance. From Colorado Springs/Monument--heat north on I-25 to the Tomah Road Exit. Go west across the freeway and make an immediate right on the frontage road and go north to Tomah Road. Take a left. It's another 1.5 miles to the Dawson Butte Ranch entrance.
http://www.singletracks.com/item.php?c=1&i=4408