[GIJohnnyB offline]

As the title states I am moving to CO in a few months and have been researching trails in the area of Colorado Springs/Ft. Carson....there are a ton of them. So I was wondering, for an Intermediate level rider, which trails are best...or in general which trails are most scenic.

[skibum offline]

GIJohnny,

Cheyenne Mountain State Park right across the road from the Ft Carson main gate and is the best place for a new intermediate to break himself in to CSprings Riding. It's $7/visit or $70 for an annual pass, but will be well worth it if you're living on/near post. The climbs are moderate and the trails range from wide and easy to narrow an techy, but nothing that would cause mortal harm.

After that, it's worth a trip to Ute Valley Park and the Red Rock Canyon open space. Then, once you feel like you're getting your altitude lungs, head up to the many trails in the Cheyenne Canyon area (Buckhorn, Captain Jack's, Columbine, Section 16(the latter is more of an expert descent)). Cheyenne Canyon is alwo pretty close to post.

Palmer Park is a great place once you feel comfortable with the techy stuff. There are easy trails there too, but it's got so much gnar that it's best when you're comfortable with lots of rocks, both up and down.

The Falcon Trail around the USAFA, is a nice intermediate ride. There's also a nice intermediate network on the west side of Monument, and Spruce Mountain just off the interstate on the way to Denver is a good beginner/intermediate ride with nice views of the Monument Valley and Pikes Peak.

The nearest "must do" intermediate ride in the mountains is Rampart Reservior by Woodland Park. There are a couple rough spots requiring a dismount, but the 14 mile loop is mostly intermediate, has great views and no major climbs. I'm not sure how the fire affected this area however. Maybe somebody else here has been up there since the burn.

Once the snow flies, you're less than an hour from Ft Carson to Lake Pueblo State Park (the same pass for Cheyenne Mountain is good here). This area is further south, lower in elevation, and stays much drier. Once the heat passes, head here for both long, cross country and short downhill style rides--you can do either/or both in a day.

After that, you've got literally hundreds of possible routes within a day trip.

Congratulations of a great assignment!

[trouttrunnell offline]

Congratulations! You are moving to MTB heaven here in the Springs! You definitely need to go check out Palmer Park right in the middle of town. It has trails of all different skill levels and some really awesome technical riding. Cheyenne Mountain State park is right across the road from Ft. Carson. They have lots of fast, flowy trails and some fun technical stuff too. On the west side of town are Stratton Open Space, Cheyenne Canyon, Red Rocks Canyon, Section 16, etc... You have to check out Buckhorn, Captain Jack's, and the Chutes. All these areas are only about 15 minutes away from you too. We have a fantastic cycling community here in the Springs. Any LBS can give you tons of advice on where to go too. Welcome to Colorado!

[GIJohnnyB offline]

Wow, thanks for the info! Believe it or not, I passed up Hawaii for Ft. Carson (even though I grew up surfing) because of all the different outdoors activities/sports Colorado has to offer. My wife and I felt it was a better fit for us and our new family. I am super excited to get there and start riding. I have a hardtail right now and depending on how finances look after I get there, I might make the leap to FS...but we will see, I am partial to my hardtail!

Again, thanks for the info....stoke levels are high right now!

[bulfers offline]

I would also recomend that once you adjust to the altitued you take some time to explore more of the greater Colorado area. Buffalo Creek is an awesome trail system and an only about an hour and a half drive away. Summit County (Breckenridge in particualr) also has some awesome mountain biking and is a great place to spend a weekend.

[GIJohnnyB offline]

I would also recomend that once you adjust to the altitued you take some time to explore more of the greater Colorado area. Buffalo Creek is an awesome trail system and an only about an hour and a half drive away. Summit County (Breckenridge in particualr) also has some awesome mountain biking and is a great place to spend a weekend.

Considering it is a 30 minute drive for me to even get to the trail head here in TN, which is less than scenic, I am sure once Colorado gets her hooks in me I will be at every corner of the state!

[HardrockproDH offline]

See the other Colorado Springs post.