Mountain Biking

In the Pikes Peak Region

Mountain biking in the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado offers an exhilarating and diverse experience for riders of all skill levels. With its breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrain, this area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure on two wheels. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the region boasts an extensive network of trails that wind through lush forests, rocky slopes, and high alpine meadows. From adrenaline-pumping downhill descents to epic cross-country routes, mountain bikers can explore a wide range of options, each providing unique vistas and thrilling riding opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for technical challenges or a beginner seeking a scenic pedal through nature, the Pikes Peak Region promises an unforgettable mountain biking experience with its stunning natural beauty and a trail system that caters to all levels of riders.

Getting Started

The Pikes Peak region offers a range of experiences for mountain bikers from novice to expert. Within an hour’s drive from Colorado Springs, the area offers over 480 trails covering 500 miles of mountain biking opportunities. From in-town parks, to National Forest access, to open space areas, mountain bikers can find the challenge they need to get their adrenaline rush.

With a little exploration, riders can find a level of technical challenge to suit their needs. Whether heading north, west, south or staying in Colorado Springs, mountain bikers will find terrain with a range of features to provide the right challenge.

Pro Tip

A great starting point to explore the region is the Trailforks resource. You can start with this link for the Colorado Springs region and then narrow to specific areas.

Be Prepared

Riders should be prepared for different situations depending on weather and season. Local areas are affected differently by precipitation; for instance, wet conditions in granite-heavy Cheyenne Canyon actually make riding easier whereas rain in Palmer Park with its hard-pack clay and sandstone rock makes riding trickier and causes damage to the trail.

Be sure to pack

Water Bottle
Helmet
Sunscreen
Layers

Outdoor Ethics for Mountain Biking

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are reprinted with the permission of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more information, visit www.LNT.org.

Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Ensure your mountain bike is in good, working order. A properly maintained mountain bike reduces the risk of injury, a long walk out, or both.
- Check with land managers, local bike shops, local cycling groups, and. mtbproject.com for the most up-to-date trail information.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use and ride in small groups of 3-4.
- Be self-sufficient and pack appropriately. A rain shell, multi-tool, spare tube, pump, and food all help ensure a safe and fun ride.
- Wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. It could save your life.
Travel on Durable Surfaces
- For biking, durable surfaces include established trails, dirt roads, and pavement. Off-trail travel by bike is not often allowed. Check local regulations.
- Respect trail and road closures. Do not trespass on private land and obtain permits when necessary. Bicycles are not permitted in areas designated as state or federal Wilderness.
- Avoid riding muddy, excessively wet, or icy trails. When encountering patches of mud or ice, ride through it and not around to avoid trail widening.
- Avoid skidding. Locking up your tires creates ruts, increases erosion, and decreases your control.
- Take someone new for a ride and teach him or her proper trail riding technique.
Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out. Litter can potentially endanger wildlife, attract scavengers, and diminish other visitors’ experiences. This includes toilet paper and other hygiene products.
- Designate a pocket for litter, wrappers, and leftover food.
- Use restroom facilities before hitting the trail. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Urinate well away from water sources and out of sight of other riders.
- Be cool. Leave a favorable impression; not waste.
Leave What You Find
- Preserve the past: observe, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- #mtbselfie: photograph yourself being a responsible mountain biker, take pictures of natural objects in the wild and leave them for future preservation.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Check your clothing, bike, and equipment before and after each ride for seeds. Wash your bike between rides.
- Unauthorized trailwork, like berms, bridges, ladders, etc. is not recommended. You could unknowingly damage sensitive vegetation or contribute to further erosion and other trail damage.
Respect Wildlife
- Stick to the trail. Wildlife accustomed to riders can predict actions, but riding off-trail confuses wildlife.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, winter, dusk, and dawn.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other trail users and protect the quality of their experience. Always ride within your limits.
- Be courteous. Yield to hikers and equestrians. Be prepared to stop and dismount if the trail is narrow or crowded. Yield to climbing cyclists when descending.
- When encountering slower traffic, announce your presence with a friendly greeting or bell to avoid startling other visitors.
- Reduce your potentially intimidating size by stepping to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Ride in small groups to avoid excessive dust and noise.
- Racing on recreational trails is dangerous, inconsiderate, and never in style.

Gear & Services

Ted’s Bicycles

3016 North Hancock Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Borealis Fat Bikes

22 N. Sierra Madre, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Colorado Springs Bike Shop

622 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 8090

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX

Old Town Bike Shop

426 S Tejon St Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Criterium Bicycles

6150 Corporate Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX

Team Telecycle

615 S. Baldwin Street, Woodland Park, CO 80863

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX

Gearonimo Sports

1401 S 8th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Stillwater SUPing, Street Cycling, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting

Criterium Bike Shop

6150 Corporate Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Biking, Mountain Biking

REI

1376 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking

Sierra Trading Post

5916 Barnes Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80922

Biking, Camping, Climbing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Ice Climbing, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Stillwater SUPing, Street Cycling

Bicycle Village

2450 Montebello Square Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Bicycle Xperience

1601 S. Tejon St. , Colorado Springs, Co 80905

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

The Hub Bicycles

1519 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Broadmoor Outfitters

1 Lake Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Adventuring, Biking, Climbing, Falconry, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Geocaching, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Paintball, Rock Climbing, Ziplining

Pro Cycling

415 W Pikes Peak Ave Colorado Springs, Co

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Ascent Cycling

5928 Stetson Hills Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Colorado GearLab

110 W. Midland Ave Woodland Park, CO 80863 United States

Biking, Camping, Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX

Rentals

Bicycle Village

2450 Montebello Square Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Borealis Fat Bikes

22 N. Sierra Madre, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Routes Outfitter & Sendicate Ski

3131 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, Co 80904

Biking, Cross Country Ski Rentals, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Skiing/Snowboarding

E-Bike Tours & Rental Manitou Springs

906 Manitou Ave. #102 Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Biking, Mountain Biking

REI

1376 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking

Pro Cycling

415 W Pikes Peak Ave Colorado Springs, Co

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Street Cycling

Team Telecycle

615 S. Baldwin Street, Woodland Park, CO 80863

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX

Criterium Bike Shop

6150 Corporate Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Biking, Mountain Biking

Great Outdoors Adventures (GOA)

19251 E US24, Woodland Park, Colorado

ATV/UTV, Biking, Mountain Biking, Off-roading, Pikes Peak APEX

Rock- E Mountain Bike

Mountain Biking

Classes

Rock- E Mountain Bike

Mountain Biking

REI

1376 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking

Routes Outfitter & Sendicate Ski

3131 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, Co 80904

Biking, Cross Country Ski Rentals, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Skiing/Snowboarding

Guided Adventures

MTB with STACY

2534 Plumtree Grove, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX

Great Outdoors Adventures (GOA)

19251 E US24, Woodland Park, Colorado

ATV/UTV, Biking, Mountain Biking, Off-roading, Pikes Peak APEX

REI

1376 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking

Broadmoor Outfitters

1 Lake Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Adventuring, Biking, Climbing, Falconry, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Geocaching, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Paintball, Rock Climbing, Ziplining

Colorado Xplorer

Adventuring, ATV/UTV, Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Off-roading, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Water, Whitewater Rafting

American Adventure Expeditions

41746 US-50, Cañon City, CO 81212

Adventuring, ATV/UTV, Biking, Jeep Tours, Mountain Biking, Off-roading, Pikes Peak APEX, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Ziplining

Lost Paddle Rafting

1420 Royal Gorge Blvd, Cañon City, CO 81212

Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting

Featured Places to Explore

Curated trails & experiences

Intermediate Red Rocks Loop

7 mile moderately popular intermediate route- Trail recommended by COSMBA

Santa Fe Regional Trail

VERY Beginner friendly trail! Start at Woodman Road going North through the Air Force Academy

Daniels Pass/ Captain Jacks

Route includes Cheyenne Canon including new Sweetwater trails and descent of Captain Jacks.

Woodland Park to Rampart Reservoir Loop

A more off the beaten path route! Explore incredible scenery with this loop!

“Best Of” Palmer Park

Enjoy 11.5 miles through the amazing Palmer Park, in central Colorado Springs This trail is used for the Pikes Peak APEX Time Trial and showcases the…

North Cheyenne Canon

North Cheyenne Cañon Park is located on the southwest side of Colorado Springs. North Cheyenne Cañon Park is cut 1,000-feet deep into the 1.5 billion-year-old granite rock. This…

More Biking Activities

More Information

Colorado Springs Parks and Open Spaces

Colorado Springs boasts 311 miles covered by 335 trails.

Featured Places

Palmer Park

With 63 trails covering 25 miles of terrain, Palmer Park is an urban oasis for mountain bikers. 19 of the trails are black diamonds, so riders need to be forewarned that they may get to some terrain that is more challenging than anticipated. Access Info: Off of Academy Boulevard and Maizeland. From Paseo Road. From Austin Bluffs Boulevard.

https://www.trailforks.com/region/palmer-park/

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

A former landfill turned city open space in 2003, Red Rock Canyon Open Space features beautiful red sandstone hogbacks throughout, trails from flow to chunky exposed rock. 52 trails and 35 miles over mostly intermediate terrain. Access info: Off of Highway 24 and Ridge Road or Highway 24 and 31^st street.

https://www.trailforks.com/region/red-rock-canyon-open-space/

Ute Valley Park

Ute Valley Park offers 31 trails covering 17 miles of cross-country track, mainly intermediate. Access Info: Parking is available on Vindicator Drive or Rusina Road.

Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/region/ute-valley-park/

Blodgett Peak Open Space

Blodgett Peak Open Space is a 167 acre property located at the foot of the Front Range, the property has outstanding views of Colorado Springs to the east and Blodgett Peak (9,426′ Ft) to the northwest. The property is also bordered on three sides by the Pike National Forest. Access Info: Blodgett Peak Open Space trailhead / parking lot (on the west side of Woodman Rd) 3945 W Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

https://www.trailforks.com/region/blodgett-peak-open-space/

North Cheyenne Cañon

41 miles of trails heading up from city property into Pike National Forest. A mix of technical and loose, decomposed granite with options for large loops up to Jones Park.

https://www.trailforks.com/region/north-cheyenne-canon/

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

21 miles of mostly cross country trails, you’ll need a park pass for entry to the parking lot.

https://www.trailforks.com/region/cheyenne-mountain-state-park/

Stratton Open Space

Fun singletrack network leading up onto Gold Camp Road and Cheyenne Canyon

https://www.trailforks.com/region/stratton-open-space/

Air Force Academy

Really only one loop, but a fun trail. Closures can happen due to national security risks, so be warned that you might get turned back.

https://www.trailforks.com/region/air-force-academy/

There are more riding areas, but these are terrific destinations for riders.

https://www.trailforks.com/region/colorado-springs/ridingareas/

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Canon City

About an hour drive to the south of Colorado Springs on Highway 115, the Canon City region offers 55 miles of opportunity on 53 trails.

Featured Places

Oil Wells Flats

6 trails mainly of the cross-country variety over intermediate terrain. Access info: Main parking is off of County Road 9 / Red Canyon Road.

South Canon

21 trails covering 22 miles of varying terrain and levels of technicality. Access info: Several different access points. Parking at the Centennial Lot, Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot, and others.

Royal Gorge Park

These 13 trails only cover about 2 miles of terrain, but the Park has mountain biking to enjoy while you visit the bridge.

Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/region/canon-city-10845/

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Monument

30 minutes north of Colorado Springs, the area around Monument, Colorado offers 63 trails covering 80 miles of terrain.

Featured Places

Kipps Loop

This 4 mile single track loop is mainly ranked as “green” terrain.

Upper Ridge

The upper portion of a popular hiking and biking trail, this is mainly “blue” terrain — fast with some technical sections. Be on the lookout for hikers and dogs.

White Ghost

This “blue” single track is typical forest floor. Stay on trail to avoid going to neighborhoods.

Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/region/monument/

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Woodland Park

20 minutes to the west, up Ute Pass to the town of Woodland Park, riders will find a variety of trails covering 52 miles of terrain.

Featured Places

Catamount Reservoir Trails

5 trails covering 11 miles of dirt road and single track terrain. Access info: Take the Pikes Peak Highway from Highway 24 in Cascade, Colorado.

Rampart Reservoir

4 trails covering 12 miles of terrain, mostly circling Rampart Reservoir. Access info: Take Rampart Range Road from Woodland Park. This trail is higher altitude and typically cooler during those hot summer days.

Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/region/woodland-park/

The content on this page was provided by Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates

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