This new trail, open to the public August 31, 2018, is referred to as the “missing link.” It connects Mountain View Trail near Barr Camp and Captain Jacks Trail, Forest Service trail 667, in North Cheyenne Canyon. Getting to the Lake Moraine Trail requires quite a bit of work due to its remote location. It’s […]

Red Mountain Trail is a 2.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Manitou Springs, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Near Mantiou Springs     |     2 Miles     |     Moderate     |     567 Ft. Gain The Water Pipe Trail is one of several trails surrounding the Barr Trail and connects Barr Trail to Trail 706. It is used mostly by locals to create loop trails around Barr Trail and is seldom used. For more detailed information, go to […]

Near Manitou Springs     |     3 Miles     |     Moderate     |     250 Ft. Gain Trail 706 is one of several trails surrounding the Barr Trail and connects Barr Trail to Water Pipe Trail. It is used mostly by locals to create loop trails around Barr Trail and is seldom used. For more detailed information, go to http://www.pptrailmaps.com/pages/trail-706-near-the-barr-trail-and-pikes-peak-region-of-colorado.

Near Manitou Springs     |     8 Miles     |     Moderate     |     1,203 Ft. Gain Trail 638 is one of several trails surrounding the Barr Trail and connects Barr Trail to the Heizer Trail. It is a great connector trail to create an alternative approach to Barr Trail and Pikes Peak summit. For more detailed information, go to […]

This is a unique trail. You will begin by heading up what used to be the exit road from the Cave of the Winds at the top of the canyon. You will see No Trespassing signs, but if you’ve turned in your waiver at the Cave, you’re good to go. The road has long been shut down and can now be hiked or biked free of automobiles. The canyon is so narrow in places, you won’t believe it was once an auto route! Keep following the road. When it switchbacks left, go straight on to the singletrack. It’s about 3 miles until the trail exits up on Rampart Range Road. The grade is tough in places and much of the trail is jagged, jumbled rocks that will cause numerous dismounts. As a climb, it’s positively brutal. Even downhill, this will cause a number of hike-a-bikes. If you don’t want to do the out-and-back climb, you can access the trail from above two ways. One way is to ride up the Rampart Range Road and look for the singletrack on the left near the old shooting range. Get the Pikes Peak Atlas map by Robert Ormes and Robert Houdek for the approximate location of the trail. This map also shows where you can drop into Williams about halfway in from the Waldo Canyon loop. The canyon is spectacular and the adventurous will find this an attractive outing despite the difficulties involved. It’s a real backcountry adventure starting right on the edge of the city.

This trail is CLOSED.

The Waldo Canyon Trail was severely damaged by the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire and has since remained closed to the public due to safety concerns. In June 2018, the Rocky Mountain Field Institute began a planning process with the U.S. Forest Service and the Trails and Open Space Coalition to determine the future of the Waldo Canyon Trail and surrounding corridor. Tapis Associates was hired to help facilitate the 18-month public planning process, which will ultimately help determine future trail layout and design options, future trailhead locations and public access points, as well as dispersed camping opportunities. For more information, please visit www.rmfi.org or contact the Rocky Mountain Field Institute at rmfi@rmfi.org.

Mostly wide, gravelly and steep but non-technical singletrack. The trail veers away from the incline and more closely parallels US 24. At the far end, it is close to US 24 and a right turn will deliver you to a pavement return to Manitou Springs. A left turn will put you on Long’s Ranch Road, which will take you back over to the top of the incline where you can descend the last 4 miles of the Barr Trail.

Near Manitou Springs

This trail climbs 7500 vertical feel in just under 13 miles to the top of Pikes Peak (6,600 to 14,100 ft). Since bikes are not allowed on the toll road, this is the only way to ride your bike to the top of Pikes Peak. Be prepared for fast changing weather and much colder conditions on top. The trail starts out with a few stairs and then enters a section of switchbacks called the incline. The incline climbs at an average grade of 11% for a couple of miles with it almost all being rideable.