The best cycling routes around Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 150 options available. These routes cater to all skill levels, from easy scenic rides to challenging mountain ascents.

The terrain around Colorado Springs is incredibly diverse. You'll find everything from smooth, paved paths along urban greenways to challenging mountain trails with significant elevation changes. The landscape features majestic mountains, distinctive red sandstone formations, and extensive parklands like Garden of the Gods and Palmer Park.

The touring cycling routes in Colorado Springs are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning natural beauty, the variety of trails, and the panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding area.

Yes, Colorado Springs has numerous easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail is an easy, mostly flat path connecting downtown Colorado Springs to Fountain, offering a scenic ride along the creek. There are over 50 easy routes to choose from.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Colorado Springs offers several difficult routes. The Gold Camp Road Loop is a difficult 22.1-mile path with significant elevation gain and expansive mountain views. Another challenging option is the Colorado Front Range Trail, which spans over 50 miles and features considerable climbing. There are 26 difficult routes in total.

Absolutely. Colorado Springs is known for its extensive network of paved trails. The Pikes Peak Greenway Trail is a prime example, offering a smooth, accessible ride. Within Garden of the Gods Park, paved bike lanes on one-way roads provide a leisurely way to explore the stunning red rock formations. Many urban paths are also paved, connecting various parts of the city.

While cycling in Colorado Springs, you can encounter numerous natural landmarks and scenic viewpoints. Routes often provide views of Pikes Peak, known as 'America's Mountain'. You can also explore areas like Garden of the Gods Park with its towering red sandstone formations, or pass by highlights such as Pulpit Rock and Mount Muscoco. Some routes also lead past serene lakes like Aspen Lake or Gold Camp Reservoir.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Colorado Springs are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is the Palmer Park trail ride loop, which offers varied terrain and panoramic views. The Talon and Sundance Loop is another moderate option for a circular ride.

Many routes in Colorado Springs offer spectacular views of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. The Pikes Peak Greenway Trail provides continuous views of the mountain. Within Garden of the Gods Park, cycling on the paved one-way roads offers close-up views of the iconic red rock formations with Pikes Peak often in the background. Palmer Park also provides panoramic views of both Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain.

The best time for touring cycling in Colorado Springs is generally from spring through fall (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with less chance of snow, making for ideal riding conditions. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage.

Colorado Springs is a Silver Status 'Bicycle Friendly Community'. Beyond the trails, you'll find local companies offering guided bike tours, including e-bike expeditions, through popular areas like Garden of the Gods. Bike rentals, including electric bikes, are readily available. For more information on local cycling resources, you can visit visitcos.com.

While specific routes passing directly by breweries are not detailed in the guide, Colorado Springs has a vibrant craft beer scene. Many urban cycling paths and routes are accessible from various parts of the city, making it convenient to combine a ride with a visit to a local brewery or restaurant. You can plan your route to include stops at establishments in downtown Colorado Springs or other neighborhoods.