The best MTB trails around Divide

The Cheesman Ranch Loop offers a delightful mountain biking experience through Mueller State Park, winding past historic ranch buildings and the prominent Buffalo Rock. You'll pedal through a mix of aspen and pine groves, opening into wide grassy meadows, with the added bonus of beautiful views of Pikes Peak. This moderate 9.7-mile (15.6 km) route features 1066 feet (325 metres) of elevation gain, making for a good workout that can be completed in about 1 hour and 33 minutes.

Planning your ride requires a daily entrance fee or a Colorado State Parks pass to access Mueller State Park. The trail is open to all park visitors, including hikers and horseback riders, so be mindful of others on the path. Arriving earlier in the day is often best to ensure parking and enjoy the tranquility of the park before it gets busy.

Beyond the scenic beauty, the trail provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, with elk, black bear, hawks, and mule deer known to inhabit the area. The terrain is primarily doubletrack with some gravel and rock garden sections, offering a diverse ride that's more about physical effort than technical skill. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a rewarding ride with varied landscapes and historical touches.

The Elder-Fehn and Catamount Trail Loop offers a fantastic mountain biking adventure, immersing you in the scenic beauty of Colorado's pine and aspen forests. As you navigate the singletrack, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Pikes Peak and the serene North Catamount Reservoir. Expect a mix of smooth sections and some short, steep climbs, with roots adding to the technical challenge, making it a truly engaging ride.

This difficult 8.8-mile (14.2 km) loop involves 944 feet (288 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Given the consistent elevation above 9,200 feet, it's wise to be acclimatized and check weather forecasts before you go. Parking is generally available near the trailhead, but arriving early is always a good strategy, especially during peak season.

What sets this route apart is its integration into the larger Ring-the-Peak loop, offering flexibility for longer rides or variations. The area is also known for its abundant trout in the reservoirs, adding another layer of natural appeal. This trail is perfect for mountain bikers seeking a challenging workout combined with iconic Colorado mountain scenery.

The Signal Butte Trail 717 Loop offers a dynamic mountain biking adventure through Pike National Forest, showcasing scenic views of Pikes Peak and Signal Butte. You'll ride through a mix of open, desert-like burn scar areas and more sheltered wooded spots, encountering diverse terrain that keeps things interesting. Expect a varied experience, from generally easy sections to trickier parts with soft sand, boulders, and water crossings, making it a good fit for riders seeking a challenge beyond beginner routes.

Planning your ride on this 24.0-mile (38.7 km) loop, which features 2677 feet (816 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 52 minutes, is straightforward. The trail is accessible year-round from trailheads like Signal Butte, Phantom Creek, and Rural Ridge, though conditions vary greatly with the seasons. Be aware that this is a multi-use trail, so you'll be sharing it with dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides, requiring constant awareness of bi-directional traffic.

Rated as moderate, the Signal Butte Trail 717 Loop is particularly notable for its varied terrain, which includes numerous "whoops" and significant elevation changes, providing a workout for intermediate riders. While some sections are quite easy, the eastern side presents more technical challenges, including soft ground and rocky patches, though bypasses are often available. The trail's year-round accessibility and the option for no-impact camping make it a versatile choice for a longer outing.

The South Catamount Reservoir Dam – Catamount Reservoir Beach loop offers a fantastic mountain biking adventure, winding through pine and aspen forests with continuous views of the North and South Catamount Reservoirs. You'll navigate a mix of gravel roads and extensive singletrack, often with the majestic Pikes Peak as your backdrop. This difficult 9.3-mile (14.9 km) route features 773 feet (236 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 27 minutes, and is best suited for riders with solid fitness looking for a rewarding challenge.

Planning your ride on this North Slope Recreation Area mountain biking trail means aiming for the window between May and October, as winter conditions typically close it down. Be aware that the South Catamount Reservoir Dam was slated for rehabilitation in 2024-2025, which might impact parts of the trail. Since it's a multi-use system, always be courteous to hikers sharing the path.

This loop is a highlight within the Pikes Peak North Slope Recreation Area, an important part of Colorado Springs' drinking water system, situated at over 9,200 feet. A portion of the route even connects to the larger "Ring-the-Peak" trail network, offering a glimpse into a vast regional system. You'll also pass the historic South Catamount Reservoir Dam, constructed in 1936, adding a touch of history to your ride.

The Catamount Reservoir Beach – Blue River Trail Turnaround loop offers a captivating mountain biking experience, winding through diverse terrain from singletrack to gravel roads. You'll be treated to continuous, stunning vistas of Pikes Peak and the surrounding pine and aspen forests, all while skirting the picturesque North and South Catamount Reservoirs. The route includes a unique beach area at the Blue River Trail Turnaround, providing a scenic spot to pause and take in the high-alpine beauty. It's an easy 9.2-mile (14.8 km) ride with 771 feet (235 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 26 minutes, making it ideal for intermediate riders seeking rewarding views without extreme technical demands.

Planning your visit requires checking seasonal access, as the area is generally closed from December to April, with gates potentially closed between October 1st and May 1st. Access is via Edlowe Road or the Pikes Peak Highway, which may incur a fee. Since the entire trail is above 9,200 feet in elevation, be prepared for thinner air and ensure you carry enough water. Remember that some sections are multi-use, so you'll be sharing the trail with hikers.

This loop is integrated into the larger "Ring-the-Peak" trail system, showcasing the region's extensive network of trails. While the trail offers a beach area at the reservoir, swimming is strictly prohibited in Catamount Reservoir. The varied terrain, from rooted singletrack to smoother dirt roads, combined with the consistent high-alpine views, makes this a standout mountain biking destination in the Colorado Springs area.