Colorado Springs is a cyclist’s paradise, offering diverse trails, breathtaking scenery, and a vibrant community that embraces biking. Whether you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, a gravel grinder, or a parent looking for kid-friendly trails, this city has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to cycling in Colorado Springs, complete with trail recommendations, safety tips, and resources for keeping your bike in peak condition.
Top Trails for Every Cyclist
Mountain Biking Trails:
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights: Stunning red rock formations and diverse terrain.
- North Cheyenne Canyons—Captain Jack’s Trail
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Highlights: Technical descents and incredible forest views.
- Palmer Park
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
- Highlights: Variety of single-track trails and panoramic city views.
Gravel Biking Trails:
- Gold Camp Road
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Historic rail tunnels and scenic gravel paths.
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Falcon Trail (U.S. Air Force Academy)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
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Highlights: Well-maintained paths with rolling hills.
Kid-Friendly Trails:
- Fountain Creek Regional Park Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Paved paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Legacy Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Safe and smooth trails ideal for young riders.
Bike Safety Tips
Cycling safety is paramount to enjoying the trails. Here are some key tips:
- Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitting helmet to reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Follow Traffic Rules: When cycling on roads, obey traffic signals and use hand signals.
- Stay Visible: Equip your bike with front and rear lights, especially when riding in low light.
- Perform Pre-Ride Checks: Ensure your brakes, tires, and gears are in good working order before heading out.
Bike Maintenance
Keeping your bike in great condition is essential for safety and performance. Visit Pedal Station at 2222 Bott Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, for tune-ups, repairs, and maintenance. They offer expert services and a community-centered approach to cycling.
Preventing Bike Theft
Bike theft is a significant concern in Colorado Springs, but these steps can help:
- Invest in a High-Quality Lock: U-locks are more secure than cable locks.
- Use Bike Racks: Secure both the frame and wheels to a fixed object.
- Register Your Bike: Many local authorities offer bike registration programs to aid recovery if your bike is stolen.
- Store Your Bike Securely: When not in use, keep your bike in a locked garage or indoor space.
Looking to Buy a Bike?
If you’re in the market for a bike, consider purchasing through a consignment shop. Not only can you find great deals, but at Mountain Equipment Recyclers (MER) and Pedal Station we perform thorough safety checks on all bikes we sell to ensure quality and reliability. For tips on buying a bike through a consignment shop, check out our blog post.
Cycling Non-Profits to Support
Colorado Springs boasts a strong cycling community bolstered by local non-profits:
- Kids on Bikes (kidsonbikes.net)
- Mission: Empowering kids and families through biking programs and events.
- Programs: Community bike rides, after-school bike clubs, and bike donation initiatives.
- Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association (COSMBA) (cosmba.org)
- Mission: Advocacy and maintenance of mountain biking trails in the region.
- Programs: Trail-building days and community events.
- Women’s Mountain Biking Association of Colorado Springs (WMBA) (wmbacos.org)
- Mission: Supporting and encouraging women to embrace mountain biking.
- Programs: Skills clinics, group rides, and mentoring opportunities.
Whether you’re hitting the trails solo, riding with your family, or looking to get involved with the cycling community, Colorado Springs has everything you need for an unforgettable cycling experience. Happy riding!
