Building on Springs biking

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Building on Springs biking

Colorado Springs is in the midst of building one of the most complete bike path networks in the United States.

Much like the South Platte Greenway in Denver, the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail is the backbone of the system bisecting the city north and south, and acts as a conduit for other east-west trails. This path meanders parallel to Monument Creek most of the way, similar again to the Platte River Greenway as it parallels the South Platte.

This trail also passes through a variety of environs, including natural open space (where deer are occasionally spotted next to the trail), suburban, urban and light-industrial areas. There is little elevation gain or loss, many parking/trail access points and rest-stop refreshment options.

This is a good destination for family outings.

If you go

Bicycle: Mountain or city bike

Location: North/south through Colorado Springs

Surface: Dirt path, asphalt and concrete bike path

Distance: Out and back is 18.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy to slightly moderate

Ride Time: Two to three hours

To reach Pikes Peak Greenway: From Interstate 25, take the south entrance to the Air Force Academy. Continue on South Gate Boulevard, turning left onto Pine Drive. After about 1/2 mile, take the first major dirt road left to Ice Lake and the trailhead.

Map of the ride

Other rides

-Downtown Colorado Springs: At the end of the ride at Uintah, going left up a short hill leads to a dedicated bike lane along Cascade. It runs for about two miles through Colorado College and into the downtown area. Many restaurants, a good brewery and visitors bureau are found along the way.

-Pikes Peak Greenway south: Dodging construction at Uintah, the trail jogs to the west side of the creek. It continues for another two or three miles before ending near the site of some heavy flash-flood damage. The trail resumes again past U.S. 85 (Lake Avenue) and continues nine or 10 more miles through beautiful riparian terrain to Widefield, Security and Fountain.

-Pikes Peak Greenway north: North of Ice Lake, the trail is called the New Santa Fe Trail. Beginning within the boundaries of the Air Force Academy, the beautiful twisting trail meanders north along Monument Creek past some interesting rock outcroppings. Short climbs and descents are easily negotiated before leveling off at about four miles. The converted trail route is now flat and straight with a few hills and diversions, passing through the town of Monument and finally into lovely Palmer Lake. Maps for the area area are available at Criterium Bicycles just north of Corporate Center Drive from Exit 148B near the described path.

E-mail Ted Crawford at tcrawford@dslbroadband.com.

August 18, 2000

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