Out of all the Woodland Park, Colorado activities, mountain biking is one of the most challenging but also the most rewarding. Mountain bikers seek the natural terrain, where mountaintops replace skyscrapers and beautiful views take your breath away in a good way, unlike the smog from a polluted city. Mountain biking is a rewarding experience that makes the beautiful outdoors your reason for biking in the first place.
Why Mountain Bike in Southern Colorado?
Southern Colorado is a destination for the adventurous. From Pikes Peak to the rest of Rockies, Colorado’s lush land is a lure for hikers, campers, rock climbers, fishers, and mountain bikers. It’s a place that should be on your bucket list.
Southern Colorado’s Woodland Park and Colorado Springs have a variety of trails for all skill levels. From the Centennial Trail perfect for a gentle family mountain biking adventure to the steep, technical “Devil’s Playground Trail,” Southern Colorado has it all.
Centennial Trail is a smooth, paved path made for scenic riding. The trail is 8.5 miles long and begins in Woodland Park right off Highway 67. Beautiful meadows beaming with colorful wildflowers and dense pine forests make Centennial Trail a convincing first for anyone who has reservations about mountain biking. Of course, it’s a fairly easy trail for anyone to start with, but the views of Trout Creek and the surrounding area make it a good start for just about anybody.
The Putney Gulch Trail starts around mile 4 of the western side of Teller County Road 62 and leads bikers through a cool forest of aspens and pines. This trail is good for an intermediate or advanced mountain biker, who enjoys technical riding. A challenging rock garden will give mountain bikers a chance to test their skills as they maneuver through. The trail offers spectacular views of the western slopes of Pike’s Peak.
The Rampart Reservoir Trail is perfect for the spring and summer, with the colors of all the plant life bursting through the ground to make a perfect biking backdrop. This single-track trail is for intermediate mountain bikers. Smooth biking sections are balanced with the occasional challenge of winding through rock formations and biking around obstacles. A scenic trail surrounded by wildflower meadows and the beautiful Rampart Reservoir’s still waters.
For those expert mountain bikers, the Devil’s Playground Trail is a technical ride down the west side of Pike’s Peak. The first mile of the trail is full of steep switchbacks, or points to the trail that turns back upon itself. The next mile and a half offer stunning views to the north and east and are relatively flat to allow for a bit of rest after the challenging first part of the trail. At 2.6 miles, the trail crosses into the Devil’s Playground, where hoodoos of granite crystallized more than a billion years ago. The trail becomes even more challenging at 3.5 miles, with a steep descent that is sure to get your heart racing and your brake foot pumping.
There are plenty more trails to explore in Southern Colorado for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a casual scenic ride with the family or a solo, technical bike ride that will test your limits, Southern Colorado has plenty of trails worth exploring. The beautiful terrain of Pike’s Peak, Cheyenne Mountains, and the Colorado Springs and Woodland Park area is part of what makes Colorado a must-visit state for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
Bristlecone Lodge is a perfect kick-off point for your Woodland Park, Colorado activities and biking adventures with easy access to nearby and day trip biking adventures. Click here to book your trip today!