Are there trails suitable for advanced or expert riders?

Yes. Captain Morgans is the standout expert-level listing in the dataset and is not a trail to underestimate. Chamberlain has a hard-rated variant that steps up significantly from its easier sections. Riders who have worked through the moderate trails like Bruin, Hogback Valley, and Sweetwater Canyon will have a better sense of whether they are ready for the expert-level terrain.

Do I need a permit or pass to ride trails in Colorado Springs?

Most of the trails in the Colorado Springs system, including those in Bear Creek Regional Park and the Palmer Park area, are free to access. Some trailheads have parking fees. If you are riding into areas that border Pike National Forest, check current access requirements with the USDA Forest Service before you go, as those can change seasonally.

What gear should I bring for a day of riding here?

A helmet is non-negotiable, and for anything beyond the paved greenway, a full-suspension or hardtail trail bike handles the rocky, variable terrain better than a cross-country race setup. Bring more water than you think you need since the elevation and dry air accelerate dehydration. A basic repair kit with a spare tube, pump, and multi-tool covers most trailside issues, and a light rain layer is worth carrying given the afternoon storm pattern in summer.

Colorado · Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking in COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado

Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and gives mountain bikers direct access to a trail network that ranges from paved greenways to technical singletrack without ever needing to drive far.

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Mountain Biking · 100 spots

Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and gives mountain bikers direct access to a trail network that ranges from paved greenways to technical singletrack without ever needing to drive far. Beginners and families have solid options at Bear Creek Regional Park, along the Pikes Peak Greenway, and on the Templeton and Meadowlark trails, where the terrain is forgiving and the scenery does a lot of the work. Riders looking for something with more bite can move up to moderate trails like Bruin Trail, Hogback Valley, Sweetwater Canyon, and the Columbine and Edna Mae Bennet Nature trails, which add elevation change and looser surfaces to the mix. Chamberlain runs the full spectrum depending on which section you ride, and Captain Morgans sits at the expert end of the local difficulty scale. The Gold Camp corridor around Bear Creek is a longtime local favorite for good reason — the trail system is well-connected, the elevation gain is manageable, and you can string together several routes in a single outing. With 200 active listings in the Colorado Springs area, there is enough variety here to keep a dedicated rider busy across multiple seasons and skill progressions.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time of year to mountain bike in Colorado Springs?

Late spring through early fall is the most reliable window, roughly May through October. Trails at lower elevations like the Pikes Peak Greenway and Bear Creek Regional Park often open earlier and stay rideable later into the season, while higher routes can hold snow or mud well into May. Summer afternoons bring afternoon thunderstorms, so most locals ride in the morning and are off exposed terrain by early afternoon.

Which trails are best for beginners or riders new to the area?

Bear Creek Trail, Pikes Peak Greenway, Templeton Trail, Meadowlark Trail, and Grandview Trail are all listed as easy and are good starting points. Bear Creek Regional Park in particular gives newer riders a connected network where they can build confidence without committing to long climbs or technical descents. Palmer Point Trail also has an easy-rated version that works well for first visits.

Mountain Biking in COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado

Frequently asked questions

Nearby cities

Featured spots

776

Almond Butter

Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande

All spots · 100

Bear Creek (Gold Camp)

Bear Creek (Gold Camp)

Bear Creek Regional Park

Bear Creek Regional Park

Bear Creek Trail

Bear Creek Trail

Bear Creek Trail

Bear Creek-666

BeaUTEiful Loop

Black and Blue Loop

Black and Blue Loop

Black and Blue Loop

Black and Blue Loop

Blackmer Loop

Bock Trail

Bock Trail

Bock Trail

Boulder Run

Bruin Trail

Bruin Trail

Buckhorn Trail

Buckhorn Trail-776

Captain Jacks Trail 667

Captain Morgans