The best cycling routes around Fort Carson

The Talon and Sundance Loop offers a dynamic touring cycling adventure through Cheyenne Mountain State Park, showcasing continuous views of the iconic Cheyenne Mountain. You'll pedal through a mix of natural, unpaved, and gravel paths, transitioning from the mostly flat and wide Sundance Trail to the more challenging, elevation-gaining sections of the Talon trail. Expect to traverse mixed pine forests, open meadowlands, and granite outcrops, with the chance to spot wildflowers in summer and even the NORAD antennas from higher vantage points.

To enjoy this moderate 8.8-mile (14.2 km) route with its 898 feet (274 metres) of elevation gain, plan your visit between April and October, with spring and fall providing ideal cycling conditions. An entrance fee is required for Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and you'll want a mountain, sturdy gravel, or hybrid bike to handle the varied terrain. The trail is clearly marked with color-coded signs, ensuring an easy navigation experience.

Beyond the scenic beauty, the loop is a haven for wildlife, with frequent sightings of deer and bighorn sheep. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse ecosystems of Colorado, offering a blend of physical challenge and natural immersion. This route stands out for its consistent mountain vistas and the opportunity to explore both wide, gentle paths and narrower, more technical climbs within a single, well-maintained park system.

Pedal along the Fountain Creek Regional Trail for a scenic journey through diverse landscapes, where you'll find yourself immersed in wetlands, expansive meadows, and shady cottonwood forests. This moderate touring cycling route spans 20.5 miles (33.0 km) with a gentle 436 feet (133 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 3 hours and 2 minutes. Enjoy picturesque views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range as you pass by highlights like the Willow Springs Ponds and the Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with the trail connecting Colorado Springs to Fountain. While mostly unpaved with gravel and dirt sections, it's generally accessible for touring bikes. Amenities like benches, picnic tables, and restrooms are available within the park sections, and autumn offers a particularly stunning display of changing leaves, making it a great time to visit.

This trail is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting over 300 recorded bird species, alongside deer, beavers, muskrats, and turtles. It serves as a vital link, connecting the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail to the north with Fountain Creek Regional Park, and provides direct access to the Fountain Creek Nature Center, making it a family-friendly option for exploring the local riparian environment.

The Fountain Creek Regional Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience through a vibrant wetlands area, perfect for those seeking an easy ride with abundant natural beauty. You'll pedal along a predominantly unpaved, doubletrack dirt trail, often hard-packed gravel, enjoying views of Fountain Creek, lush trees, and the serene Willow Springs Ponds. Keep your eyes peeled for diverse wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and turtles, as you traverse this peaceful landscape.

This easy 5.5-mile (8.8 km) loop, with just 97 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 48 minutes to complete, making it an excellent option for beginners or a leisurely outing. The trail is open from dawn to dusk year-round, though autumn offers particularly striking scenery with changing leaves. Be prepared for potentially muddy sections after rain, which might make the route less suitable for road bikes.

Beyond the loop, the Fountain Creek Regional Trail connects to a larger system, allowing for extended rides north towards Colorado Springs and even Palmer Lake. The park itself is a 460-acre wetlands area and bird sanctuary, making it a hotspot for wildlife spotting. You can also visit the Fountain Creek Nature Center to deepen your understanding of this unique riparian environment.

The Broadmoor loop offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, winding through the scenic Colorado Springs area. You'll pedal past the elegant Broadmoor Resort and the serene Cheyenne Lake, with the dramatic backdrop of Cheyenne Mountain and the expansive Pike National Forest always in view. The route primarily follows well-maintained paved roads, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride, though the 1125 feet (343 metres) of elevation gain ensures a good workout.

This moderate 12.6-mile (20.2 km) loop typically takes around 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a morning or afternoon ride. While specific trailhead parking isn't detailed, the Broadmoor area is well-equipped for cyclists, so finding a spot shouldn't be an issue. Consider going in the morning to avoid potential crowds and enjoy the cooler air, especially during the warmer seasons.

The Broadmoor area is renowned for its diverse cycling routes, attracting both recreational riders and competitive cyclists. This particular loop provides a blend of natural beauty and views of a world-class destination, offering a taste of the region's cycling appeal without the commitment of longer, more challenging routes found nearby. It's a perfect way to experience the picturesque landscape and the vibrant cycling culture of Colorado Springs.

The Pikes Peak Greenway – Uintah street bridge loop from Stratmoor offers a rewarding touring cycling experience, blending urban convenience with stunning natural backdrops. This moderate 21.1 miles (33.9 km) route, with its 579 feet (176 metres) of elevation gain, guides you alongside Monument Creek and Fountain Creek, providing consistent views of Pikes Peak and dramatic red rock formations. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, crushed stone, and some dirt, making for a varied ride that typically takes around 2 hours and 8 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride on this multi-use trail is straightforward; it's generally family-friendly and allows leashed dogs. While the trail is mostly smooth, be prepared for potential re-routes or damaged sections, particularly south of America the Beautiful Park, due to occasional flooding. A good fitness level is recommended for the minor hills and varied terrain, and checking local conditions before heading out is always a smart move.

This loop is a vital part of Colorado Springs' extensive trail system, acting as a central artery that connects to numerous other trails like the Fountain Creek Regional Trail, offering endless possibilities for longer explorations. The Uintah underpass is a notable point, linking newly paved sections and providing access to the creek. While the trail offers a fantastic blend of urban and natural landscapes, some areas, especially south of America the Beautiful Park, have been noted for issues with homelessness and trash, which is something to be aware of.