North Slope Recreation Area is a high-elevation recreation area situated on Pikes Peak in Cascade, Colorado. This area features diverse natural landscapes, including forested paths and three cold-water reservoirs: Crystal Creek, North Catamount, and South Catamount. The terrain provides a setting for several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, road cycling, and more, with trails offering views and connections to the broader Pikes Peak region.
The North Slope Recreation Area offers a…
58
Routes
4.5
(22)
Average rating
836
People visited

5.0
(1)
54
riders
34.2km
04:05
1,980m
330m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11.3km
00:32
30m
240m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
44
riders
42.2km
03:39
1,530m
1,530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

27
riders
60.3km
05:05
2,070m
2,070m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
hikers
4.11km
01:11
90m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.47km
00:49
150m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.19km
02:00
480m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.21km
01:28
100m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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156
riders
60.3km
04:07
2,070m
2,070m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

135
riders
94.4km
05:53
2,590m
2,590m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

2
riders
28.2km
01:20
300m
300m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

1
riders
45.9km
02:35
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
4
riders
15.6km
01:33
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
14.2km
02:02
290m
290m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

5.0
(2)
37
riders
34.9km
03:28
430m
430m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

8
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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3
runners
8.16km
01:15
190m
190m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

2
runners
7.81km
01:02
210m
210m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
6.46km
00:45
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
3.79km
00:28
40m
40m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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North Slope Recreation Area is a high-elevation recreation area located on Pikes Peak in Cascade, Colorado. It encompasses 2,267 acres of pristine wilderness, featuring forested paths and three cold-water reservoirs. The area provides a setting for various outdoor activities.
The North Slope Recreation Area offers activities such as Hiking, Jogging, Touring cycling, Road cycling, and Mountain biking. There are 4 routes available for exploration, with an average rating of 4.67 stars from more than 2,000 visitors. Guides are available for specific sports like Hiking in North Slope Recreation Area and Cycling in North Slope Recreation Area.
The area features over 10 miles (16 km) of trails, primarily single-track, suitable for hikers. The Catamount Trail is a popular choice, offering a moderate 9-mile (14.5 km) out-and-back journey with views along the reservoir. This trail connects to other routes like Limber Pine, Blue River, and Mule Deer Trails. For more options, explore the Hiking in North Slope Recreation Area guide.
Yes, the area includes 12 miles (19 km) of trails, including gravel roads and single track, suitable for touring cyclists and mountain bikers. The Pikes Peak Highway provides a challenging road cycling experience to access the recreation area, with significant elevation gains. Specific guides include Cycling in North Slope Recreation Area and Road Cycling Routes in North Slope Recreation Area.
Mountain biking is available on the area's 12 miles (19 km) of trails, which include single track and gravel roads. These trails offer diverse terrain for mountain biking enthusiasts. For detailed routes, consult the MTB Trails in North Slope Recreation Area guide.
The North Slope Recreation Area offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including options for beginners and families. The forested paths provide shade, which can be appreciated during warmer months. Guides like Easy hikes in North Slope Recreation Area and Family-friendly hikes in North Slope Recreation Area can help plan suitable outings.
The area is known for its three cold-water reservoirs: Crystal Creek Reservoir, North Catamount Reservoir, and South Catamount Reservoir. These reservoirs are picturesque focal points, with shorelines ranging from 3.3 to 6.5 miles (5.3 to 10.5 km). The landscape also features extensive forested paths and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
The North Slope Recreation Area is situated at an elevation of over 9,200 feet (2,800 meters). This high-altitude setting provides cooler temperatures and crisp mountain air, making it a refreshing escape. The elevation contributes to challenging routes for cyclists, with ascents of 1,280 feet (390 meters) on the Pikes Peak Highway.
Wildlife sightings are common in the North Slope Recreation Area, adding to its natural allure. Visitors may observe animals such as elk, mule deer, black bear, and bald eagles. The pristine wilderness provides a habitat for diverse species.
For official information regarding the North Slope Recreation Area, visit the City of Colorado Springs website for Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. For current road conditions and general information, the Pikes Peak - America's Mountain Information Line is available at 719-385-7325 (select option 1).
Yes, the North Slope Recreation Area offers trails suitable for jogging and running. The area features over 10 miles (16 km) of trails, primarily single-track, that runners can utilize. For specific running routes, consult the Running Trails in North Slope Recreation Area guide.
Routes in North Slope Recreation Area have an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on experiences shared by more than 2,000 visitors who have explored the area's 4 available routes. The high rating reflects the quality of the outdoor experiences.

