The best road cycling routes around Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 110 options available. These include 22 easy routes, 84 moderate routes, and 7 challenging routes, catering to all skill levels.

The terrain around Colorado Springs is incredibly diverse, ranging from the challenging ascents of Pikes Peak to the rolling hills of the eastern plains and the relatively flat urban greenways. You can expect significant elevation gains on routes like Pikes Peak Summit via Colorado Springs, which climbs over 8,500 feet, while routes through Garden of the Gods offer moderate climbs and scenic loops.

Road cycling in Colorado Springs offers stunning views of iconic natural landmarks. You can cycle past the towering red sandstone formations of Garden of the Gods, including Three Graces rock formation, North Gateway Rock, and Siamese Twins rock formation. Many routes also provide majestic views of Pikes Peak, 'America's Mountain'.

Yes, Colorado Springs has several family-friendly road cycling options. The New Santa Fe Regional Trail and Cottonwood Creek Trail are excellent choices, offering smooth, well-maintained paths with views of the Rocky Mountains, ideal for beginner road cyclists and families. Shorter loops within Garden of the Gods, such as the Garden of the Gods Park loop, are also suitable for a more relaxed ride.

For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers demanding routes. The ultimate test is the Pikes Peak Summit via Colorado Springs, a 58.6-mile route with over 8,500 feet of elevation gain. Additionally, the Cheyenne Canyon area is known for its challenging climbs, attracting professional riders for training.

Beginners can enjoy several accessible road cycling routes. The New Santa Fe Regional Trail and Cottonwood Creek Trail offer smooth, gentle paths. Within Garden of the Gods, the Garden of the Gods Park loop provides a scenic and manageable ride with moderate elevation changes.

The best time for road cycling in Colorado Springs is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October) when the weather is mild and trails are clear. While some lower elevation routes may be accessible in winter, higher elevation areas, especially Pikes Peak, can experience snow and ice, making them impassable or very challenging. Always check local weather and road conditions before heading out.

Colorado Springs is home to many scenic loop routes. The Garden of the Gods Park loop via Blodgett Peak Open Space and the shorter Garden of the Gods loop are popular for their stunning red rock formations. The North Cascade to Pikes Peak Greenway loop offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes, while the Legacy Loop encircles the downtown area.

The road cycling routes in Colorado Springs are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse scenery, from majestic mountains to unique red rock formations, and the variety of routes that cater to all ability levels.

Colorado Springs is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Besides road cycling, you can enjoy extensive hiking and trail running, world-class rock climbing in areas like Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and mountain biking in parks such as Palmer Park. Other activities include horseback riding, ziplining, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, and even hot air balloon rides for panoramic views. For more information on outdoor activities, you can visit Visit Colorado Springs.

For those seeking a quieter ride away from more popular spots, the Fountain to Hanover Loop offers an excellent scenic experience on the eastern plains. This route is known for its smooth roads and minimal traffic, providing a peaceful cycling environment.

While specific public transport access directly to all trailheads may vary, many urban greenway routes and loops, such as parts of the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail and the Legacy Loop, are integrated within the city and may be accessible via local public transportation. For detailed information on public transport routes, it's best to consult the local transit authority.