The best traffic-free bike rides in North Slope Recreation Area

The North Slope Recreation Area offers several dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes. You'll find a total of 6 routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, providing diverse options for exploring the high-elevation mountain terrain.

The North Slope Recreation Area is open seasonally, typically from May through mid-October. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for touring cycling, allowing you to enjoy the stunning landscapes and cooler, shaded trails.

While many routes in the North Slope Recreation Area feature significant elevation changes and are rated moderate to difficult, some sections might be suitable for families with older, experienced riders. For a moderate option, consider the South Catamount Reservoir Dam – Catamount Reservoir Beach loop from North Slope Recreation Area, which offers a 15.5 km ride around the reservoir.

The routes primarily consist of gravel roadways and logging roads, with some single-track sections. This varied terrain is well-suited for touring cyclists, offering a mix of surfaces as you navigate the high-elevation mountain landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views.

Yes, there are loop options available for touring cyclists. A notable moderate loop is the South Catamount Reservoir Dam – Catamount Reservoir Beach loop from North Slope Recreation Area, which takes you around the scenic reservoirs.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like Pikes Peak from Cascade, covering over 60 km with significant elevation gain, or the Pikes Peak Highway: Cascade to the Summit of Pikes Peak, which ascends nearly 2,000 meters, offer demanding rides with panoramic rewards.

Yes, the North Slope Recreation Area requires an entry fee, and a parking permit is also necessary. It's advisable to check the official Pikes Peak – America's Mountain website for current rates and regulations before your visit. You can find more information on the official website: coloradosprings.gov.

The North Slope Recreation Area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning high-elevation views, the challenge of the climbs, and the overall natural beauty of the area, especially the pristine reservoirs.

Yes, the North Slope Recreation Area provides picnic sites where visitors can relax and enjoy the surroundings. These are great spots to take a break during your touring cycling adventure. One route, the Crowe Gulch Picnic Ground – Crystal Creek Reservoir loop from Cascade, even highlights a picnic ground as part of its name.

You'll experience high-elevation mountain terrain with breathtaking views, especially around the three cold-water reservoirs: Crystal Creek, North Catamount, and South Catamount. These pristine waters are home to various trout species and add to the scenic beauty of the area.

Yes, you can cycle to the Pikes Peak Summit. The Pikes Peak Summit via Pikes Peak Highway route offers a challenging 42.2 km ride with substantial climbs, leading you to the panoramic views from the summit.