The best traffic-free bike rides in El Paso County

Komoot offers around 20 carefully curated no-traffic gravel bike routes in El Paso County, Colorado. These routes range from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

Yes, several easy, traffic-free gravel routes are perfect for beginners. A great option is the New Santa Fe Regional Trail loop from InTown Suites, which is approximately 20 km long and features minimal elevation gain, making it very accessible.

Many routes offer stunning views, especially those that pass through or near iconic landmarks. The Garden of the Gods – New Sante Fe Regional Trail loop provides breathtaking vistas of the red rock formations and Pikes Peak. The New Santa Fe Regional Trail itself is known for its picturesque passages through varied terrain.

Many trails in El Paso County, including sections of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail and routes within the Greenland Open Space, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific park regulations or trail signage for leash requirements and any restrictions before heading out with your furry friend.

Absolutely! The easier sections of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail are ideal for families, offering flat, well-maintained gravel paths away from vehicle traffic. The New Santa Fe Regional Trail loop from InTown Suites is a good example of a shorter, easy route suitable for a family outing.

El Paso County is rich in natural beauty. Along many routes, especially those near Garden of the Gods, you can spot unique rock formations like the Three Graces, Keyhole Rock, and Siamese Twins rock formation. Routes near Palmer Lake might offer views of Lower Palmer Reservoir or Aspen Lake.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the New Santa Fe Regional Trail – New Sante Fe Regional Trail loop from United States Air Force Academy Cemetery and the Greenland Open Space – Palmer Lake loop from Gleneagle.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, especially at lower elevations, so early mornings are recommended. Winter riding is possible, but some higher elevation trails may be snow-covered or icy, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Many popular trailheads, especially for the New Santa Fe Regional Trail and routes around Palmer Lake and Garden of the Gods, offer designated parking. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for specific parking information.

The komoot community highly rates these routes, with an average score of 4.75 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the peaceful car-free environment, and the variety of terrain that caters to different skill levels, from the iconic red rocks of Garden of the Gods to the serene paths along the New Santa Fe Regional Trail.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Garden of the Gods – New Sante Fe Regional Trail loop from Ute Valley Park is a difficult route spanning over 100 km with significant elevation changes, offering a demanding yet rewarding car-free gravel experience.