New mountain bike trails in North Cheyenne Cañon Park

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Bikers and hikers are trying out a new trail that opened in North Cheyenne Cañon Park in Colorado Springs. The two-and-a-half-mile expansion provides multi-use connections between other trails, and its parallel from Gold Camp Road offering trail users a single-track alternative from the gravel road.

“I’m enjoying it a lot so far, it’s the second time I’ve been on the new trail since they opened. I think it’s a great addition to the trail system here,” said Dennis Patton, a cyclist that uses the trails regularly.

Both hikers and bikers say they like that the newly opened Ladders Trail connects to other trails. It is also a way to improve pedestrian safety from cars passing through Lower Gold Camp Road.

“It’s nice not to have to worry about being on that route and dealing with cars and just kind of our own separate space away from traffic is nice. Plus, just more miles of trails, just spend more time out here, which is always a plus,” added Patton.

In addition to the two and a half mile extension, a new obstacle was put in place for thrill seekers on the Black Diamond Trail.

“I think it’s great that they’re adding some manmade obstacles,” said Patton.

The steep obstacle can send bikers flying into the downhill Captain Morgan’s Mountain Bike Trail, with the Ladders Trail continuing underneath.

“I think one of the complaints from, you know, some of the mountain bikers, is a lot of the trails have been, you know, kind of sanitized, maybe dumbed down a little bit,” he added.

It gives two purposes to both trails, allowing users to cross without colliding, keeping bikers and hikers safe.

“It can be dangerous when bikers and hikers and trail runners collide, certainly. And definitely in areas where the trails are super technical. It’s fun, but it can be a bit sketchy,” said Joanna Carr, a runner and hiker who also uses the trials regularly.

The two trails, originally ‘social trials,’ are now maintained by the city with the hope of maintaining safer access to these areas for all users.

“I do really appreciate it when they have designated mountain bike spots because then the mountain bikers can really enjoy the trails and go, like, really fast and enjoy themselves. And then other people can stay safe,” added Carr.

The City of Colorado Springs wants to remind users to follow trail etiquette and always be aware of others on the trails.

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