CMTRA plans to catalog as many riding areas as possible in our region. Here are brief descriptions of 4 areas we like to ride. We will add more riding areas to our website in the future. Listed below are maps for each area. As often the case with maps their accuracy varies and the designation of motorized trails may be inaccurate. Please ride only on trails designated for motorized vehicles. See you on the trail!

1. TEXAS CREEK RIDING AREA

LOCATION - This network of jeep roads and trails is located 25 miles west of Canon City just off Highway 50. Turn north off of Highway 50 beside the small store in the community of Texas Creek. Cross the Arkansas River bridge and the RR tracks, then turn to follow the dirt road west 1/2 mile to the parking area. Some primitive campsites are available approximately 1 mile further on the left.

DESCRIPTION - The area is small enough that it is not difficult to find your way around, but large enough to provide a good half-day of riding. Most of the trails are marked for use by both quads and motorcycles. This area can be ridden all year long but can have snow in the winter and temperatures over the 100 degrees in the summer. Many riders use this area to keep their skills sharp and test equipment during the winter months when most other areas are snowed in. The terrain varies from novice to intermediate skill levels, with altitudes ranging from approximately 7,000 to 10,000 feet. Several open areas make this a great place to take the entire family and let everyone learn to ride, or just enhance their skills and have a good time.

MAP – Texas Creek Trail System by Thunder Trail Navigation. Watch where you ride though, some new trails have been cut and some have been closed to all motorized vehicles since this map was made.

2. WOODLAND PARK – 717 TRAIL SYSTEM

LOCATION – Just west of Woodland Park on Hwy 24 turn right (north) at the light onto Trout Creek road. The trailhead is about 2 miles in at a dirt parking lot. Also going straight north of Divide on Rule Ridge Road for several miles will lead to several trails but many of these are in the Hayman burn area.

DESCRIPTION - Almost half of the trails were burnt in the Hayman fire – mostly the northwest portion including the gulches (Hackett, Longwater etc). Our club is working with the USFS to reopen much of these trails this summer. However the gulches will likely remain closed for now. Several miles of quad/motorcycle trails remain. These trails are easy to intermediate but fun to ride. Elevation is 7,000 to 9,000 feet.

MAPS – Trails of Colorado Volume Two or Trails Illustrated # 137 – Pikes Peak, Canon City

3. CAP’N JACKS

LOCATION – On the west side of Colorado Springs take Gold Camp Road to just before the 1st tunnel to find the trailhead. A metal sign with “Multi-use Trail” is at the front of this parking area.

DESCRIPTION – Over 50 miles of trails and jeep roads make up this trail system, much of this though is pure singletrack. Portions of the trail can be difficult and technical, particularly the Pipeline trail going uphill. Downhill though, Pipeline is easier. Elevations are from 6,500 to 11,000 feet. This is a popular trail and also is used by hikers, mountain bikers, runners and equestrians.

MAPS – Pikes Pike Atlas by Ormes & Houdek or Captain Jacks Trail System by Thunder Trail Navigation

4. ST CHARLES SNOWSLIDE

LOCATION – From Wetmore head southwest on 96 then south on 165 then 2-3 miles past Bishop’s Castle is a small dirt parking lot on the left or east side of the road. The trail is barely noticeable on the right side of the road.

DESCRIPTIONS – Mostly single track trails that can be very difficult and technical – rocks, roots, switchbacks, steep. Elevation is 8,500 to 11,500 feet. A fun ride overall. Going up St Charles trail and coming down the Cisneros trail will bring you back to Lake Isabel Recreation Area and ride on Hwy 165 can get you back to your car or truck.

MAP – San Isabel Nat’l Forest Map by USFS