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Better than Garden Of the Gods!


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Map Key

7.5

Miles

12.1

KM

65%

Singletrack

6,611' 2,015 m

High

6,195' 1,888 m

Low

861' 262 m

Up

859' 262 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

Varied terrain with great views. There is also a terrain and skill area east of the Ridge Road parking area.

Need to Know

This is a heavily used park. You'll encounter day hikers and small children, off leash dogs and horses. Douche-baggery is not encouraged.

Description

There are three access points - From I-25 take the Cimarron Street exit west. Cimarron Street will turn into Highway 24. After the 31st street light, turn left onto Ridge Road. Red Rock Canyon will be on the south side of the street. The parking lot is located at the end of Ridge Road. Another parking area is located just south of Hwy. 24 on 31st street. The third is a small area in the Crystal Hills subdivision.


The ride itself encompasses just about every type of riding - steep, rocky climbs, beautiful purpose-built singletrack and screaming fire road descents. The park is susceptible to damage after rains, and the soil is clay based - give it a rest after storms. After leaving the parking lot, you'll head up a steep but doable climb.

A gentle climb on lower Hogback Trail will lead to, in my opinion, the highlight of the climb - a run on the ridge of the easternmost hogback in the park. You'll continue to climb to Lion Trail. Your reward will be a fun, fast descent to what was once called the 'most beautiful landfill in America'. Bear left at the bottom, and climb Roundup Trail - a purpose-built singletrack that is a great workout.

At the first trail junction, bear right to Sand Canyon Trail, then left on Meadowlark. You'll then take Quarry Pass Trail to the top of the quarry that built a lot of Colorado Springs. A fast descent on Red Rock Rim Trail will take you back to Lower Hogback and the parking lot.

History & Background

For more info on the park visit springsgov.com/Page.aspx?Na…

Contacts

Shared By:

Jon Zanone with improvements by Dave Alan and 2 others

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 52 votes

#395

Overall
  3.9 from 52 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
2%
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#395

Overall
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25,253 Since Jan 2, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Sand Canyon at Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Aug 18, 2018 near Manitou…, CO
On the last tabletop
Mar 15, 2019 near Manitou…, CO
3 Jul 2011 - Garden of the Gods in the heat of a Colorado summer.
Jan 2, 2014 near Colorad…, CO
Sunrise over Red Rock Canyon.
Dec 27, 2016 near Manitou…, CO
Dusk panorama of Colorado Springs to the NE. L-R you can see Pulpit Rock, Palmer Park, Bear Creek and Cheyenne Mountain.
Oct 5, 2016 near Colorad…, CO
Hogback Ridge is a fun climb with loose white stone.
Apr 6, 2016 near Manitou…, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 13 days ago
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