Varied terrain with great views. There is also a terrain and skill area east of the Ridge Road parking area.
This is a heavily used park. You'll encounter day hikers and small children, off leash dogs and horses. Douche-baggery is not encouraged.
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.
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