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A dirt road through the Pike's Peak Forest with access to many singletrack trails.


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Map Key

29.1

Miles

46.9

KM

Doubletrack

9,990' 3,045 m

High

7,505' 2,287 m

Low

3,098' 944 m

Up

780' 238 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Weather limits access until late spring/early summer.

Description

Gold Camp Road heads along the defunct railroad route from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek referred to as the "Short Line". The railroad was turned into a toll road for vehicles in the 1920s and was then converted into a free, public road. The third tunnel used on the road collapsed in 1988 and was never cleared. This has shut off the road to vehicle use making it a popular route for hikers and bikers.

This trail can either start at Seven Bridges Trail #622, the parking lot, or be combined with any number of climbs.

Begin along Gold Camp Road (GCR). Buckhorn is the first turnoff on the right. At the switchback, Seven Bridges Trail #622 is also on the right.

The 1st tunnel encountered (#3) is closed and a trail leads up and over the tunnel. Here, access to St. Mary's Trail splits off to the right. There is a sign that marks this split. Go left and descend back down to Gold Camp Road.

There are two more tunnels (#4 and #5) which are open along the next few miles, passing wonderful vistas of Cheyenne Mountain and other surrounding peaks.

The trail is gradual, but the climb is steady and because the road is closed on both sides to cars, Pike's gravel has accumulated in some areas. It is also exposed to the elements with no bail-out options once along the eastern climb. Plan for weather accordingly.

The trail eventually meets up with Old Stage Road, and cars can now access the path, although there isn't much traffic even in summer. The climb continues for several more miles, crossing FS Road 381 several other roads and unmarked trails.

At mile 14, Forest Service Road 379 leads to Foresters Trail / Jones #701, which will be on your right at the end of the trail, with access also to Nelson's Trail (672) and Pipeline Trail #668.

The road continues on to Cripple Creek, with access to other roads and trails.

Contacts

Shared By:

Allen Tanner

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 6 votes

#17020

Overall
  3.7 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,601

in Colorado

#17,020

Overall
23 Views Last Month
7,856 Since Jul 9, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

25%
13%
63%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Autumn aspens blaze in the afternoon sunlight along Gold Camp Road.
Sep 29, 2016 near Cripple…, CO
Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Jul 9, 2016 near Manitou…, CO
View of Colorado Springs.
Jul 9, 2016 near Fort Ca…, CO
Looking down Buffalo Canyon.
Mar 30, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
Riding Daniels Pass
Aug 4, 2018 near Manitou…, CO
Peaks over Cathedral Park, off of Gold Camp Road.
Aug 23, 2017 near Cripple…, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 3 days ago
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