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Bike the Garden of the Gods Loop

Colorado Springs, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

6 miles

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Connor Bruson

With dedicated bike lanes, multiple loop options, and epic scenery around every corner, Garden of the Gods is straight out of a road cyclist's dream.

The Basics: Garden of the Gods is a free, public park on the Western edge of Colorado Springs. Open year round, the excellent paved roads with wide bike lanes provide road bikers with multiple loop options from 3 to 10+ miles. From casual bike riders to seasoned pros, you choose your distance and difficulty!

The Ride: Starting from the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center entrance (East side of park), the 2.5 mile inner loop takes you counter-clockwise around the majority of the jaw-dropping rock formations. You'll ride past multiple great photo ops on the roadside. Be wary! Despite multiple warning signs, tourists love to park in the bike lane, especially during busy summer months. 
To add to the inner loop, follow signage to the rider's right for Balancing Rock and the Trading Post. Once you make it downhill to the Trading Post, the road will take you back to the main inner loop. This larger loop is about 6 miles. 
Rinse and repeat these loops as much as you want. You can also exit the park in any direction and rejoin on a different access road to add mileage and difficulty.

The Area: Garden of the Gods has multiple amenities inside the park at the Visitor's Center and the Trading Post, where maps, food, bathrooms, and souvenirs are available. The unique Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort is located at the park boundary. The Garden is nestled near Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, which both provide ample bike shops, tourist attractions, eateries, and lodging. You can also access the Garden of the Gods by bike from downtown Colorado Springs via the Midland Trail. I highly recommend catching the sunset after your ride. These loops are just as excellent for road running, and there are miles of hiking trails interspersed between the roads and rock formations for many days worth of exploring. Looking for hikes or climbing, check out Climb and Hike in the Garden of the Gods or Hike the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

Pictures (left to right): Mesa Rd. overlook, Approaching the Garden on Ridge Rd, S-curves behind the rocks, Kissing Camels, The Garden in Fall, and The Gateway

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Features

Fitness
Cycling
Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Picnic Area
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Bike the Garden of the Gods Loop Reviews

Even with the bike lanes, if you go early you will have less crowds and can afford to look around and see the awesome red rocks of GOTG area.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Upper Loop Trail

Perkins Central Garden Trail

Scotsman Trail Loop

Climb and Hike in the Garden of the Gods

Siamese Twins Loop

Hike, Climb, or Bike Red Rock Open Space