One of the best aspects of Colorado Springs' trail system is how connected it all is. It is possible to hike from downtown to the mountains while barely touching asphalt. This route ties together two popular trails for a 19-mile epic hike or ride that is easily shortened or lengthened.

To get there

From Interstate 25 take the Uintah exit. Go east under the railroad tracks to Glen Avenue. Turn right and follow the road 0.3 mile to a parking lot on the right.

The route

Cross the bridge east of the parking lot and turn south onto the Pikes Peak Greenway.

This trail stretches from Fountain to Palmer Lake (and may eventually go from Pueblo to Denver). Go south 1.8 miles along the river, crossing under three street bridges. A sign just after the U.S. Highway 24 bridge says the trail is closed ahead, but keep going, this route turns before the closure.

Turn right at a T intersection and go through a tunnel under I-25. Go west a short distance to another tunnel under Eighth Street.

After the second tunnel, a paved trail winds up to Eighth Street. At the sidewalk, turn right (south) and walk a few feet to a wide gravel trail on the right. Follow this trail as it winds west 1.4 miles through lower Bear Creek Regional Park. There are a few side trails; always follow the butterfly or ram trail markers and you'll get to the right spot.

Cross 21st Street at Rio Grand Street and continue west along the dog park. After crossing Bear Creek, the trail veers left and climbs slightly. Here is an intersection with a trail south to a park and a trail west up a hill. Go west (right).

Follow this winding trail up and down through the hills. At 0.6 mile past 21st Street, it drops to a small neighborhood trailhead, then climbs to the north, then drops into a grassy valley. Here, 0.3 mile from the neighborhood trailhead, veer right at a junction. The trail climbs gradually, 0.6 mile to Bear Creek Nature Center.

Here, for hikers who still have energy left, the real climb begins. From the center turn left onto Bear Creek Road and walk almost 1 mile to the trailhead at the bottom of High Drive. Walk up High Drive 0.7 mile to an unmarked but obvious trail on the right. This is the beginning of the Section 16 loop.

Climb steadily for 2 miles to a saddle. Here, veer right and head east, dropping steadily. In 0.6 mile the trail comes to a gravely ridge and descends steeply to the north. After several switchbacks the trail emerges from the trees and heads east toward the city. Pass by two red rock hogbacks and wind around to the south, keeping left at a number of junctions with other trails.

At the Section 16 trailhead, turn left on Gold Camp Road and walk a few feet, looking for an unmarked trail on the right. This short trail drops to Bear Creek Road. Follow Bear Creek Road downhill to the nature center, return the way you came.

Details

Good for bikes, runners and hikers. Dogs allowed on leash. Get a map online at gazette.com/outthere.

Rating

A scale of one to four boots. One is more gentle, with little elevation gain at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme distance or altitude.

RATING

• 4 boots
• 19 miles
• 2,580-foot elevation gain