Pulpit Rock Park Trails: An Underestimated Gem in Colorado Springs

Overview

In the bustling city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, lies Pulpit Rock Park, a somewhat underestimated hub for mountain biking enthusiasts. With a distance spanning around 6 miles, the park's trail network offers a range of experiences from very easy to technical routes.

How to Get There

Directions: To reach the Pulpit Rock Park trail system, take I-25 to the Nevada Exit and head east. After crossing I-25, make a left onto the frontage road and head north. Continue on this road until it terminates, where you'll find the Pulpit Rock parking lot ready to welcome you.

Trail Composition

• Distance: 6 miles
• Level: Very Easy to Advanced
• Route Type: Network
• City: Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Riding Experience

Pros

1. Variety of Trails: From beginner to advanced, there's something here for everyone. For technical riders, trails like Black Sheep, a legit Black Diamond trail, offer narrow singletrack and challenging descents.
2. Trail Innovation: The park has seen recent investments in mountain bike-specific trail construction. Erosion prevention and new lines have been added, thanks to community effort.
3. Flexibility: Lack of trail signs means riders can venture off on any path they find appealing. For those with a sense of adventure, this feature adds a fun twist to the experience.
4. Tech Skills: Trails like Ring Around the Rim and Pulpit Rock to Lame Duck Connector are slow, constant rocky paths that are excellent for honing technical skills.

Cons

1. Proximity to I-25: The constant noise from the highway can be distracting.
2. Limited Mileage: The network is not vast enough to be a stand-alone destination for avid mountain bikers.
3. Trail Conditions: While recent maintenance efforts have been noteworthy, some areas, particularly in the northwest and lower west ends, are lackluster, with wide gravel paths lacking in excitement.
4. Unstable Terrain: Some bikers have pointed out that sections of the trail have loose sand and rocks, making for precarious riding conditions.

Expert Tips and Recommendations

• Navigation: Lack of trail signage means having a smartphone with a mountain biking app can be beneficial for navigating.
• Cautions: Watch out for cacti on the trails and be mindful of hikers.
• Community Engagement: The trail network has been improving thanks to local maintenance. Contributing to these efforts, either by volunteering or donating, will go a long way in enhancing the trail system.

Conclusion

Pulpit Rock Park might be a lesser-known spot in the Colorado Springs biking landscape, but it holds its own. With a surge in community involvement for trail maintenance and an array of trail options to suit different skill levels, this park is worth your time and gears.