The 7 Bridges Trail: A Rugged Challenge Best Tackled in Sections

Quick Facts

• Distance: 5 miles
• Level: Difficult
• Route type: Out & Back
• City: Colorado Springs
• State: Colorado

Introduction

Colorado Springs is known for its extensive range of mountain biking trails, and among them, 7 Bridges offers a unique, albeit difficult, biking experience. With a diverse terrain featuring crisscrossing creeks, rocky paths, and root-massed stretches, this is not a trail for the ill-prepared or those riding budget bikes.

Getting There

To reach the trailhead, navigate up Gold Camp Road to the intersection with High-Drive Rd./Captain Jack's trailhead. Follow the closed-off Gold Camp route until arriving at Cheyenne Creek. The trail begins on the creek's right side, eventually leading to either the Buckhorn cut-off trail on the left or Seven Bridges on the right.

A Trail of Two Halves

Ascent: A Hike in Disguise

For most riders, the uphill portion is better tackled on foot. Expect to encounter:

• Small footbridges in various states of repair
• Multiple creek crossings
• Narrow, winding trails filled with roots and rocks

Descent: The Reward

The descent is where the 7 Bridges trail comes into its own for experienced bikers. The trail features:

• Stream crossings
• Small rock drops
• Foot-dabs aplenty
• Gravelly ruts and rocky stairs

Be warned: the trail includes high exposure sections and "shelf trail" portions that are not for the faint of heart.

Diverse Opinions and Recommendations

Reviews on the 7 Bridges Trail are as rocky as the path itself. While some riders love the technical challenges, stating it complements other trails like Pipeline, others label it a "hike-a-bike nightmare" and caution that it was not designed with mountain bikers in mind. Many agree that it serves better as a hiking trail, especially during the spring when melting snow adds to the spectacle of waterfalls.

Is It Worth the Ride?

In conclusion, 7 Bridges offers a hardcore mountain biking experience that requires solid technical skills and high pain tolerance. Given the varied terrain and the sometimes punishing conditions, this trail is more about the challenge than it is about a leisurely day of mountain biking. As such, 7 Bridges should only be tackled by those who relish extreme terrains and have the skill set to navigate them safely.