Spring Creek Trail: Your Perfect Cheyenne Canyon Connector

Quick Facts

• Distance: 1 mile
• Level: Intermediate
• Route type: Out & Back
• City: Colorado Springs
• State: Colorado

Overview

Though only a mile long, the Spring Creek Trail is a gem of a connector trail that enhances the mountain biking experience in Cheyenne Canyon. Often employed to complement other trails like Mid-Columbine or Captain Jack's, Spring Creek offers a refreshing break from the dusty, high-traffic Gold Camp Road.

Getting There

To access this trail, head to Gold Camp Road. The trail starts immediately below Tunnel #1, just above the base of Captain Jack's.

Riding Experience: An Oasis of Quality Singletrack

What to Expect

When tackling the Spring Creek Trail, riders can anticipate:

• High-quality singletrack
• Predominantly hard-packed surface with minimal scree
• Twisted, curvy paths offering fun yet moderate technicality

This trail has been praised for its unique "floaty" feel, thanks to the granitic grit that makes up much of its surface. This grit offers a cushioned, almost surreal riding experience—especially when you hit the connecting Mid-Columbine trail, where the terrain becomes significantly more "scree"-filled.

Tactical Pairings

Spring Creek is commonly combined with other trails for extended biking adventures. For example:

• For a downhill thrill, link it with Captain Jack's
• For a loop experience, ride up Chutes/Gold Camp and descend via Columbine, using Spring Creek as a connector

Local Riders’ Opinions

Riders familiar with the area often tout Spring Creek as a "must-ride," even though it's a mere mile long. Comments range from praising the trail's contrast with Middle Columbine's bottomless scree to appreciating its beautiful black dirt and exceptional design. Its flow and hardpack surface make it a standout among the local trails built on bottomless gravel.

Final Thoughts

Don't let its status as a 'connector' or its short distance fool you. Spring Creek Trail is a quality experience that adds considerable value to the cycling routes around Cheyenne Canyon. Whether used as an extension of a downhill run on Captain Jack's or as a more scenic and enjoyable route than Gold Camp, this mile-long trail is a small but impactful addition to Colorado Springs' trail roster. Highly recommended for anyone looking to spice up their usual Cheyenne Canyon excursions.