The best MTB trails in Teller County

The Cheesman Ranch Loop offers a delightful mountain biking experience through Mueller State Park, winding past historic ranch buildings and the prominent Buffalo Rock. You'll pedal through a mix of aspen and pine groves, opening into wide grassy meadows, with the added bonus of beautiful views of Pikes Peak. This moderate 9.7-mile (15.6 km) route features 1066 feet (325 metres) of elevation gain, making for a good workout that can be completed in about 1 hour and 33 minutes.

Planning your ride requires a daily entrance fee or a Colorado State Parks pass to access Mueller State Park. The trail is open to all park visitors, including hikers and horseback riders, so be mindful of others on the path. Arriving earlier in the day is often best to ensure parking and enjoy the tranquility of the park before it gets busy.

Beyond the scenic beauty, the trail provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, with elk, black bear, hawks, and mule deer known to inhabit the area. The terrain is primarily doubletrack with some gravel and rock garden sections, offering a diverse ride that's more about physical effort than technical skill. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a rewarding ride with varied landscapes and historical touches.

The Elder-Fehn and Catamount Trail Loop offers a fantastic mountain biking adventure, immersing you in the scenic beauty of Colorado's pine and aspen forests. As you navigate the singletrack, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Pikes Peak and the serene North Catamount Reservoir. Expect a mix of smooth sections and some short, steep climbs, with roots adding to the technical challenge, making it a truly engaging ride.

This difficult 8.8-mile (14.2 km) loop involves 944 feet (288 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Given the consistent elevation above 9,200 feet, it's wise to be acclimatized and check weather forecasts before you go. Parking is generally available near the trailhead, but arriving early is always a good strategy, especially during peak season.

What sets this route apart is its integration into the larger Ring-the-Peak loop, offering flexibility for longer rides or variations. The area is also known for its abundant trout in the reservoirs, adding another layer of natural appeal. This trail is perfect for mountain bikers seeking a challenging workout combined with iconic Colorado mountain scenery.

The Signal Butte Trail 717 Loop offers a dynamic mountain biking adventure through Pike National Forest, showcasing scenic views of Pikes Peak and Signal Butte. You'll ride through a mix of open, desert-like burn scar areas and more sheltered wooded spots, encountering diverse terrain that keeps things interesting. Expect a varied experience, from generally easy sections to trickier parts with soft sand, boulders, and water crossings, making it a good fit for riders seeking a challenge beyond beginner routes.

Planning your ride on this 24.0-mile (38.7 km) loop, which features 2677 feet (816 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 52 minutes, is straightforward. The trail is accessible year-round from trailheads like Signal Butte, Phantom Creek, and Rural Ridge, though conditions vary greatly with the seasons. Be aware that this is a multi-use trail, so you'll be sharing it with dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides, requiring constant awareness of bi-directional traffic.

Rated as moderate, the Signal Butte Trail 717 Loop is particularly notable for its varied terrain, which includes numerous "whoops" and significant elevation changes, providing a workout for intermediate riders. While some sections are quite easy, the eastern side presents more technical challenges, including soft ground and rocky patches, though bypasses are often available. The trail's year-round accessibility and the option for no-impact camping make it a versatile choice for a longer outing.

The Rampart Reservoir loop from Rainbow Gulch Parking offers a diverse mountain biking adventure, winding through vibrant wildflower meadows and dense pine forests. You'll navigate mostly smooth singletrack, punctuated by unique rock formations and a few small creek crossings, all while enjoying stunning panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the sparkling reservoir. This difficult 21.6-mile (34.8 km) route involves 1417 feet (432 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 6 minutes to complete, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced riders.

Accessing this popular loop is straightforward via the Rainbow Gulch Trailhead, which provides free parking. Since the trail is located at nearly 9,000 feet in elevation, it's an ideal high-altitude escape during warmer months, offering cooler temperatures when other areas might be sweltering. Remember that this is a multi-use trail, so you'll be sharing the path with hikers and trail runners; always practice good trail etiquette.

Beyond the exhilarating ride, the Rampart Reservoir area is a haven for wildlife, with potential sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, mule deer, and foxes. The trail's blend of fast, flowing sections and intermittent technical challenges, combined with its picturesque setting, makes it a standout option among mountain bike trails in the Colorado Springs region. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Front Range.