Basics
- Length:
- 5 miles
- Aerobic Difficulty:
- Moderate
- Time To Allow:
- 2+ hours
- Season:
- March - November
Description
Buckhorn Trail and Captain Jacks Trail meander through the Pikes National Forest to the west of Colorado Springs. The trails combined equate to a great aerobic ride with a variety of downhill options.
The climb takes place predominately on Buckhorn Trail, which does have several challenging sections of loose rock, gravel and sand. The longer it has been since the last rain, the looser the trail conditions will be. Buckhorn is also frequented by off-road motorcycles so riders should be heads up for trail traffic. Once at the top of Buckhorn, riders can choose to jump on Captain Jacks or onto the High Drive road for an easy downhill.
Captain Jacks winds through a combination of pine forest, meadow and scrub oak. The trail has some scree sections, but is mostly an enjoyable ‘roller coaster’ type downhill trail, with steeps some jump like features. Captain Jacks ends at the Parking Area.
Riders can add some trails below Captain Jacks for even more downhill including the popular Chutes Trail, though from the bottom they’ll have to ride back up to the parking area unless they’ve planned ahead.
Details
Length:
Additional trails in area can be added to increase length
Difficulty:
Aerobic Difficulty:
Time To Allow:
Trails can be added to increase length.
Season:
Additional Details:
While riding any trail system it is a great idea to include a repair kit and first aid kit. Buckhorn and Captain Jacks trails are multi-use and hikers, ATV riders and motorcycles may be seen along the way. Please be considerate on the trails and understand right of way protocol.
