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Barr Trail (pikes Peak) Mountain Bike Trail
Manitou Springs, Colorado
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
11 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 11/1/11 by rcraft6826 |
Difficulty:  Expert |
| Length: 26 miles | Global Rank: #521 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Out & Back |
| Ridden: 47 | Wishlist: 61 |
| Avg. Speed: 4.14 mph | Avg. Time: 3hr 37min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +34,001/-836 ft |
Directions:
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Description: This trail climbs 7500 vertical feel in just under 13 miles to the top of Pikes Peak (6,600 to 14,100 ft). Since bikes are not allowed on the toll road, this is the only way to ride your bike to the top of Pikes Peak. Be prepared for fast changing weather and much colder conditions on top. The trail starts out with a few stairs and then enters a section of switchbacks called the incline. The incline climbs at an average grade of 11% for a couple of miles with it almost all being rideable. Once you pass through the rock arch, the grade levels out a bit, but it's still a continuous climb. You'll have a couple small flat sections between the top of the incline and Barr Camp. Barr Camp marks the mid-point of the ride in both distance and elevation gain. Up to this point, the trail has been 99% rideable, but beyond Barr Camp the trail gets much more difficult. Continue climbing up more switchbacks until you reach the bottom of the large cirque/treeline. To the left is a small green A-frame that can make a handy shelter in adverse weather conditions. a**s the weather before continuing on above the A-frame because there is no shelter from here to the top (still over 2,000 vertical feet above you). Once above treeline, the trail gets even tougher not only because of the lack of oxygen but also because of loose pea gravel and very large boulders. The trail switchbacks up and across the east face to the edge of the large chasm (~13,100 ft). You've still got another 1,000 vertical feet to go. The trail leaves the edge of the cirque back towards the middle of the east face to the start of the 16 Golden Stairs. The Golden Stairs are 16 pairs of switchbacks (32 switchbacks) that meander through the large boulders to the top. Most of the stairs are not rideable and it's so tight between some of the rocks that it's hard to carry the bike. Near the last switchback, you'll see the cog train at the top - You're almost there! Cross the tracks, get your obligatory summit photo, and grab a bite to eat in the cafe. Now reverse course and don't forget to use that thing you've got under the helmet. The ride down (especially above treeline) is a mental exercise in making good decisions. There is quite a bit rideable, but it takes good judgment to know when it's best to get off the bike rather than take a chance trying a technical section where you can't afford to make a mistake (You'll see what I mean when you get there). Once you're back to Barr Camp, take a breather and prepare for a screaming downhill back to your car. The forest service estimates that a round trip hiking will take approximately 16 hrs, but on a bike cut that in half (depending of physical condition and acclimatization), while the record for a round trip (by a trail runner) is a little over 3 hours!
Description: This trail climbs 7500 vertical feel in just under 13 miles to the top of Pikes Peak (6,600 to 14,100 ft). Since bikes are not allowed on the toll road, this is the only way to ride your bike to the top of Pikes Peak. Be prepared for fast changing weather and much colder conditions on top. The trail starts out with a few stairs and then enters a section of switchbacks called the incline. The incline climbs at an average grade of 11% for a couple of miles with it almost all being rideable. Once you pass through the rock arch, the grade levels out a bit, but it's still a continuous climb. You'll have a couple small flat sections between the top of the incline and Barr Camp. Barr Camp marks the mid-point of the ride in both distance and elevation gain. Up to this point, the trail has been 99% rideable, but beyond Barr Camp the trail gets much more difficult. Continue climbing up more switchbacks until you reach the bottom of the large cirque/treeline. To the left is a small green A-frame that can make a handy shelter in adverse weather conditions. a**s the weather before continuing on above the A-frame because there is no shelter from here to the top (still over 2,000 vertical feet above you). Once above treeline, the trail gets even tougher not only because of the lack of oxygen but also because of loose pea gravel and very large boulders. The trail switchbacks up and across the east face to the edge of the large chasm (~13,100 ft). You've still got another 1,000 vertical feet to go. The trail leaves the edge of the cirque back towards the middle of the east face to the start of the 16 Golden Stairs. The Golden Stairs are 16 pairs of switchbacks (32 switchbacks) that meander through the large boulders to the top. Most of the stairs are not rideable and it's so tight between some of the rocks that it's hard to carry the bike. Near the last switchback, you'll see the cog train at the top - You're almost there! Cross the tracks, get your obligatory summit photo, and grab a bite to eat in the cafe. Now reverse course and don't forget to use that thing you've got under the helmet. The ride down (especially above treeline) is a mental exercise in making good decisions. There is quite a bit rideable, but it takes good judgment to know when it's best to get off the bike rather than take a chance trying a technical section where you can't afford to make a mistake (You'll see what I mean when you get there). Once you're back to Barr Camp, take a breather and prepare for a screaming downhill back to your car. The forest service estimates that a round trip hiking will take approximately 16 hrs, but on a bike cut that in half (depending of physical condition and acclimatization), while the record for a round trip (by a trail runner) is a little over 3 hours!
added on September 13, 2005 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:South Saint Vrain in Ward
Colorado Trail / Kenosha To Breckenridge in Breckenridge
Kessel Run in Fruita
Monarch Crest Trail in Salida
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by vbeckman74 on December 22, 2011
This is a life changing downhill ride. Get a ride to the top and bomb it. If you do it any other way you are in for a world of hurt. I did it on my 29er hardtail and had no issues. One guy in my group did it on a fully rigid single speed. Hikers have the right of way.
Similar Trail: There aren't many like this.
reviewed by rcraft6826 on November 1, 2011
Barr trail in my opinion is the best of both the worlds of cross county and all mountain. if you want one of the toughest rides of your life you can go from the bottom in manitou springs and climb the 7,000 plus vertical feet to the summit with no points of downhill or leveling out. if your not the type who is a cardio animal and want some of the most exciting downhill of your life you can opt to get a ride to the the summit and prepare for the ride of your life down. I would not reccomend anything that is less than 5 inches of travel as you will be quite sore from hitting all of technical rocks and roots within the first 30 minutes heading down. overall its about an hour and 45 minutes of amazing downhill if your riding at a decent pace and have a moderate skill level. A definite must ride for anyone who lives in the pikes peak region.
* Review edited 11/1/2011
Similar Trail: Deer Creek Canyon
reviewed by rcraft6826 on March 25, 2011
all in all a great trail. and a friend got a lift to the top and rode down.first mile from the summit is just about unridable do to the massive rocks above the treeline. but after you get below treeline is where the fun begins. extremely fast, fun switchbacks, great scenery. definitely not a trail for downhill beginners but if uve got experience its a must ride.
reviewed by RideorDie on August 31, 2009
This is a great trail if you get a lift ot the top and ride down. You will likely still be hike a bike for the better part of the top 1/2 to 3/4 mile, but it is worth itif you have advanced skills. I suggest riding this either after the Ascent foot race, or during the week when foot traffic is lower. Wear body armor. with all of that being said, this is one of my all time favorite rides going down. Big rock obstacles, drops, switchbacks, jumps, speed, great views, and more. A must do if you live in the area.
Similar Trail: Mt. Herman Trail, Elk Park Trail
reviewed by Tinstar on July 22, 2009
My son and I rode this trail on 07-21-09. It's mostly hike a bike unless you can constantly climb up a steep grade on pea gravel and are a cardio animal. Be sure and take a water filtration device, you'll go through water like never before. There's plenty of streams to refill from. Ride/hike a bike to Barr Camp then do yourself a favor and ride back down. We went on all the way up to the summit. The last 1000 ft of elevation is brutal and you're just dragging your bike up the rocks anyways. We are glad we did it. Next trip we are driving to the top and riding the bikes down.
reviewed by JohnsXCbike on February 23, 2009
I rode this trail a while back, only went up to Barr Camp. Probably the Toughest climb I've done. I drank all my water by the time I got to Barr Camp, lol, so bring plenty on a hot day. Its a very rewarding ride though.
reviewed by Porach on August 25, 2008
This trail has two parts in my opinion. The cut off for the parts is about a mile to a mile and a half above Barr Camp (if you are ascending). Below this cut off this trail is great to ride where above it is hard to enjoy unless you are someone who enjoys picking up your bike allot and having to dismount/carry as often as you ride. Riding below the cutoff, which is about a mile or two below AFrame/Timberline the trail (if you are descending) becomes quite ridable and a blast if you like high speeds. Just watch out for hikers and it could be one of the best rides you ever had. I'd stay away from the top though because it is just not fun carrying your bike more then spend on it. Make sure your brakes are in good shape and your suspension is beefy enough to handle some large drops.
reviewed by dougsmith on September 23, 2007
For a long time I wanted to ride all of Barr Trail both ways. Last Saturday I had some friends hiking up the back side(the Craggs trail)of Pikes Peak. I went along and hiked my bike about 85 percent of the way up. Very tough hike! The reward was the downhill. Just be very kind to the hikers and let them through. Some amazing single-track with many boulders and roots to ride over and around. Some sections could be deadly if you wrecked on them. NOT A RIDE TO TAKE LIGHTLY, but one to remember.
Similar Trail: What else could compare with riding down a 14er?
reviewed by shane_anthony77 on June 12, 2007
Great trail! There is some very technical riding at the top of pikes peak. After the A frame it starts to open up alittle with some tight tree areas. If you plan on riding up to the top and not shuttling I suggest you start extremely early in the morning.
reviewed by worm on May 4, 2007
In my opinion this trail is not for mountain bikes. It is very popular for hiking and running. The vertical climb is unreal. Gorgeous, challenging, and tough, just better left to foot travel.
* Review edited 5/4/2007
Similar Trail: Vail Mountain if you want to climb.
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