VIEW TRAIL MAP

MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	14 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 6/9/07 by RideorDie Closed Open Wet / Sketchy	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 6 miles	Global Rank: 887
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Out & Back
Ridden: 67	Wishlist: 28
Avg. Speed: 4.51 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 30min

 

Barr Trail (pikes Peak) in Manitou Springs

 

Pipeline Trail in Colorado Springs

 

Kessel Run in Fruita

 

Sourdough Trail in Nederland

 

  
reviewed by vbeckman74 on March 13, 2009

Some rough spots, and some elevation. It's all worth it on the way back down.

  
reviewed by JohnsXCbike on November 14, 2008

I think Dirtcoach is grumpy... Downhill is downhill no matter whats on the trail, smooth or rocky with drops, if your doing DOWNHILL, its downhill... This is a fun trail all in all, personally the downhill part feels a little rough on my XC bike. The rest of the trail is smooth and has nice scenery* Review edited 2/26/2009

* Review edited 2/26/2009

  
reviewed by skibum on October 6, 2007

I have a tough time understanding how anyone could give this trail less than 4 stars--it's a rare 5 for me. The climb on the Palmer Trail is ideal--enough grade to be great training, but not so much as to kill a mere mortal. Along the way there are unbelievable vistas, especially since your right on the edge of town. Then, once on top, the real fun begins. First there's "the rock." You come around a corner and encounter a big, gnarly hunk o' Pikes Peak Granite occupying the whole trail. Take the high line and power over it. Then get ready for the downhill. Just as you get some real speed going, there's a 3-ft root drop into a gravelly groove followed imemdiately by a switchback left. Then comes a series of tight switchbacks combined with rock and water bar drops. The last two miles alternate between really fast/swooopy and fast/technical. Unbelievably fun for such an accessible trail.

Similar Trail: Buckhorn/Jack's/Chutes Pipeline

  
reviewed by dirtcoach on September 27, 2007

I road this trail about 10 years ago and I now remember why I haven't since. I can see why some riders from the CS area try to ride the double black DH trails at Keystone, when they have no business on them. Sec 16 IS NOT A TECHNICAL TRAIL, Or a GREAT DOWNHILL it is Steep and takes some skill so you don't spin out the rear wheel while going up, though I cleared everything on my 32lbs full suspension bike up and down including the steps. The trail is narrow and has some spots with some rocks, a moderate blue trail at best. I kept looking for the technical challenge but it never happened. I started at Red Rock Canyon I wanted to take a look at and play the FREE RIDE area. Guys that is not free ride, maybe at the very basic level ZERO challenge again. Maybe ok to teach your girlfriends retarded brother how to ride a bike but boring. The Red Rock Canyon trail ratings the Black trails are high green at best mostly washed out gravel pits. Don't bother riding any of this, let the dog walkers have it.

  
reviewed by RideorDie on July 21, 2007

This is a great trail, but is always popular with hikers and trail runners, so be prepared to share or p*** people off (and some times both). I really enjoy the climb. It's a good steady push with plenty of flat spots to let you catch your wind without stopping. You are rewarded at the top by a nice little waterfall followed by some sweet, gank, technical DH. This ride is a good one to hit after 667 and 666. It makes for a good 10 mile loop or so with plenty of rewards. If your just starting to ride, don't attempt the DH loop, just turn around and enjoy the smooth trail. Otherwise, RIDE or DIE!!!

  
reviewed by john.fennell on June 7, 2006

Rode just the Palmwer Loop portion out an back. So I skipped the technical DH. The gravel there and the rocks are too much for my limited skills and my Giant Ranier hardtail. The Down hill was fun though.

Similar Trail: Captain Jacks and Bear Creek Canyon

  
reviewed by shhlacker on May 7, 2006

Great Trail. Views are awesome and trail goin up is very nice. Goin down the gravel is pretty lose. My legs were burnin on the way up and my forearms burning on the way down, very cool :) More info/pics @ http://www.shhlacker.com/path.php?pathid=28

  
reviewed by westfamily60 on April 9, 2006

Great Ride. Hardtail, Trek 3900 with Spinner Front Fork. Consider myself an enthusiast (Weekend Warrior). Ascent is a great workout. I stayed on Second Sprocket on the crank and 1-4 on the Rear Sprocket. Recommend a rock guard for the Crank. I ground two teeth down because I missed a line on the downhill. Still grabs the chain so I'll hold off buying new. This is one of the best rides I've ever taken. Highly recommend.

  
reviewed by warrubi on July 15, 2005

Carbon bars is a pansy. Great ride and very fun. Watch your lines and tryto stay light in the seat.

  
reviewed by carbon_bars on June 17, 2005

WOW!!! a great ride the climb is tuff but worth it. take section 16 down for a ride that borders on insane. this is a ride that you have to watch your lines and plann ahead. section 16 is ruff and if you like technical it is the downhill for you!!

  
reviewed by JohnsXCbike on April 19, 2005

My first time on this trail was on a hardtail, I didn't enjoyed it a lot because of how steep and rocky the end is. But now on my full suspension it is much smoother, I still don't enjoy the downhill part, I can ride it all just fine, its just a bit rough for Kona Kikapu Delux, deffinatly would reccomend it because for the most part its a beautiful ride, and the downhill will test your skills.

* Review edited 11/14/2008

  
reviewed by snowman on September 6, 2004

this is my favorite after work trail. I love the up hill section once you get off high drive. and yes the down hill is washed out and rocky but ever so fun and once you get down the first part you can get going pretty fast.....hang on tight

  
reviewed by BamBam on September 6, 2004

the first section of this trail from high drive is pretty steep. About 1/2 mile in you come to a fork. Stay to the RIGHT. The remainder of the uphill is not as steep, but is loose and rocky. The downhill is fast in some sections, if you are not familiar take it slow on the corners it is easy for front tires to wash out on this loose rocky trail.

  
reviewed by mudhunny on June 30, 2004

Technical as gank is right on... the descent is not so fun on an unforgiving hardtail, quite frustrating considering you expect a rewarding downhill after the long but smooth climb up. I would imagine the rocky descent is much more satisfying on a full suspension bike.

MTB Trail Dashboard