Whether you're training for a race (like the runBlossom 5K on May 6th) or just looking for a great loop to hike, bike, or run, we've put together a few of our favorite 3-mile loops in the area. From flat to heart-pumping hilly, these courses will offer great terrain and gorgeous views. Shown above: View from the Riverwalk Trail at the top of Reynolds Hill. Start at the Sells Avenue Trailhead of the Riverwalk (just past the surgery center), and start out with a nice, easy flat run. You'll pass the ropes course, the pond, and duck under the Reynolds Bridge. For a grand finale, head up Reynolds Hill! You'll catch amazing views of Pikes Peak, the Arkansas, and Fremont Peak from the viewpoint and benches at the top of the hill. Head back down for a smooth run back to the trailhead. Take the Bluff Trail to change it up a little bit on the way back! Tunnel Drive is an historic and scenic route that is easily accessible from town. Just head out on Hwy. 50 and turn L onto Tunnel Drive road. You'll find the trailhead at the end of the road (please observe the posted speed limit as this is a residential area!), and you can start your adventure from the parking lot. Walk up the hill or start your run at the bottom. Tunnel Drive continues for about 2 mile to the end, so turn around before that point if you are shooting for a 3 mile run. After the hill, the trail is wide and flat - enjoy the views of Grape Creek, the Royal Gorge, and (possibly) some wildlife! When you're ready to graduate from flat terrain to some rolling hills, the Hogbacks is a great place to train! Head out from Floral Avenue Trailhead on Greenhorn - a wide, gravel path that heads north. You can return on the same trail, or cut over to Graneros by taking a left onto the Old Skyline trail and another left onto Graneros. It's singletrack, so be aware of cactus and some exposure. There's plenty of up-and-down to keep you busy while getting a great workout and super views! Love a good run that ends on a nice, sustained downhill? You'll love this up-up-down-down route that takes you from Eagle Wing Trailhead, up Mutton Bustin', and through Ecology Park before returning to the trailhead. You'll encounter plenty of other users on this trail system, so be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy the beautiful views along Schepp Ridge, among others! This route is about 3.4 miles. Ready for a challenge? Made in the Shade is a great 3.1-mile loop at the Royal Gorge Trails system. You can run either direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise), but be sure to stop and enjoy the views. You'll encounter some great downhill and reciprocating uphill, so be ready for a heart-pumping run. There is some exposure (dropoffs) on this trail, so be careful - especially if on your bicycle. This is a true loop and ends where it starts - a great route!
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There isn't a lack of opportunity for incredible views in Fremont County, and the newest trail in the area serves up even more stunning eye candy, along with a dose of history and a slice of heart-pumping elevation gain. Fremont Adventure Recreation, the City of Cañon City, and Terra Firma Trails are proud to present 'Wrath of Grapes' - a 2.7 mile trail in Cañon City's historic and geologically resplendent Temple Canyon Park.
Wrath of Grapes can be enjoyed from one of two trailheads. For those who wish to try it as an out-and-back (6 miles total) or part of a longer ride, park at the trailhead near the bridge and bathrooms on Temple Canyon Road, about 6.4 miles from the start of Temple Canyon Road (off 1st St.). Head south along the creek to find the existing trail, then veer off to the left where you see fresh new singletrack trail. Grapes of Wrath will wind upwards for 3 miles and offer grand viewscapes of Grape Creek, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and Temple Canyon. From the high point, you can connect to Watchtower for a longer loop, and descend on Great Escape (though you will have to climb up and over Temple Canyon Road to get back to the trailhead if you haven't run a shuttle). More information and route information can be found on Trailforks. Over 2.7 miles, you'll start at an elevation of 5,851 feet and reach a high point of 6,159 feet. Wrath of Grapes was paid for with 1% for Trails funds, collected by local businesses to support trail construction and maintenance. Funds were administered by Fremont Adventure Recreation. The trail was built by Steve Thomas and Andrew Mesesan of Terra Firma Trails, in collaboration with the City of Cañon City. Wrath of Grapes is for foot and bike traffic only. There are no seasonal restrictions in place, though all users are reminded to please refrain from using trails when they are muddy. Wrath of Grapes is in a remote location, so please be sure to plan ahead and prepare, bringing 'the 10 essentials' with you for any excursion and knowing your route. In many ways, non-profits are like small businesses: we have many of the same overhead costs, our board is composed of local individuals, and we also value being a part of our community. Fremont Adventure Recreation is unique in that our mission - providing fun recreation events - is also a mechanism for generating revenue. Creating events is part of our mission, our ethos, and our purpose. As costs rise, however, we are doing our best to commit to low-cost events that benefit our community. Donations of all kinds help us to keep "the lights on" at FAR while also doing our best to keep kids, adults, families, and students involved in outdoor recreation activities. We also assist with trail development and maintenance. FAR partners with local City and federal land managers to help where we can: with planning, construction, maintenance, and signage. At about $3-5 per linear foot, trails can be costly. There are many ways to give to FAR - whether you're an individual who would like to give a buck or two, or a business that has the ability to set up a more substantial contribution. All contributions are gratefully accepted. individual donationsAs a registered non-profit organization, we are ready and happy to accept monetary donations of all sizes! These donation help fuel our operating costs, which include insurance, advertising, event rental fees, our timing system, equipment, tools, contractor fees, promotional materials, giveaways, signs and sponsor swag, administrative fees, event costs, web hosting, and all of the other costs that many small businesses incur. We know that "non-profit" doesn't mean "no profit", so we use the funds generated from our events, from runBlossom to Royal 50, to help fuel our organizations everyday costs. Private donations, however, greatly help increase this revenue stream. Individual donations can be given at any time in any amount and are greatly appreciated! You can give through these platforms and know that your payment is secure. Donations can even be set up to repeat monthly or annually. Colorado Gives www.coloradogives.org/organization/FremontAdventureRecreation Our Donation Platform Check to: Fremont Adventure Recreation c/o Ashlee Sack 1008 Beech Avenue Canon City, CO 81212 membershipIn 2022, we were excited to welcome members to FAR! Members who donate $50 or more are welcome to attend exclusive social events throughout the year, receive a "thank you" t-shirt, and can also provide additional input at our annual social / meeting. Our next membership drive will be in the spring. SponsorshipAt the beginning of each year, we ask local businesses if they'd like to contribute to FAR's mission: to promote health and wellness in our community through human-powered outdoor recreation. Small businesses owners who value recreational events, trail construction, and community can donate to FAR to help offset our annual program costs. These donations are invaluable! Some of our sponsors have been with us since 2010, and we are incredibly grateful for their support and generosity. If you're a business owner and would like to receive our 2023 sponsorship packet in January, please contact coordiantor@joinFAR.org. 1% for trailsPurchasing trail tools, paying trailbuilder / contractor fees, and buying signage specific to trails can be expensive. In 2015, we devised a mechanism for local businesses to help us offset these costs. Through a program called '1% for Trails', local businesses add a 1% donation to their customer's purchases. Over time, a few cents per purchase adds up, and businesses then remit a check to FAR. Those funds are used specifically for trail-related costs. This program emphasizes the fact that if everyone gives just a little, it can add up to a LOT.
![]() Ballot Issue 2C: Ballot Question "Shall Article XIV, Section 1 of the City of Cañon City Charter be amended to permit the City to accept land to be used as parks or playgrounds with approval by ordinance of Council after a duly noticed public hearing?" (Official language here.) Ballot Issue 2C will continue to allow the City of Cañon City to accept properties with the intention of creating new parks. Currently, it is very time consuming and difficult for new parks to be created. in the City because it requires a formal vote on an election ballot. Measure 2C will change the process, allowing an acquisition to happen via public hearing and Council vote rather than an election ballot initiative and majority vote for each individual acquisition. Why is this ballot initiative a good idea? Waiting for an election to acquire a property slows down forward progress. Public input on the acquisition of new properties for parks and playgrounds is important, and that can effectively be achieved by a public hearing rather than the lengthy process required to put the acquisition to a public vote. The timelines for development projects rarely coincide with the November election cycle, which translates to missed opportunities for new city parks and playgrounds to be included in these projects. Why is FAR in support of this initiative? One of the specific reasons we are in support of this idea is the potential to develop and utilize the Black Hills Property near the Territorial Prison on Hwy 50. Our community is in need of a public put-in and take-out for boaters (plus additional amenities), and we'd like to see our City have the ability to move forward on plans that are included in the Western Gateway Conceptual Plan. (You can find that here.) If you haven't seen it yet, please check it out - it is a wonderful vision for the improvement of our river and recreation corridor. What do we like about this plan for the Black Hills Property? The plan includes bicycle and pedestrian access to the Riverwalk; a day use area for RV's, parking, and events; a trailhead; a boat ramp (which will be available for both commercial and private boaters; restrooms; island picnic facilities; and whitewater features. What does FAR stand to gain? It's our mission to support outdoor recreation in this community. We are not beneficiaries of this plan in any direct way. As recreation amenities in the community grow and expand, we're excited to see how they can be used to support individuals who live, work, and play in Fremont County. That's it! Of Important Note
As stated in the language change, extensive and expensive properties like golf courses, pools, etc. would be exempt from this change; they'd still require a vote and ordinance. Find the official ballot language here: www.canoncity.org/170/Election-Official What's up with the seasonal closure? Royal Cascade runs through bighorn sheep habitat. In June and July, the trail will be completely CLOSED to all recreational uses. This is to allow sheep to have lambs. When sheep are threatened or scared, they run. When they run, they burn calories (as runners and bikers, we know this!). If sheep expend calories running from trail users, they have fewer calories to pass on to their lambs, and that's not healthy. In September and October, the trail is open only from 9:00 am -5:00 pm. This is to allow hunting of bighorn sheep for those who "pull a tag" (aka, are allowed through a lottery system to hunt for a sheep) to hunt safely. Hunters and anglers pay a fee for this use and contribute to funds used for conservation of public lands. Please respect ALL CLOSURES. Who built this trail? Royal Cascade was funded by the City of Cañon City. First identified as a potential route over 25 years ago, it is part of the Eastern Fremont County Trails Master Plan. The City funded the trail and contracted Steve Thomas of Terra Firma Trails to build it. FAR provided some assistance though funding and equipment needs. Is this trail difficult? YES. This trail is open to hikers, walkers, bikers, and runners. How you access this trail and what your fitness level is will determine how hard it is. Be aware that 1,800 fee of elevation gain is a LOT. For those who are training for intense races, love a challenge, or can handle that kind of elevation gain on their feet / bike, it's a great climb. For other (mere mortals), Royal Cascade may be best used in a downhill direction (as long as you are a competent rider - this is NOT for beginners either direction.) For most mountain bikers, using the trail as a connection from the Royal Gorge Trails to Tunnel Drive (with a shuttle so you don't have to climb back up) is a great idea. Does the trail reach the Royal Gorge Bridge? No. This trail ONLY reaches the Royal Gorge Park, which is the 5,000-acre City Park that also contains 22 miles of singletrack trail. You cannot reach the bridge from any of the Royal Gorge Park Trails. Do we have to pay to use it?
No. The City's Royal Gorge Park is a large parcel of land that has been owned by the City since 1906. The park spans both sides of the Arkansas River and the Royal Gorge, but trails only exist on the north side. They are accessible via four trialheads / parking areas. There are over 22 miles of singletrack trail located within the park, along with a campground (East Ridge), a scenic overlook (Overlook Loop), and a day use area (Canyon Rim Trailhead). All of these amenities are FREE to the public. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a smaller parcel (about 360 acres) leased to a company who runs the admission to the Bridge, the gondola, playland, etc. Admission fees apply only to the amusement area and bridge, NOT trails. (The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a 1% for Trails contributor, and your purchase in the gift shop helps fund trails in the area, however!) Where are the trailheads to Royal Cascade? Royal Cascade doesn't have it's own parking areas / trailheads. To access the trail, you'll have to travel on other trails. You can park at the Tunnel Drive trailhead, located at the end of Tunnel Drive, and travel 1.75 miles to the start of the trail, then climb up. Or, you can park at the East Ridge Campground, travel on FAR Out and Summit Trail, then travel down Royal Cascade. What's the total distance? The trail itself is only 3.6 miles and-to-end, but you have to travel on other trails to get to it. So, even an out-and-back on Tunnel Drive + Royal Cascade will equal about 10 miles. PLEASE remember that this is a very difficult trail with no access to help, no water, and very little shade. If you attempt this trail, you should carry the 10 essentials, tell someone where you'll be, and assess your ability and fitness level. Can I get a map? You bet! We highly recommend that you use CoTREX (free to use and download) to help you navigate trails. You can download them, track your progress, and make sure that you're in the right area. You can also pick up a FREE FAR Adventure Guide starting on April 15th. All good things come to those who wait, and Rex Brady has been waiting about 26 years for the completion of the Royal Cascade Trail. Saturday afternoon, about 75 community members came together to celebrate the official opening of the much-anticipated trail, which connects Tunnel Drive with Fremont Peak and the Royal Gorge Park Trails. Under sunny skies, the crowd celebrated with a ribbon cutting and recognition of those who helped the ambitious plan come to fruition. “In about 1996, a few of us started at the top near Fremont Peak and walked down trying to find where a trail could go,” said Brady, Parks and Open Space Director for the City’s Parks, Forestry, and Cemetery division. “We couldn’t find one. It wasn’t an enjoyable walk. We knew we needed to find the right trailbuilders, and we weren’t it.” When the City hired Steve Thomas of Terra Firma Trails in 2016, however, Brady knew that they had found a trailbuilder who could complete the vision. Thomas has contracted with the City for the last few years and has helped the area build more than 22 miles of trail in the Royal Gorge Park alone. Royal Cascade has been one of the more difficult to complete. Thomas notes that the hardest part of building Royal Cascade was “getting through the significant amounts of bedrock.” Pikes Peak granite is predominant in the rugged Arkansas River canyon, and poses a challenge to Thomas with any project in the area. He also noted that there was also a constant risk of exposure or steep drop-offs on one side of the trail. Thomas uses a mini-excavator to cut most of the trail, then returns to finish with hand tools. Despite the degree of difficulty in building Royal Cascade, Thomas notes that the vistas are worth it. “It’s beautiful around every turn,” he says, “…it just gets better.” With assistance from trailbuilders Andrew Mesesan and Cat Gruener, along with City employees including Parks Foreman Jesse Young, the trail was built over the course of two years, halting for poor weather and seasonal closures. Some financial assistance, through the 1% for Trails initiative (see joinFAr.org for more information) and support for the project was provided by local group Fremont Adventure Recreation. When the transcontinental railroad was united between east and west in 1869, the last spike driven into the ground was called the “golden spike”. The Royal Cascade unites Tunnel Drive and downtown with the higher-elevation trails of the Royal Gorge Park. betaThe Royal Cascade Trail trailhead is located 1.75 miles from the Tunnel Drive trailhead. From that point, it rises 1,800 feet in 3.6 miles - over numerous switchbacks, under imposing granite outcroppings, through pinon and juniper forests, and to numerous vistas. It reaches the base of Fremont Peak, where trail users can then continue their journey on Summit View trail at the Royal Gorge Park Trails. There is significant exposure (drop-offs) along the trail, and for that reason, combined with its remote location and significant elevation gain/loss, it is classified as a “double black diamond” trail. To access a map to the trailhead and trail, visit www.joinfar.org/royal-gorge-trails.html or see a dynamic map on the COTREX app (free). For those mountain bikers who are not in EXCEPTIONAL shape and have ADVANCED skills, this trail may be best used in a downhill direction with a shuttle to avoid climbing up. There are numerous switchbacks, the trail is extremely steep, and there is continual climbing. This trail is of a more difficult caliber than many other trails in Fremont County, and trailbuilders and City officials note that it will be important to recognize and respect some of the differences. The seasonal closure is a cooperative effort with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management to help alleviate the stress on bighorn sheep during lambing season. It is closed to all users during June and July for lambing, then open only 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to trail users in September and October (licensed hunters are excepted and should check appropriate restrictions). All other times it is open to all appropriate users. Due to the steep terrain, the trail is open ONLY to human-powered traffic, to include runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. No motorized vehicles are allowed on Tunnel Drive or Royal Cascade, to include e-bikes. Thomas noted that it is also important not to use the trail when muddy, as this causes damage to the trail that will have to be repaired. “The more time we spend on maintenance, the less time we have to move forward with future projects,” he said. Users of the Tunnel Drive trailhead are also reminded to observe the speed limit – 30 mph – along the road. It’s also important for any mountain bikers – especially on Tunnel Drive – to slow when approaching walkers / joggers and call out “on your left” when passing. While the Royal Cascade may be just one of over 22 miles of singletrack trail in the Royal Gorge Park, Brady says, “It is special. It’s a work of art.” And on Saturday’s event, surrounded by community members of all ages and as part of the City’s 105th Sesquicentennial celebration, cutting the ribbon was certainly worth waiting for.
Timeline1892 Ditch system to provide water from Arkansas River to Cañon is proposed. 1892 Construction halts as blasting damages neighborhoods and St. Scholastica. 1903 Governor James Peabody issues order to halt all progress on ditch system. 1906 Congressman Guy U. Hardy petitions the federal government to cede 5,000 acres of the Royal Gorge park to the City of Cañon City. 1908 City of Cañon City proposes the unused ditch system as a scenic drive and water line. Money is collected from the community to enlarge the tunnels. 1910 Inmate labor completes the ditch system and treated water flows into city lines. Scenic drive is completed and called “Royal Gorge Boulevard”. 1929 The Royal Gorge Bridge is built for $35,000 and opened to the public. 1990 Deemed unsafe, Tunnel Drive is closed. 1997 After renovations, City and CCRD open Tunnel Drive to foot and bike traffic. 2000 City obtains a State Trails Grant to open the entirety of Tunnel Drive. 2013 The Royal Gorge Fire burns over 3,218 acres in and near the Gorge. 2014 Canyon Rim Trail construction begins - 1.7 miles along the rim of the Gorge. 2015 Eastern Fremont County Trails and Open Space Master Plan completed, identifying the Royal Cascade connection. 2016 Canyon Rim is completed. Design efforts begin for Royal Cascade. 2017 Design work for Royal Cascade completed and submitted to BLM. 2018 Roughly 15 miles at the Gorge completed: Maze, Darkside, Dreamweaver. 2019 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and Cañon City agree on management strategies to support coexistence between wildlife and trail users. 2020 One Track Mind is completed, bringing the total mileage at the Gorge to 22 miles. BLM approves Royal Cascade Trail construction. Funded by the City of Cañon City (assistance from 1% for Trails funds), construction begins. 2022 Completion and ribbon cutting of grand opening of Royal Cascade. Many thanks to the following people for contributing their time, efforts, and passion for outdoor recreation and our community:
Zach Holder, Linda Skinner, Sean Reynolds, Rex Brady, Jesse Young, Steve Thomas, Andrew Mesesan, Leah Quesenberry, Mike Smith, Dave Walker, Ryan Stevens, Bob Carochi, Kalem Lenard, Keith Berger, Mayor Ashley Smith, Cañon City’s City Council Board Members, Shawn Weatherill, Adam Hartman, Megan Numsen, Joan Sindler, Brian VanIwarden, Brian LeDoux, Thom LeDoux, Leticia Buswell, Vicki Meier, Jon Banker, Ashlee Sack, 1% for Trails Contributors A great number of others have contributed to these efforts, and we thank them (and you!) for helping to encourage outdoor recreation opportunities. If you're not great at running—or not much of a runner at all—I hope you'll join me in the Point Alta Vista 5k on October 9th. Yeah, you read that right. I want to see you there on race day. Here's why. I'm a terrible runner, too. Seriously. I'm painfully slow. Until a couple of months ago, I'd never even run a mountain trail. The closest I ever got was dodging strollers on suburban sidewalks. But this summer, I decided to try trail running. It started when FAR Coordinator, Ashlee Sack, told me about her passion for trail running and suggested that I sign up for the Whitewater 5k. I knew I was out of shape and nowhere near ready for a race, but I signed up anyway. I'm not sure exactly why, but I think nostalgia was partly to blame. Back in high school, I spent one season on the cross-country team. I was the worst runner we had, struggling to survive each practice, not to mention the races. But memories are sneaky and have a funny way of helping us forget stuff like that. So, when Ashlee suggested I run in the 5k, I didn't hesitate. I signed up right away. Time to train My "training" was pitiful. I'd run as far as I could (which wasn't much) and then walk for long stretches while I caught my breath. Then I'd repeat that cycle over and over, with more walking and less running each time, until I finally got to the end of the trail. It was rough. I poured sweat and grimaced with every step. And even though I felt great after each run, I always struggled to leave the house and work at it. I wanted to quit a million times and came up with every excuse for why I should. But I couldn't give up. I wouldn't let myself because I'd already registered for the race. Things were official. My name was on the list. My friends and family knew. Backing out wasn't an option. The turning point So I kept training. I got out there even when I didn't want to. I made myself run just a little bit further each time. And yeah, it was really hard...until it wasn't. Eventually, things got easier, and running became enjoyable. I remember the day it happened. I was halfway through a run when I realized I hadn't walked yet. I was breathing hard but not nearly as winded as I used to get. And my legs didn't feel like cement blocks for once. There I was—actually running a trail—and it felt amazing! Running has been fun ever since. I'm still slow, of course. But so what? I get better every week, and if I stick with my training, I might even make it through the Point Alta Vista race without walking. (A guy can dream, right?)
Pressure can be a good thing My progress began because I signed up for the Whitewater race. I committed myself, in writing, long before the big day. Completely out of shape and a terrible runner, the pressure was on. I stuck my neck out, and I'm so glad I did. That pressure is what motivated me. It kept me going when I wanted to quit. And it can work for you, too. Take a chance, and put yourself out there. Who knows? You might discover that you love trail running. I think that's what FAR is all about: enriching lives through outdoor recreation. That's why they host these great races—to provide us with opportunities to try new things, to enjoy our wonderful trails, and to share the experiences with others. If there's even a tiny part of you that's ever considered trail running (or walking), I hope you'll sign up for the Point Alta Vista race. Commit yourself to the idea and start training. If you're anything like me, it'll be tough. But stick with it. Things will get easier in time. And don't worry about being slow. We can collapse across the finish line together. Then we'll grab a beer at the post-race party and talk about how much fun we had. Hope to see you there! In the early years of the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway, guests were urged to “pay what you think the trip is worth” as they boarded a miniature train for the iconic 30-minute trip to the edge of the Royal Gorge. For 52 years, from 1957 to 2012, the train ride provided million-dollar views for a nominal fee and helped many local residents create memories with friends and family members.
The train, most recently owned by Greg and Judy Tabuteau, shut down in 2012, and at that point, the historic trestles and viewpoint were left unused. The high cost of dismantling and removing the trestles, combined with their inaccessible location, meant that they saw no use for years. When the Buckskin Joe property, which lies just to the north of the trestles and links them with CR3A, was sold to Ty Seufer, the area suddenly became the center of renewed interest. By 2019, new public hiking and biking trails within the Royal Gorge Park were inching toward the trestles, and the possibility of incorporating them into the trail system seemed logistically feasible. Seufer and Fremont Adventure Recreation presented the idea to the city council in February 2019, suggesting that the cooperation between the city and Seufer could yield a public trail that would allow access from a public parking lot to the refurbished, re-decked trestles and also connecting to the larger, 20-mile trail system in the 5,000-acre park. “Mayor Preston Troutman’s support really got the project going,” Seufer said. “At that point, with the city’s support, our staff, including Chainsaw, did a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of rail removal and decking of the trestles on our property.” The City of Cañon City employed Steve Thomas of Terra Firma Trails to begin working on the trail from the defunct Royal Gorge Scenic Route parking area to Point Alta Vista. In the years following, despite construction delays and a global pandemic, a public easement agreement was reached, the one-mile trail was built, and both Seufer and the City of Cañon City have invested in the complete refurbishment of four trestles. “I’m glad everyone will get to see, appreciate, and use Point Alta Vista, now and in future generations,” Seufer said. The City of Cañon City’s Parks, Forestry, & Cemetery department has worked in conjunction with Terra Firma Trails and Fremont Adventure Recreation to finish the largest trestle and also the one-mile out-and-back trail. It has been a labor of love for all involved. “The trail is a testament to what can be accomplished when local government, private landowners and community organizations work together towards a common goal for all to enjoy,” said Rex Brady, Parks and Open Space Director for the City of Cañon City. “A classic rails-to-trails story” Now that the trail is complete and open, the public is welcome and encouraged to enjoy the free access and inspiring views. “The Point Alta Vista trail provides both local citizens and visitors alike an opportunity to witness firsthand one of the most incredible views available of the Royal Gorge canyon,” Brady said. “With just an easy two-mile hike one can retrace the original route of the historic Royal Gorge Scenic Railway that took passengers over land and trestle bridges to Point Alta Vista in the past.” Access to the trail relies on a public easement through private property at the Royal Gorge Ranch and Resort, and it is important that all users stay on the marked trail. Users are reminded to please pack out any and all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles. To reach the Point Alta Vista trail, take U.S. 50 west, turning south at CR3A on eight-mile hill toward the Royal Gorge Park. Travel 1.25 miles and turn right into the parking area. Look for the Point Alta Vista Trail map and pedestrian gate. The wide, natural surface trail is appropriate for most ability levels. It is available for human-powered traffic only and all dogs must be leashed. (Note that some dogs may find the decking difficult to walk on.) Additional trails can be accessed from Point Alta Vista, but it should be noted that they are intermediate to difficult singletrack trails and users should be aware of their ability level and prepare for longer distances. Maps are available at joinFAR.org or on most trail apps, including CoTREX and Trailforks. As the young and young-at-heart took turns riding loops at the newly opened bike skills park – dubbed The Yard – onlookers cheered. It wasn’t just the gravity-defying feats they celebrated, but also the addition of a new outdoor recreation amenity that will offer year-round enjoyment for all.
On May 5th at 5:30 pm, The Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District (CCRD), Fremont Adventure Recreation (FAR), and the City of Cañon City held the ribbon cutting for the skills park, located at the Eagle Wing Trailhead at South Canon Trails. About 80 people, including children as young as 3 years old, attended the event and took turns riding the 13 new manmade features and two independent trails that make up the park. Local riders are excited about park, which offers opportunity for skills progression and a great counterpart to the adjacent flow trail – Smooth Criminal – and moderate trails at South Cañon. “The Yard Bike Park is fantastic,” says Cañon City resident Tenille Lenard. Lenard’s son, Mason, was part of the planning process for the project. Her two children, ages 12 and 9, enjoy the park and its proximity to both the Riverwalk and Centennial Park. “You can enjoy both trail riding, as a family, and then sit and watch your kids jump and play at the park. You can also head straight downtown to enjoy some food, too.” With trails designed and cut by local trail builders at Terra Firma Trails and features built by Progressive Bike Ramps, the park is now ready to open to mountain bike and BMX riders. “For me, the overall community involvement is the best part,” says trail designer Steve Thomas of Terra Firma Trails. “The community helped in every way possible.” Community members assisted with post hole digging, trail finishing, sign design, safety videos, and more. “I’m also proud of our team that pulled off the project in a short amount of time. I was excited to see everyone out there and hope everyone stays safe and has fun!” The most important safety points for using a skills park are:
The park is open to bicycle traffic only and is not open to motorized riders. Land managers ask that the community please respect this rule as well as closures when trails are muddy. All users of the bike park should exercise caution when participating in any recreation activities. The Yard and the Eagle Wing parking area are closed from dusk to dawn every night. This has greatly reduced vandalism in the area and the facility is adjacent to a neighborhood. Users are asked to be respectful of the surrounding neighbors.
1. Wear ALL appropriate safety gear and check your bike!
The skills park is designed for fun, but that often involves an element of caution. ALWAYS wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. Check your bikes' brakes, shocks, through-axles (wheels), and spokes before you attempt any features. 2. Ride at your skill level It's important to know that the park is designed for those who have existing mountain bike skills. Those who are interested in beginner lines (for learning the skills of handling a mountain bike, making turns, etc. are encouraged to try the nearby trails - Mutton Bustin', Recycle, and Schepp's Ridge. 3. Use the go-arounds if you need to Features range from rollers to ladder drops to 3', 4' and 5' kickers. (Kickers do exactly what their name suggests - aid bikers in jumping their bike into the air.) Most features have a "go-around", which is designed to aid those who are ready to tackle some elements on a line, but not all. 4. Heed directional signs Directional signs have been placed to aid in the safety and enjoyment for all. Downhill lines are for going down hill ONLY. The "climbing" line is located at the eastern edge of the park and will allow riders to climb to the top of the lines without interfering with the directional flow of the featured lines. 5. Be patient and kind All riders will be at different skill levels. Be encouraging and kind, and NEVER rush another user. Everyone is learning. |
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