ROYAL GORGE REGION TRAILS
Whether you're looking for an easy out-and-back or a thrilling technical descent, the Royal Gorge Region has a plethora of options. Find maps and more in FAR's Adventure Guide (available online or at the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance in downtown Cañon City). All regional trails are also available on CoTREX, Colorado's trail explorer app, and other trail apps.
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Be sure to always carefully plan your route to accommodate your group's ability levels. Remember to check the weather (summer storms tend to come in during the afternoon in this area), do not ride muddy trails, and always be courteous to other trail users.
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Oil Well Flats
Location: 7 miles north of Cañon City
Total Miles: 12 miles of singletrack trails, additional miles via dirt roads
Description: Oil Well Flats is a BLM-managed trail system north of town. There are over 12 miles of singletrack trail, various access roads, and dispersed camping options. The area is also close to nearby Shelf Road, Seep Springs, and other recreation amenities. Cruise through junipers and piñons as you ascend toward Fire Canyon and Unconformity, areas that were altered in 1988 as a wildfire scorched the area. Views from the top of Island in the Sky are truly incomparable, but be prepared for a hefty climb!
Location: 7 miles north of Cañon City
Total Miles: 12 miles of singletrack trails, additional miles via dirt roads
Description: Oil Well Flats is a BLM-managed trail system north of town. There are over 12 miles of singletrack trail, various access roads, and dispersed camping options. The area is also close to nearby Shelf Road, Seep Springs, and other recreation amenities. Cruise through junipers and piñons as you ascend toward Fire Canyon and Unconformity, areas that were altered in 1988 as a wildfire scorched the area. Views from the top of Island in the Sky are truly incomparable, but be prepared for a hefty climb!
Hogbacks Open Space
Location: .5 miles from downtown Cañon City
Total Miles: ~4 miles of crusher fine trail and singletrack
Description: The Hogbacks is Cañon City's in-town geologic wonder. Your experience here includes the famous Dakota Hogback formation and also the "Piggy Back" formations, which give the trail system its undulating, hilly terrain. Greenhorn trail is a wide, crusher-fine (gravel) trail that is accessible to many modalities. The singletrack trail that runs parallel to it - Graneros - is natural surface singletrack. Old skyline climbs straight to the top of Skyline Drive via an old driving road. From there, you can find Dakota Ridge, a difficult trail with a great deal of scrambling and narrow exposure.
Location: .5 miles from downtown Cañon City
Total Miles: ~4 miles of crusher fine trail and singletrack
Description: The Hogbacks is Cañon City's in-town geologic wonder. Your experience here includes the famous Dakota Hogback formation and also the "Piggy Back" formations, which give the trail system its undulating, hilly terrain. Greenhorn trail is a wide, crusher-fine (gravel) trail that is accessible to many modalities. The singletrack trail that runs parallel to it - Graneros - is natural surface singletrack. Old skyline climbs straight to the top of Skyline Drive via an old driving road. From there, you can find Dakota Ridge, a difficult trail with a great deal of scrambling and narrow exposure.
South Cañon Trails / Section 13
Location: 1 mile south of Cañon City
Total Miles: 20 miles of singletrack
Description: Discover flowy, easier trails close to town, or try to master the technical climb of Hard Time to the incredible view of Watchtower and Wrath of Grapes. Ride laps on Smooth Criminal or head to The Yard MTB skills park to work on bike skills. Remember to ride at your ability and comfort level only.
Location: 1 mile south of Cañon City
Total Miles: 20 miles of singletrack
Description: Discover flowy, easier trails close to town, or try to master the technical climb of Hard Time to the incredible view of Watchtower and Wrath of Grapes. Ride laps on Smooth Criminal or head to The Yard MTB skills park to work on bike skills. Remember to ride at your ability and comfort level only.
Royal Gorge Park
Location: 10 miles west of Cañon City
Total Miles: 22 miles of singletrack
Description: If you're looking for a trail run, bike, or hike that will offer awe-inspiring views, this is it! Outdoor enthusiasts will find that the trails offer stunning views and plentiful options. Use trail surrounding the East Ridge Campground and Canyon Rim Trailhead for easier routes, and extend your excursion to further trails (FAR Out, Summit View, Made in the Shade) for intermediate options. One Track Mind extends to Point Alta Vista, but is a difficult trail. To access the historic train trestles via an easy option, park at the parking lot on CR3A and use the 1.1-mile wide trail to Point Alta Vista and return the same way.
Location: 10 miles west of Cañon City
Total Miles: 22 miles of singletrack
Description: If you're looking for a trail run, bike, or hike that will offer awe-inspiring views, this is it! Outdoor enthusiasts will find that the trails offer stunning views and plentiful options. Use trail surrounding the East Ridge Campground and Canyon Rim Trailhead for easier routes, and extend your excursion to further trails (FAR Out, Summit View, Made in the Shade) for intermediate options. One Track Mind extends to Point Alta Vista, but is a difficult trail. To access the historic train trestles via an easy option, park at the parking lot on CR3A and use the 1.1-mile wide trail to Point Alta Vista and return the same way.
Red Canyon Park
Location: about 24 miles north of Cañon City
Total Miles: n/a (few developed trails exist)
Description: At Red Canyon Park you can explore 600 acres of beautiful red rock canyon from the Fountain Formation. Operated by the City of Cañon City, the secluded park is a local's favorite. Here you can feel free to explore dirt roads, trails, and sandy washes leading to all sorts of beautiful formations and vistas. Be aware of private property lines and do NOT trespass.
Location: about 24 miles north of Cañon City
Total Miles: n/a (few developed trails exist)
Description: At Red Canyon Park you can explore 600 acres of beautiful red rock canyon from the Fountain Formation. Operated by the City of Cañon City, the secluded park is a local's favorite. Here you can feel free to explore dirt roads, trails, and sandy washes leading to all sorts of beautiful formations and vistas. Be aware of private property lines and do NOT trespass.
