What happens to your donation when you give to FAR? Your donations help supplement our event income, which comes from putting on events throughout the year. These include: 
- Resolution Run
- Snow Queen Frosty February 5K
- runBlossom
- Dino 1-Mile Kids' Fun Run
- Great Escape Trail Events
- Tunnel Vision Duathlon

While we try to keep costs low (as part of our mission to get people outdoors and involved in community events), we also try to make a little money on each event so that it can pay for itself and help fund our other activities. 

You can read all about our financial information in our annual report, but here's the story on how we use funding: 

Community Outreach: 
We use funding to buy things like giveaways, swag, and educational material. We attend about 6-10 community events each year and constantly need to refresh our handouts and swag. We attend events such as: Penrose Elementary School STEAM Fair, Safety Jam, Earth Day at the  Royal Gorge Bridge, Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival, and in-class education sessions at local schools. 

Coordinator: 
We have one part-time employee - Ashlee - and we do pay her. She's our administrative assistant, event coordinator, event timer, graphic designer, marketing manager, community outreach coordinator, membership coordinator, educational outreach individual, sponsor communicator, and anything else we can think of. Many of you have met and worked with Ashlee, and know that she loves being part of FAR and our community. 

Scholarships and CCHS MTB Funds: 
We are proud to give four scholarships a year to local students who have volunteered their time to FAR throughout the years. Now that FAR is 14 years old, we have applications from students who have volunteered since they were very small! We also donate to local boosters and the Cañon City High School Mountain Bike Team to help provide travel costs and equipment for this lifetime sport. 

Adventure Guide / Maps: 
We often get grant funding for the printing of the guides, but we also spend funding to help distribute them and re-design them every year. We do the design work in-house to save money, but sending them out is an important part of making sure that everyone who wants a guide, gets one!

Administrative and Program Costs: 
From insurance to software, race materials to timing equipment, running a non-profit requires a lot of monthly expenses. We try to keep costs low, but your donations do help to offset these general program costs. 

Signage and Trail Tools: 
All of our signs and tools are purchased with 1% for Trails funding, which is garnered from local businesses or specified donations. We design all of our signs (minus trail signs, which are created by local business Handeland Signs) in-house to cut cots and ensure consistency. 

We welcome any questions you have about our funding stream or membership. Thank you for your support, your help, your volunteer hours, and your constant commitment to outdoor recreation in Fremont County!

In 1905, the Cañon City Daily Record reported that a "much talked-of pleasure driveway along the top of the hogback is rapidly becoming a reality" (Daily Record, October 12, 1905). Thus began the Hogback's official journey toward rewarding recreational drivers, hikers, and mountain bikers with stunning views of the valley. These days, visitors to Skyline Drive and the Hogbacks can enjoy a white-knuckled drive over the top Skyline, or challenge themselves to several singletrack adventures on the east-facing side of the geological feature. The addition of a 1-mile extension of Stone Quarry - now open -  facilitates a challenging and scenic loop along the middle of the largest hogback feature. Located parallel to and below Skyline Drive and above Graneros, the black-diamond (difficult) trail features great views, technical features, access to the historic quarry, and the ability to connect to other trails. 

In the 1800's, the hogbacks was a hotbed of activity - from mining to quarries. Rock mined from the Hogbacks was used to build the Territorial Prison, located downhill from the site on Highway 50. 

Many may have already hiked the Stone Quarry trail, which has an access point along Old Skyline Drive. Last summer's storms damaged a portion of the 100-year-old retaining wall near the trail's start, but this was repaired by the City. Access remains from Old Skyline Drive (about halfway up from the Washington Street trailhead), but the trail now continues from the site of the quarry to a juncture with Greenhorn near the Floral Avenue Trailhead. 
Thanks to a mine shaft closure grant (from state mine royalty funding) initiated by FAR in 2020, the trail was completed in early February by trailbuilders Steve Thomas and Fremont Mitigation & Services (Kirk Anderson and Kerry Meier with assistance by local High School MTB Team rider Sage Currado). 

About halfway along the trail, users will note a large steel grate - indicating a recently closed mine. Thanks to efforts by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, the site is now sealed, but remains open to residents of the hillside - bats. (You're welcome to call the trail by it's unofficial nickname, a portmanteau of 'bat' and 'habitat' - "Batatat".) Please do NOT disturb the grate, as bats are an important part of our local ecology, assisting in pest control, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 

Stone Quarry is part of the Eastern Fremont Trails Trails and Open Space Master Plan, which stipulates the need for a looped trail throughout the Hogbacks. The trail system is integrated into the Royal Loop plan, which FAR has continually been working toward and creates access via singletrack from town to the Royal Gorge Park and back. FAR was part of the master plan process in 2012. This project was funded by FAR's 1% for Trails Community Initiative and was supported by the City of Cañon City, which provided additional construction funding, staff, and equipment. FAR is dedicated to the maintenance of the trail, in addition to other trails in the Hogbacks system. 

Trail Beta

Trail Name: Stone Quarry
Distance: 1.1 miles
Level: Difficult (Black Diamond)
Surface: Natural Surface Singletrack
Map: Available on Trailforks (will be available on others, including Cotrex, soon)
Features: Some technical points, steep switchback, closed mine shaft (do not throw rocks, please be kind to bat habitat)

Ah, winter in the Banana Belt. You can ski at Monarch in the morning and be home in time to head out on trails for a nice mountain bike ride in the evening. But winter weather can make choosing which trail to head out on a little trickier.

Why can't I ride when trails are wet?
In places where leaves, pine needles, and other plants cover the ground in the fall (the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, etc.), it creates a barrier between boots and dirt, allowing trail users to head out on trails in virtually any weather without damaging trails. In the desert, there is no such barrier. When it rains or snows, soils like bentonite stick like peanut butter to tires, feet, paws, and hooves. Some areas also absorb moisture and hold it in so that any use makes deep divots that remain long after the mud has dried. (Those, in turn, hold even more moisture and can get worse as time goes by, similar to a pothole.) 

What CAN I ride or run on? 
Not all trails are created equal. Natural surface trails (with no added gravel or rock) will likely take longer to dry out, especially if they're on north-facing slopes that don't see much sun in the winter. But trails that have been graded, widened, and have added gravel will dry out faster or be available sooner. Luckily, we have plenty of both kinds!

What if it's 99% good to go with just a few mud puddles? 
If you see a random puddle on an otherwise dry trail, go right through it. Riding or walking around it will create trail widening, and we try to "keep singletrack single" to help lessen the impact of trails on natural habitats and ecology. 

Am I just out of luck after it's snowed or rained in the winter? 
Nope! There are a few options in town that will dry out pretty quickly, and those are the crusher-fine (gravel) trails. Also, if the ground is frozen, you can ride pretty much anything, although you WILL have to be careful of any underlying ice. As precipitation begins to melt, however, natural surface trails will likely need some time to dry out. 

So when there's been snow or rain in the fall / winter / spring, where can you ride? Here are your best bets: 

Crusher-Fine / Gravel Trails: 

Riverwalk
Cotrex Link: trails.colorado.gov/trails/arkansas-riverwalk-6224

Tunnel Drive
Cotrex Link: trails.colorado.gov/trails/tunnel-drive-7026

Greenhorn (Hogbacks)
COTrex Link: trails.colorado.gov/trails/greenhorn-6547

Great Gravel Roads:

Temple Canyon Road
Shelf Road
Phantom Canyon Road

Next to dry out: 

Ecology Park / South Cañon 
COTrex Link: trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/ecology-park-361

Oil Well Flats
COTrex Link: trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/oil-well-flats-2632

Royal Gorge Trails
COTrex Link: trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/canyon-rim-371

The high country often takes center stage in Colorado in the fall, and with just reasons:  aspens across the state begin turning gold and orange in September and put on a dazzling display for a few weeks. 

But as the leaves fall on the summits of some of our favorite high-elevation locations, color slowly creeps into the valleys and plains of our beautiful state. Colorful ash trees, cottonwoods, and maples in the Banana Belt are turning bright shades of gold and green. Catch them on local hikes, along the river, or downtown on Main Street in Cañon City. 

Here are some of our favorite ways to get outside and enjoy the Royal Gorge region's ever-changing foliage: 

Riverwalk - Mackenzie to Reynolds Hill
Distance: 3 miles out-and-back
Elevation change: 
Trailhead: Mackenzie Trailhead
Route: https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/115652
Good for: trail running, walking, biking (slowly, as there are lots of pedestrians)

This smaller parking lot on Mackenzie Avenue (between Florence and Cañon) offers a nice, flat walk along the Arkansas traveling west - except for the hill at the end which offers beautiful views of the river, Fremont Peak, and even Pikes Peak in the distance. There are several spots where the trees create a canopy for full "spooky woods" vibes. Bring binoculars in case you spot a heron or some other birds along the way. 

Pathfinder Park
Distance: ~1 mile
Elevation change: negligible​
​Trailhead: Parking lot at Pathfinder Park
Good for: walking, trail running

Pathfinder's trails wind through wooded areas both along the river and also around the fishing pond. A wide, crusher-fine trail stretches from the pond to the east end of the park, and more rugged trails wind next to the river and in the trees. Be aware that this area is thick with growth, so be careful with pets (keep them on a leash) as there may be small animals and snakes present. The canopy is beautiful this time of year and there are views of a nearby butte (watch for peregrines!) are pretty stunning. 
​

 The Temple at Temple Canyon Park
Distance:  1.6 miles
Elevation change: 406 feet
​Trailhead: The Temple Trailhead
Route: https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/115650 
Good for: walking, hiking

From Temple Canyon Road, park high above Grape Creek and hike downward via the trail. You'll encounter plenty of steep switchbacks, so bring hiking poles and good shoes. Cross the creek under the canopy of cottonwood trees and head towards the Temple. Be wary of critters (including snakes) and be sure to bring snacks and water. Enjoy the solitude of the canyon and the quiet ripple of the creek this time of year. 
​

Grape Creek via Ecology Park
Distance: 1.6 miles
Elevation Change: 171 feet
Trailhead: Ecology Park Trailhead
Route: ​https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/115651
Good for: walking, running, kids

​This wide trail is great for kids (mind them on the big hill at the start) and easy to follow. Just follow the Grape Creek trail, then water gap as you work your way downward through the dry creekbed (it only flows after big storms) toward Grape Creek. The creek flows year-round but is low and slow in autumn, offering a great time to look for frogs, play in the water, and explore. 

Grape Creek via Watchtower and Wrath of Grapes
Distance: ~10 miles
Elevation Change: 1,300 feet 
Trailhead: Great Escape Trailhead
Route: From the Great Escape Trailhead (accessible off Temple Canyon Rd.), take Watchtower east or west. You'll encounter Wrath of Grapes as it intercepts Watchtower. Take the trail down to the creek, then turn around to backtrack or ride out to the road and ride the road back to the trailhead. 
​Good for: trail running, mountain biking, hiking

Centennial Park to Mackenzie Takeout - River Float
Distance: 2.5 Centennial-Reynolds, 4.6 miles Centennial-Mackenzie
Put-In: Centennial park 
Take-Out: Reynolds Ave. or Mackenzie Ave. takeouts
Good for: small human-powered watercraft

If you have a small craft (SUP, duckie, etc.) and have some river experience, this class I-II stretch of river offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Great for fishing along the way or just enjoying the view, this stretch of river is beautiful in the fall. Be courteous to other river users, including anglers, and be sure to ALWAYS wear a PFD or life jacket. And thank Royal Gorge RIO - our sister organization on the river - for all of the great features and safe passages along the way!​
​

As recreation users, we value our trails and open spaces in Fremont County. Most of us also know that trails - the planning, construction, signage, and maintenance - cost money. Our community has invested in trails for the last decade, and that investment has yielded some of the region's most beloved trails, including the Riverwalk, Tunnel Drive, and the Hogbacks Open Space.

Investment in Purpose-Build Singletrack
More recently, our community and land managers have also begun to fund singletrack, purpose-built trail systems like South Cañon, Oil Well Flats, and the Royal Gorge Trails. Since the inception of our '1% for Trails' FAR has contributed over $XXX to the construction and maintenance of singletrack trails. Land managers (including the Recreation District, BLM, and the City of Cañon City) have also invested in these amenities, realizing that residents value outdoor recreation experiences and visitors can contribute to the economic vitality of our region. Trails are valuable! But economically, we don't know much of the financial return on our investment, and in order to guide future decisions (plus learn baseline-data about trail-related expenditures), we're working to undergo a socio-economic impact study of public trail systems in Fremont County. 

Creating a Socio-Economic Impact Report with CU
At CU Boulder, the Masters of the Environment program has a Capstone requirement. The Capstone program is a competitive process that pairs students with businesses and organization that have a need - whether for a product or a process. In January, FAR submitted an application for a project and was selected by a team of students. We are overjoyed to be working with Masters candidates Joshua Corning, Eric Howard, and Nathan Boyer-Rechlin. They've already done a tremendous amount of work researching the process and similar reports (you can see similar reports for the Grand Valley here). 


We need YOUR help collecting data! 

A report of this kind requires a significant amount of data collection. The team will solicit information via an online survey to all residents of the community, but also in-person surveys to those who are actually ON trails. This portion of the data collection requires volunteer assistance. Helping is easy! Just hang out at a trailhead for a few hours before or after a ride or hike, chat with trail users, and enjoy being outside. 

The first step in becoming a volunteer is to attend the volunteer training. This quick, one-hour class will introduce you to the project, help you understand the survey and methodology, and give you the tools you need to be successful. ​

Volunteers will be required to staff at least two 2-hour sessions throughout the summer. Data collection is done through a 'trail intercept' survey, which means that you'll be stationed a popular trailshead, will chat with trail users as they start out on their excursion, and ask them to take a brief (3-minute) survey about their experience in our region. Whether they're local or visitors, we'd love to hear from them! 

Training date: TBD (very soon!)

Master's candidates Nathan Boyer-Rechlin, Eric Howard, and Joshua Corning visit the Royal Gorge Trails in an introductory meeting about the region. (This photo wasn't taken NEARLY as close to the edge as it looks in this photo.) 

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. 

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! 

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. 
​

As 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
1727 Sherman Avenue
Canon City, CO 81212
​

In 2022, we were excited to welcome members to FAR! Members who donate $60 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. 

At 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 [email protected]. 
​

Purchasing 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.