The best cycling routes around Air Force Academy

There are over 65 touring cycling routes around the Air Force Academy, offering a diverse range of experiences. This includes 24 easy routes, 30 moderate routes, and 11 more challenging options.

The routes around Air Force Academy traverse the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, featuring a mix of paved multi-use paths and some gravel sections. You'll encounter open plains, creek beds, and areas of scrubland, with moderate elevation changes. Many trails offer views of the surrounding mountains and the Air Force Academy grounds.

Yes, the Air Force Academy area offers several easy and family-friendly touring cycling routes. These often utilize paved multi-use paths and have moderate elevation changes. A good option for a family-friendly ride is the John Venezia Community Park & Cottonwood Creek Park loop via Mary Kyer Park, which leads through urban parks and natural creek areas.

While many routes are moderate, there are 11 more difficult touring cycling routes available for experienced riders seeking a greater challenge. These routes may feature more significant elevation changes or longer distances.

The touring cycling routes around Air Force Academy offer a mix of surfaces. You'll find many paved multi-use paths, but some routes also incorporate gravel sections, particularly those following creek beds or traversing more natural areas. Routes like New Santa Fe and Cottonwood Creek Trails provide a good example of this mix.

Many touring cycling routes in this region offer picturesque views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and the Air Force Academy grounds. You can also find viewpoints like the View of Pikes Peak from Austin Bluffs Open Space, providing stunning vistas of the iconic peak.

Yes, several circular touring cycling routes are available. A popular option is the Falcon Trail Loop, which offers varied terrain within the Air Force Academy grounds. Another loop option is the Palmer Lake loop from Gleneagle.

Along the touring cycling routes, you can encounter various points of interest. Highlights include natural features like Pulpit Rock and the Rampart Reservoir. You might also cross the Pedestrian Bridge Over Monument Creek on Pikes Peak Greenway.

Yes, some routes pass near amenities. For example, the Criterium Bike Shop and Crit Cafe is a highlight that cyclists might find convenient for a break or refreshment.

The region experiences four distinct seasons. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for touring cycling. Summer can be warm, while winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder conditions and potential snow.

The touring cycling routes around Air Force Academy are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 25 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, scenic views, and the network of trails that connect urban parks with natural corridors.

Yes, the Falcon Trail Loop is a popular moderate touring cycling route. It's a 12.8-mile (20.5 km) trail that takes approximately 2 hours 7 minutes to complete, offering varied terrain within the Air Force Academy grounds.