Tag: trails
-
Meeting set to address concerns about future of Fishers Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs
Another opportunity approaches for people to weigh in on the future of what some see as Colorado Springs’ next premier open space. That’s Fishers Canyon Open Space, the 343 acres acquired by the city’s Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) fund in 2021. The land of pine and oak rising to granite promontories near 9,000…
-
Colorado Springs e-bike policy proposal criticized
At a Colorado Springs Parks Board meeting Thursday, opposition mounted against a proposal that would legalize electric-powered bikes on city-owned trails where other bikes are allowed. “Laughable” was one critique. The proposal, backed by Mayor Yemi Mobolade, was first presented last week as the next step in the city’s controversial, yearslong effort to address the…
-
‘Critical’ funds come amid excitement, worry around Colorado Springs quarry
Tuesday morning in the hills beyond Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs officials gathered to celebrate a promise of restoration. It was in celebration of a scar to be healed — and money to perhaps accomplish it. A $300,000 grant was announced as “instrumental” in the costly, complex process of Black Canyon Quarry’s pending reclamation. The…
-
Proposed policy would expand access for e-bikes, e-scooters on Colorado Springs trails
Colorado Springs officials have proposed a policy that would expand legal access for electric bikes across city-owned parks and open spaces. Presented Wednesday to the city’s Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) working committee — the board overseeing the 27-year-old fund collecting sales tax revenues for parkland — the proposal represents but the next point…
-
‘The game has changed’: Virginia Canyon mountain bike trails open in Colorado
Highly anticipated mountain bike trails have opened in Colorado’s central Rockies. Announced Thursday, Drop Shaft and Hopper trails are the first bike trails to debut as part of a long-dreamed, broader network called Trek Trails at Virginia Canyon Mountain Park. The system was dreamed long before Gary Moore stepped into Colorado Mountain Bike Association leadership…
-
Happy Trails: A hidden, natural oasis on Colorado Springs’ west side
On the edge of Colorado Springs’ west side, nestled behind a cul de sac, is a sudden nature oasis where the neighborhood disappears and the din of Interstate 25 soon fades. The traffic is replaced by bugs buzzing, birds singing and a creek’s trickling melody. This is Sondermann Park. Regulars know it as a hidden…
-
Popular mountain bike trail system growing in western Colorado
A popular mountain bike trail system is expanding in western Colorado. Contracted professionals and volunteers with nonprofit Ridgway Area Trails have been busy carving about 5 miles of new singletrack at the network known by the group’s name, affectionately RAT. The additions will bring RAT’s mileage close to 30 — close to the vision born a…
-
Another ‘milestone’ for new trail being built on Colorado 14er
The nonprofit builder of a new trail on a 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado is celebrating a “significant milestone” of a multi-year effort. That was the word from Colorado Fourteeners Initiative in a social media post announcing the opening of a second “bypass” on the lower slopes of Mount Shavano in Chaffee County. The first bypass…
-
Recreation dreams come true: Trail system grows at rare, wondrous land of forest hills overlooking Lake Dillon
FRISCO • From the shoreline of Dillon Reservoir, a thin path rose up through the pines, fresh dirt streaked with bike tracks. Riders were getting their first taste of the latest singletrack at Peninsula Recreation Area. “It’s great,” went the review from local Peter Wessel. “It’s nice to see all these new trails.” Wonderland Trail…
-
Happy Trails: Lesser-known loop through the pines northeast of Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, outdoor enthusiasts know Section 16 to refer to a splendid trail in the city’s southwest mountains. Fewer people know Section 16 as a loop through the pines defining Black Forest, the community northeast of the city. And perhaps fewer know Section 16 to refer to a historic land ordinance in America. Dating…