Rolling Through History: A Downhill Ride on Gold Camp Road
A leisurely 13-mile gravel descent that pairs history with wide Front Range views—no high-end skills required.
The first gust of high-altitude air arrives like a cold, clean promise. You feel it before you see the view: a blue-plate sky, a serrated horizon of the Front Range, and the city of Colorado Springs shrinking beneath a shoulder of pine and scrub. The guide from Pikes Peak Bike Tours clips a helmet strap with the casual confidence of someone who’s done this stretch a thousand times, points to the dark mouth of a tunnel gouged into granite, and asks if you’re ready to let gravity do most of the work. That invitation—simple, practical, and a little thrilling—sums up the Gold Camp Road experience.
Trail Wisdom
Bring a Handlebar Light
Tunnels are dark and damp—use a good handlebar light or ride with a guide who provides one.
Use a Hybrid or Gravel Bike
35–45 mm tires offer traction and comfort on compacted gravel and washboard sections.
Feather Your Brakes
Control speed through loose gravel and tight curves with steady, controlled braking rather than sudden stops.
Layer for Altitude
Temperatures can drop quickly—pack a lightweight windbreaker and gloves even on warm mornings.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The old railroad tunnel apertures—each offers a different perspective and quiet photo ops
- •Short pullouts with panoramic views toward Pikes Peak for sunrise/sunset shots
Wildlife
Mule deer, Red-tailed hawk
Conservation Note
Stay on the established road, pack out all waste, and avoid graffiti or disturbing historic fabric—these features are fragile and part of public heritage.
Gold Camp Road follows the former Colorado Springs & Cripple Creek District Railway corridor; tunnels and dynamited cuts date to the late 1800s mining boom.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflowers, cooler riding temperatures, fewer crowds
Challenges: muddy sections, late snow at higher elevations
Expect brisk mornings and the possibility of lingering snow or mud; mid-to-late spring days are ideal for wildflowers and quieter roads.
summer
Best for: clear skies, longer daylight, warm weather riding
Challenges: afternoon thunderstorms, higher trail traffic
Plan morning departures to avoid heat and afternoon storms; hydration and sun protection are important.
fall
Best for: fall color, crisp air, less insect activity
Challenges: colder mornings, shorter daylight hours
Early fall offers the best combination of light, color, and stable weather—pack layers for cool starts.
winter
Best for: snow scenery if prepared, solitude
Challenges: snow/ice in tunnels, road closures
Winter conditions can make tunnels icy and roads impassable; only experienced winter riders with proper gear should attempt the route.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
HelmetEssential
Protects against falls and is required by guides.
Handlebar LightEssential
Illuminates historic tunnels and dark sections for safety.
Hybrid or Gravel Bike with 35–45mm TiresEssential
Provides comfort and traction on packed gravel and washboard surfaces.
Windbreaker and Lightweight Gloves
Useful for abrupt temperature drops at altitude and breezy descents.
Common Questions
How difficult is the ride for a casual cyclist?
The route is mostly a gentle descent with a modest initial climb; casual cyclists with basic bike handling skills should be comfortable, especially on guided tours.
Are helmets and bikes provided?
Guided operators like Pikes Peak Bike Tours typically supply helmets and quality bikes—confirm in advance and request a bike size that fits you.
Can I ride this route on my own?
Yes—you can self-guide—but guided tours simplify logistics like shuttle transport and lighting for tunnels and provide local knowledge.
Is there cell service along Gold Camp Road?
Cell service is intermittent in sections, especially inside tunnels and deeper forest stretches; plan accordingly and carry emergency contacts pre-saved.
Are the tunnels safe to ride through?
Tunnels are stable but dark and occasionally damp; use lights, slow down, and follow guide instructions for safe passage.
Do I need any permits or passes?
No special permits are generally required for recreational riding, but check local road closures or event notices before you go.
What to Pack
Hydration pack (altitude and sun), layered windbreaker (temperature swings), tire repair kit and pump (gravel punctures), handlebar light (dark tunnels)
Did You Know
Gold Camp Road follows a former railroad corridor built in the 1890s to serve the Cripple Creek gold fields; many of its tunnels were cut by dynamite and remain visible today.
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into Colorado Springs Airport (COS); leave early to avoid afternoon storms; bring cash/card for post-ride food in Old Colorado City; check weather and road conditions before you go
Local Flavor
After the ride, head to Old Colorado City for wood-fired pizza, local craft beer at a neighborhood brewery, and galleries selling regional art; the district provides a relaxed, historical complement to the mountain ride.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Colorado Springs (COS) • Typical drive from downtown: 20–40 minutes to Old Stage Road/GCR access points • Cell service: intermittent; expect dead zones in tunnels • Permits: none usually required—check local road notices for closures
Sustainability Note
This corridor contains historic infrastructure—pack out all trash, avoid chalking or graffiti in tunnels, and give wildlife ample space to reduce disturbance.