Cathedral Pines

Cathedral Pines: The Unassuming Charmer of Black Forest Trails

Overview

Nestled within the quaint confines of Black Forest, Colorado, Cathedral Pines offers a well-balanced mountain biking experience. While not the most technical of routes, this trail network still packs enough features to keep you engaged. Covering a distance of 9 miles and mostly veering through treed terrains, Cathedral Pines might not be the star attraction when compared to Front Range offerings, but it has its own unique flavor.

Getting There

• Location: Black Forest, Colorado
• Directions:
  • From Colorado Springs & south: Take I-25N to the Interquest exit, turn right on Shoup Rd, left on Holmes Rd, and finally left on Vessey Rd.
  • From Castle Rock & north: Take I-25S to Monument (Hwy 105) exit, head east, then turn right on Hwy 83, left on Hodgen Rd (Cty Hwy 50), right on Black Forest Rd, and finally right on Vessey Rd.
• Parking: 20 yards across the opposite side of Vessey Rd.

Trail Details

Key Attributes

• Terrain: Predominantly forested with sandy and loose sections.
• Elevation: Various rollercoaster-like hills, especially on the northernmost leg.
• Trail Width: A minimum of 3 feet, often wider.
• Prohibitions: No motorized vehicles, most sections off-limits to horses.
• Signage: Inadequate at intersections and could benefit from a detailed map.

The Ride Experience

The trail starts near the parking area, which is also one of the highest points. This means the initial part of the trail is primarily downhill. The outer loop, known as Pikes Peak Trail, runs for 4.6 miles. Additional trails crisscross the main loop, offering east-west options and connectors to other segments. While most intersections are marked, some do end abruptly at roads, confusing riders due to a lack of signs. The sandy terrain could prove a bit challenging, especially on the northernmost leg of the Pike heading east.

Comments and Feedback from Riders

• "Good for beginners looking to get a few miles in."
• "Mostly double-track, a lot of soft sand."
• "Opportunities for speed but no big climbs."
• "Best experienced if you live nearby and can't travel to other reputed trails."

Wildlife and Scenery

Riding through Cathedral Pines will expose you to some of Colorado's lesser-known but still captivating beauty. Expect views of Pikes Peak, occasional elk and mule deer sightings, and a chorus of birds like western bluebirds and nuthatches. The southernmost leg even connects with the Black Forest Regional Park trails, though, unfortunately, the intersections are not marked.

Final Thoughts

Cathedral Pines may not be the trail that experienced riders write home about, but it delivers an authentic local biking experience. Offering a mix of terrains and enough mild challenges, it's a respectable choice for those residing in or visiting Black Forest.