Cycling in Colorado Springs: The Rock Island Trail

One of the advantages to being a cyclist in Colorado Springs is that, with a few wintry exceptions, we can ride year round. Of course, if you are new to the area, or to the sport for that matter, you might be wondering just where to ride. You've probably noticed that Colorado Springs is full of cyclists, ranging from sponsored, elite riders that think nothing of heading out for a hundred-mile ride to homeless folks that use their bicycles for transportation, to all levels in between. In the meantime, you're just looking for a place to pedal, be it after work or on a weekend.

One ride to consider is the Rock Island Trail, a (mostly) concrete and asphalt bike path - round trip is approximately 12 miles - that runs east/west alongside an old railroad bed next to Constitution Ave, from the Shooks Run path (Weber and Jackson Streets) in the western section to Murray Blvd in the eastern part of the trail. Although it's an easy ride, the path is actually two completely different cycling experiences. The western part of Rock Island is a false flat; as you ride west, you might not realize that you're actually climbing until you realize just how much easier the return trip is. This lasts until you cross Murray Blvd, after which the trail becomes a series of rolling hills, mimicking the hilly terrain of the bluffs that it passes through.

Rock Island can be accessed in several spots, but the most convenient are at each end of the path. In the west, park at the Bon shopping center on Wahsatch St. and pick up Shooks Run directly behind the center. Ride north approximately two blocks and make a right-hand turn (there's a covered picnic bench there for reference,) heading east. You'll notice after turning that you're actually riding in a back alley. This is OK, it's actually part of the trail right now, and it's safe - I've encountered exactly one vehicle in all the times I've ridden it, and the folks that live along the alley are very friendly. You'll be in the alley until you cross El Paso St; use caution here, for there's no cross light or intersection, but the trail becomes an actual path on the other side of El Paso.