Stories of Discovery & Wonder

Ride Gold Camp Road: Guided Mountain Bike Descent from Old Stage Road (Colorado Springs)

A guided, mostly downhill 13-mile bike tour from Old Stage Road down Gold Camp Road, passing historic dynamited train tunnels and broad Front Range views. Ideal for riders seeking an easy scenic descent with local history and minimal exertion.

Colorado Springs, Colorado•

3–3.5 hours

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

You crest Old Stage Road in a shuttle van, the city falling away beneath the rim and the Front Range opening like a raw horizon. Cool mountain air pushes through the open window; the guide fits your helmet and points to a ribbon of gravel cutting through pines and scrub. The real ride begins when you push off — a leisurely 13-mile descent that lets gravity and the road do the work.

Before You Go

Hydrate early

Carry at least 1–2 liters of water; even a gentle descent through dry foothills can dehydrate you quickly.

Choose closed-toe shoes

Gravel and occasional loose rock make flat, grippy shoes preferable to sandals or loose sneakers.

Watch tunnel approaches

Tunnels are low-light zones—slow down before entering and keep to your line to avoid loose rock and narrow sections.

Layer for quick changes

Temperatures can drop rapidly in tunnels and as elevation shifts; pack a lightweight wind layer.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Stop at the Old Stage Road overlook for panoramic Front Range views usually missed by quicker tours
•Explore short pullouts near the tunnel mouths for framed photo views of blast-cut rock and forested ledges

Wildlife

•Mule deer
•Golden eagle

Conservation Note

Much of the corridor is on Forest Service land—stay on the road, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing historic structures to reduce recreational impact.

Gold Camp Road follows the route of the early Short Line railroad that connected Cripple Creek’s mines to Colorado Springs; many tunnels date to the late 1800s and early 1900s.

What to Bring

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Helmet (provided)Essential

Protects against impacts—tour supplies helmets but bring your own if you prefer a personal fit.

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Hydration pack or water bottleEssential

Keeps fluids accessible on the 13-mile descent through dry foothills.

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Closed-toe shoes with gripEssential

Improves pedal control and prevents toe injuries on gravel and when stopping.

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Light wind or rain jacket

Useful for sudden showers or cool tunnel breezes; compact in a daypack.

Common Questions

How long is the ride and how strenuous is it?

The tour covers about 13 miles and is mostly a gentle, 2% downhill grade—minimal exertion is required, though riders should be comfortable controlling their bike on gravel.

Is prior mountain biking experience required?

No advanced skills are required; basic bike handling and confidence braking on loose gravel are sufficient.

What equipment is included?

The operator typically provides a bicycle, helmet, safety equipment, water, guide services, and transportation to the start point.

Are the tunnels safe to ride through?

Yes—the tunnels are a historic feature of Gold Camp Road. Use caution: light levels change quickly and surfaces can be uneven, so reduce speed and follow your guide's directions.