This 12-mile loop is one of the best ways to pedal a consistent loop through the trail system with minimal backtracking. However, you can easily increase the mileage by adding in more of the cross trails, as well as the singletrack that connects to the campground.

The mountain biking at Cheyenne Mountain is fairly up-and-down with a few punchy climbs and fast descents, but there aren't too many long, sustained climbs. Even so, this route gains and loses a respectable 1,581 vertical feet along its length.

While you'll find some of the trails to be fairly well strewn with rocks, you won't find any major rock gardens or technical test pieces. Instead, most of the rocks are classic Colorado Springs fair, with a few boulders and slabby bits.

Overall, the trails rank as upper intermediate in difficulty, with a few genuine beginner trails, and a few others that are a bit more difficult. The route as mapped follows the Blackmer trail in the northwestern corner of the trail system, but if you were to opt for Cougar's Shadow instead, that would increase the technical difficulty a couple of notches.

Entry to the park costs $7 per day. There's also a fantastic campground here with modern facilities boasting 51 full-service campsites and 10 walk-in tent sites. Riding straight from camp is a rare treat, so consider booking a camping reservation at Cheyenne Mountain for a true mountain bike getaway.

Sources: CPW Singletracks.com