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South Canon Trails
A diverse network with trails for all riders from beginner to advanced, the easy accessibility from town to such a big trail network is astonishing!
Difficult Mountain Biking
- Distance
- 36 km
- Ascent
- 879 m
- Descent
- 879 m
A rough, remote gravel road passing through beautiful rolling mountains.
Mountain Biking Easy
Temple Canyon Road climbs directly out of downtown Canon City, quickly transitioning from pavement to gravel. This gravel road bisects one of the most popular mountain bike trail systems in the area, separating the South Canon trails from the Section 13 trails. It also provides a climbing route to reach many of the higher-up trails in the South Canon network. However, it can serve as a delightful gravel ride all on its own.
Temple Canyon is most easily ridden as an out-and-back route, but it can be turned into a loop with a little ingenuity. Some riders with an annual pass to the Royal Gorge Bridge Park choose to turn right at the end of Temple Canyon, cutting through the park to make a loop. Others head further out for an even more ambitious mixed-surface ride. However, the route shown here is simply an out-and-back version.
The gravel portion of the route begins as a well-graded and maintained road, but as it passes out of town and climbs higher into the hills, the road degrades quickly. The upper reaches feature exposed slabs of bedrock, washboards, and chunky, embedded rocks. The exposed slabs of rock make for interesting road riding, but the road's roughness mandates a gravel bike of some type at a bare minimum. A hardtail mountain bike wouldn't be out of place on this road, either.
The upper reaches of Temple Canyon are delightfully wild and remote. The road passes through isolated rolling mountains, with occasional views of the Sangres in the distance. The complete lack of civilization is absolutely wonderful, providing a welcome break from the constant technological onslaught of humanity.
Easy
Mostly smooth and non-technical singletrack with unavoidable obstacles 2in/5cm tall or less. Avoidable obstacles may be present. Ideal for beginner riders.
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A diverse network with trails for all riders from beginner to advanced, the easy accessibility from town to such a big trail network is astonishing!
Difficult Mountain Biking
1.2 km away
World-class gravel riding in Canon City!
Easy Mountain Biking
1.9 km away
The Hogbacks trails can be accessed easily from downtown Canon City, providing both easy beginner trails and gnarly black-diamond descents.
Extreme Mountain Biking
5.1 km away
A formidable trail dropping from the Royal Gorge Park to Canon City far below.
Difficult Mountain Biking
6.2 km away
New school machine-built trails coupled with stunning views of the Royal Gorge make for a winning combination.
Moderate Mountain Biking
6.2 km away
The freshest singletrack at Canon City's ever-expanding Royal Gorge Trail System.
Moderate Mountain Biking
6.6 km away
An easy but incredibly scenic gravel path through Canon City and into the Royal Gorge.
Easy Mountain Biking
6 routes · Mountain Biking
11 routes · Mountain Biking