Canon City, Colorado is a blip on most folks' radar, as the town isn't known for much of anything other than having the Royal Gorge bridge and train (and white water rafting, FWIW) just to the west of town. However, the town is trying to change that perception by building some amazing mountain bike trails in an attempt to lure riders from nearby Front Range cities of Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, and even Boulder. After riding their most recent creation- the Oil Well Flats trail system- it's safe to say the drive from anywhere on the Front Range is worth it.
Canon City has climate and topography going for it... the riding in this area is virtually year round due to low snowfall and tons of sun, and the town sits in a large "valley" between the Sangre de Cristos and the Pikes Peak mastiff. When the trails are covered in snow and the weather is cool all along the Front Range, it's likely sunny and warm in Canon City. That was the case last week when we put in 20+ miles on the Oil Well Flats trails.
The trails are eerily similar to a combination of the Loma/Kokopelli loops and the 18 Road trails in Fruita... and of course, that's a good thing.
The climbs here are generally pretty mild, but they do include a handful of fun, technical and punchy sections that will keep you on your toes. The terrain varies greatly with large meadows, rolling hills, interesting rock features, and technical rock sections.
A recommended route is to climb Fracture right out of the parking lot to the "upper level" of trails around Fire Canyon and Unconformity, then make your way over to Island in the Sky and enjoy the long descent from there. The terrain, trails, and views will not disappoint.
All of the trails are worth riding at least once, and you can easily put in 18-20 miles in a few hours.
So the question is, will Canon City succeed at becoming the next Colorado mountain bike destination town? I honestly have no idea... but if the Oil Well Flats trail system is any indication, they're certainly headed in the right direction. With a handful more trails in that area combined with a few more options, I can easily see it becoming a must-ride area for anyone within a half-day drive. I personally can't wait to get back down there in the spring when everything is green and lush. Until then, keep up the good work Canon City!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=35sfp9k5avI
Canyon City would be king though if they built some pure downhill trails with road shuttle access to the top.
They only problem is - the summer weather. It's hot, hot, hot. I will never go to Pueblo in the summer, to many other great trails to ride.
But okay. Now Front rangers don't have to cross the Divide to ride in Fruita! Hope they develop the area more.
I'd compare the Oil Well Flats trails to Troy Built and part of Steve's Loop, but definitely not Mary's, Mack Ridge, Moore Fun, or Horsethief.
And it does look drier than here.
Of course it is raining and snowing again right now, but it was really good.
If so, even more weight given to this article! Brrrap!
@Rockymtnx, see above. If you want early DH, and dry dirt, Idaho is the first thing out there. It could easily be the new Fruita if they had a little up hill XC action. Fruita is the first XC to dry out in CO. That's their best selling point.
Anyway, who cares about Idaho Springs? We're talking about how Fruita needs a swift kick in the balls, and there's several other early season spots to go ride.
The fact is that the best thing about Fruita is that its only 90 minutes from moab.
Thats why I live here.
And when I say Fruita I really mean all the Grand Valley Trails, Loma, Mack, Fruita, Grand Junction and Palisade.
Just takes too long.
There is also an epic 33 mile singletrack, 6000 foot drop in elevation, downhill trail planned from Grand Mesa to Palisade.
The Palisade Plunge!
That sounds fun huh?
Can we keep talking about buff high desert trails that you guys ride on 6-inch travel bikes? Is skidding still cool in 2016?