20 Mile Paved Loop 7400 Altitude

This is one of the most scenic road rides in the whole region. Route 18 has big views of the buttes and mesas between Monument and Castle Rock. Route 105 returns between the rolling foothills.

To start this ride in Palmer Lake, take I-25 twenty miles north of Colorado Springs and get off at exit 163, Palmer Lake. Go west on County Line Road then just before Palmer Lake, turn left into the park, just before the road crosses the railroad tracks. This park is the northern end of the Santa Fe Trail, a gravel path that runs the whole way to Colorado Springs. It's a handy place to start a ride, with parking, restrooms and picnic grounds.

Ride north out of the park and turn right on Route 18, Spruce Mountain Road and keep going. The first mile of Rt 18 is crumbled cement, and takes some slalom skills on the bike. The pavement soon turns smooth and the view opens up to big sky vistas of the nearby buttes and mesas that dot this region. This half of the ride is through open range with nothing to block the view, and virtually no traffic and no noise.

After eight miles is the town of Larkspur - turn left at Perry Park Avenue. This three mile road climbs a slight hill through a scenic forested area, then drops back down to Route 105, Perry Park Road. Turn left on 105 and head south. This road follows the foothills through beautiful meadows with mountains and canyons towering above to the west and tree covered hills to the east.