20 Miles, Out/Back 8000-8500 Elevation

Following the churning Platte River through this narrow gorge makes this one of the most exciting bike rides in the whole region. The canyon has several campgrounds and picnic areas, and is a popular fishing area. Spend the whole day biking, climbing and sloshing in the river.

Lake George is one of the wildest settings in the Pike National Forest. Hills, rocks, forest, meadows and rivers are all around and hardly any people. The canyon starts only a mile south of town and the stunning views start immediately. The road climbs 500 feet in ten miles and is an easy though dusty, ride on a bike.

The canyon boasts several campgrounds and picnic areas that provide convienent bases for bicycle exploring. This makes it easy to break the canyon into several short rides with time for wading and rock climbing. Three bare-rock tunnels add a real cool touch to an exciting ride.

In this narrow canyon the road is forced to closely follow the river. The whole length is a churning boulder field with occasional pools of flat water. Fishermen dot the banks anwhere they can park, as their kids wade into the smooth spots. The water is a little too cool for swimming, but feels pretty good at the end of a long bike ride. There are dozens of good wading pools separated by beautiful boulder strewn rapids and there are even a few good stretches of suitable tubing water. Fishing is pretty spotty, some days you'll find nothing but I've heard reports of 20 inch trout.

Towering over the river are hundreds of cliffs and rock formations that provide plenty of climbing fun and great views. Throughout canyon you can find good climbing spots for all levels of skill. Even the sheer cliffs have backdoor routes that require only a few handholds. Yet on a good day you'll find roped climbers trying the tougher walls facing the river.

Though it's only ten miles long, this exciting canyon has a whole weekend worth of activities for the adventuresome - biking, tubing, swimming, fishing, climbing and hiking. It's a little busy and dusty, but still a thrill.

Drive forty miles west from Colorado Springs to the village of Lake George. Then turn south on County Road 96 (Forest Road 245), bear right at the first fork, pay the three dollar toll and you're in Elevenmile Canyon. Park the car anywhere after the toll booth, but there's a big picnic area after about three miles.