Trail Rules & Activites

Trail Rules

The Ring the Peak Trail passes through many different jurisdictions, each with its own set of rules and regulations. Trail users are responsible for knowing and following each area’s rules.

Many of the rules are common sense.

  • Don’t litter – pack out all trash where garbage cans are not available.
  • Don’t deface or damage facilities or resources.
  • Operate motor vehicles only along designated roadways and motorized trails.
  • Park vehicles in designated parking areas. In national forest, a vehicle can also park within one vehicle length of a road if the vehicle does not damage land or vegetation.
  • Stay on trail and don’t cut switchbacks.
  • The U.S. Forest Service usually allows foot traffic off trail, but off-trail use is not allowed in the Bear Creek watershed, and Forest Service also prohibits cutting switchbacks.
Dogs
  • Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and El Paso County all require dogs to be on-leash (outside of designated off-leash dog parks).
  • The U.S. Forest Service requires dogs to be on-leash in developed recreation areas and under control at all times.
Smoking & Alcohol
  • Colorado Springs: no smoking in parks except in designated smoking areas.
  • Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and El Paso County all prohibit alcohol in parks.
Campfires
  • Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and El Paso County all prohibit open fires.
  • The U.S. Forest Service prohibits open fires in the Bear Creek and Cheyenne watersheds; be aware of and follow any current fire restrictions in other Forest Service areas.
Camping
  • Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and El Paso County all prohibit camping.
  • The U.S. Forest Service prohibits camping in the Bear Creek watershed; dispersed camping is allowed in other Forest Service areas except within 1/4 mile of the Crags Road (Forest Service road 383).
Seasonal Closure
  • North Slope Recreation Area is open May 1 through the 3rd Saturday in October; closed the rest of the year.
  • Access gates from Catamount Ranch open space in Teller county to North Slope Recreation Area are open May 1 to September 30.
References:

Safety

Tell someone where you are going

Tell at least one person your planned trailhead, route, destination, and when to expect you back.  Allow some buffer in case things take longer than expected.  If you’re late, they should call Search and Rescue.  The county sheriff, often assisted by volunteers, is responsible for search and rescue, though calling 911 works.

Consider buying a CORSAR (Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue) card.  The fee for the card goes into a fund that reimburses Search and Rescue teams for their expenses.  Hunting and fishing licenses pay into the same fund.  CORSAR info

Take the ten essentials
  • food (more than you expect to need)
  • water (and a way to purify more)
  • sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
  • rain gear
  • extra clothes (layers, gloves, warm hat)
  • map and compass (and know how to use them, even if you have a GPS)
  • light (flashlight or headlamp)
  • first-aid kit
  • repair kit (duct tape, knife, tools)
  • emergency kit
    • some way to start a fire
    • emergency shelter (space blanket, bivy sack, tarp, or large trash bag)
           some way to signal for help (whistle, mirror, light)
  • And, as Gerry Roach says, don’t get separated from your lunch (or other gear).
Keep your group together

Don’t leave someone behind, especially if they are having trouble.  Don’t send someone back alone, unless necessary for going for help in an emergency.

Don’t take a “short cut”

Stay on trail and on the designated route.  The standard route to a destination is the best route.  Getting lost is easier off-trail, and lost people off-trail are harder to find.  Going off trail, especially in sensitive areas, damages the environment.

Watch the weather

Check the weather forecast before you leave.  weather.gov, can provide point forecasts (for example, forecast for the Raspberry Mountain trailhead).  Get the forecast for a nearby city, then click on the map at the location you plan to be at.  Be sure to check the elevation that the forecast is for, also.  Then watch the weather while you are out.  Storms can develop quickly.

Be willing to turn around

To paraphrase Ed Viesturs: reaching the summit (destination) is optional, returning to the trailhead is not. 

Etiquette

Follow Leave No Trace principles
  1. Plan ahead
  2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of others
Stay on trail
  • Going off trail damages plants, leads to erosion, and hurts nature and the resources that we are there to enjoy.

  • Don’t cut switchbacks.

  • Go through muddy spots on trails, not around them, to avoid widening the trail.  Avoid using trails when they are muddy to avoid creating ruts.

  • Go single-file unless on a wide trail.

  • When yielding or going around other trail users, stay on trail if at all possible.  If not, step on rocks or other surfaces that won’t be harmed.

Pack it in, pack it out

Pack out all trash, including food waste or other biodegradable items, which take a long time to decay in the dry Colorado climate.

Deal with human waste responsibly

Go off trail and at least 200 feet from any water source.  Solid human waste should be buried several inches deep.  In high use areas and above timberline, consider using one of the commercial products, for example, a bag with enzymes to break down waste and control odor, to pack out solid human waste.  Urine can attract animals, that then dig up and destroy the plants, especially above timberline.  So it’s best to pee on rocks if possible. 

Use existing fire rings or just use a camp stove

Keep campfires small or forgo a fire.  Know and follow current fire restrictions.  Be sure any fire is completely out (cold to the touch) before leaving.  Don’t bring wood from another area as that can also bring in pests.

Ensure dogs are under control

Keep dogs on-leash where required, and under control everywhere.  Don’t let dogs chase wildlife, which stresses the animal.  Pack out dog waste, which can spread diseases.

Keep wildlife wild

Watch wildlife from a distance.  Don’t feed wildlife.  Keep a clean camp.  Store food and trash away from camp, secure from bears and other animals.  If animals associate people with easy food, it is bad for the animals and bad for the people.

Respect all trail closures

Trails or areas may be closed seasonally, for restoration and recovery, to protect wildlife, or for some other reason.  Don’t create or follow non-system (social, rogue) trails, as this can disturb wildlife, trample plants, and lead to erosion.  Respect private property; don’t trespass.  Some trails go through private property with permission from the owner, and bad behavior could cause the property owner to restrict or prohibit access. 

Yield to other trail users

Horses have the right of way because they can be unpredictable.  Stepping to the downhill side, if practical, is recommended because predators tend to attack from above, so people on the uphill side can make horses nervous.  Everyone stepping to the same side makes passage for the horses easier.  Some horses do not recognize hikers, especially backpackers with large packs, as human, so talking, for example, a friendly greeting to the rider, can help a horse recognize a human and be less nervous.

Bikers yield to hikers and horses.  Bikers should always ride in control and be able to stop, especially where curves or vegetation make sight lines short.

While strictly speaking, bikers should yield to hikers, often it’s easier for the hiker to move aside.  This is especially true when bikers are going uphill.

Generally, downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic, though uphill hikers might appreciate a chance to stop for a moment.

Trail users should stay aware of others overtaking them and allow faster people to pass.

Be courteous

Trails have official rules of who yields to whom, but if everyone tries to be more helpful than required, things will go more smoothly.  We’re all out there to enjoy nature, get some exercise, and have fun.

References:

Hiking & Running

Traveling the Ring on foot requires multiple days for all but the most intrepid distance runners.  Day hikes from one of the many access points for the Ring are a nice way to experience the Ring in parts.  Hikers can simply go out and back, or might arrange a shuttle between access points.  Many other trails connect to the Ring, so loop hikes that include a segment of the Ring are a nice option.  Backpacking part or all of the Ring provides for a nice weekend or week-long experience.  Backpackers should be aware of areas along the Ring with camping restrictions and take care to plan where they will camp.

Hiking and running are allowed on all existing parts of the Ring. 

Camping

Backpacking, bike-packing, and horse packing are all good options for multi-day trips on Ring the Peak, whether traveling part or all of the Ring.  But trail users must be aware of areas along the Ring where camping is prohibited, especially on the east and north sides of the Ring.

Camping – West Slope

Once back in national forest west of North Slope, camping is allowed again.  Then the Ring is in national forest all the way to Pancake Rocks, so camping is allowed from the west side of North Slope to Pancake Rocks, except no camping is allowed around the Crags road, ¼ mile either side of the road, other than in the Crags campground. 

Camping – North Slope

The top of the Mount Esther trail and the Crowe Gulch trail, until reaching North Slope, is in national forest, so camping is allowed there. Continuing counterclockwise past the Mount Esther trail, North Slope does not allow camping.

Camping – East Slope

Manitou Springs does not allow camping, so there is no camping along the Intemann Trail or Iron Mountain Trail. El Paso County does not allow camping, so there is no camping along the Ute Pass Trail, and no camping along the current work around for the missing parts of the Ute Pass Trail, and also no camping on the lower part of the Mount Esther trail, which is on an easement through private property.  

Camping – South Slope

Starting on the south side and going counterclockwise, camping is allowed from Forest Road 376, along Forest Service Road 379, and Forest Service trails 701, and 668 up to the ridge between the Cheyenne watershed and the Bear Creek watershed.  Additionally, campfires are not allowed in the Cheyenne watershed (the drainage south of Bear Creek), so while trail users can camp in the area near 701 and the south part of 668, they cannot have campfires there. 

Then comes a long stretch of trail through areas that prohibit camping.

Though Forest Service generally allows dispersed camping, camping and campfires are not allowed in the Bear Creek watershed, which includes the north part of 668, 667, 776, and 666. Sections of those trails are in El Paso County property, Jones Park, which also does not allow camping. The next part of the Ring is in Colorado Springs parks, on the Bear Creek trail, High Drive, the Palmer Red Rock loop, and part of the Intemann Trail, through Bear Creek Canyon Park and Red Rock Canyon Open Space, so also no camping through there.

References:
Camping Availability Summary
  • Road to South Slope (376) – Forest Service – camping allowed
  • Seven Steps (379) – Forest Service – camping allowed
  • Forester (701) – Forest Service – camping allowed, no campfires (Cheyenne watershed)
  • Pipeline (668) – Forest Service – camping allowed, no campfires (Cheyenne watershed)
  • Pipeline (668) – El Paso County (Jones Park) – camping prohibited
    • El Paso County property starts shortly after the junction with 622, where 622 comes in from the right
  • Jones Park (667) – Forest Service (Bear Creek watershed) and El Paso County – camping prohibited
  • Buckhorn (776) – Forest Service (Bear Creek watershed) – camping prohibited
  • Bear Creek (666) – Forest Service (Bear Creek watershed) and Colorado Springs – camping prohibited
  • High Drive – Colorado Springs (Bear Creek Canyon Park) – camping prohibited
  • Palmer Red Rock loop – Forest Service (Bear Creek watershed) and Colorado Springs – camping prohibited
  • Intemann Trail – Colorado Springs – camping prohibited
  • Intemann Trail, Iron Mountain Trail – Manitou Springs – camping prohibited
  • Ruxton Avenue – Manitou Springs – camping prohibited
  • Ute Pass Trail – El Paso County – camping prohibited
  • Roads to connect through the northeast gap (Ute Pass area) – camping prohibited
  • Picabo Road – Chipita Park – camping prohibited
  • Mount Esther, lower part – trail easement through private property – camping prohibited
  • Mount Esther, Crowe Gulch (754) – Forest Service – camping allowed, but only before entering North Slope
  • North Slope roads and trails – CS Parks and Rec and CS Utilities – camping prohibited
  • Raspberry Mountain trail – Forest Service (after leaving North Slope) – camping allowed
  • Crags Road (383) – Forest Service – camping prohibited within ¼ mile of the road other than in the Crags campground
  • Putney Gulch trail – Forest Service – camping allowed
  • Horsethief Park trail (704) – Forest Service – camping allowed
  • Pancake Rocks trail – Forest Service – camping allowed

Mountain Biking

While some hardy bikers ride Ring the Peak in a day, a 2 or 3 day trip to ride the Ring might be more appealing to most.  Bikers can bike-pack or take advantage of the cities that are an easy ride from the Ring and stay in a hotel, take advantage of restaurants, and enjoy local amenities.  The many access points easily allow riding a segment of the Ring.  Riders might arrange a shuttle or ride out and back on part of the Ring.  With the many trails that connect to the Ring, riders can also plan nice loop rides.

Biking is allowed on almost all existing parts of the Ring, everything except the Mount Esther trail from the trailhead in Chipita Park to the intersection with the Crowe Gulch trail, Forest Service trail 754.  Bikers can carry their bike (hike-a-bike) on the Mount Esther trail.

Another work around is:
Counterclockwise: rather than turn to go along Chipita Park Road, continue to the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate, pay the toll for going to North Slope (less than paying to go to the summit), and bike up the Highway to the Crowe Gulch picnic area, take the Crowe Gulch trail and reconnect with the Ring where the Mount Esther trail will come in on your right;

Clockwise: rather than turning left to go down the Mount Esther trail, continue on the Crowe Gulch trail to the Pikes Peak Highway, bike down the highway (no toll for this) and down to U.S. 24, the current work around for the Ute Pass gap, or, eventually, to the Ute Pass Trail, and rejoin the Ring.

Check North Slope Recreation Area and Pikes Peak America’s Mountain web pages for hours, seasons, rates, etc.:

Equestrian

Horses are allowed on most parts of the Ring, everything except the Mount Esther trail and North Slope Recreation Area.

None of the access points for Ring the Peak has designated trailer parking, but some parking areas have enough space for trailers.   

Camping with horses is allowed in backcountry areas of national forest land, that is, Forest Service dispersed camping is allowed with horses.  But horses are not allowed in developed Forest Service campgrounds in the Pikes Peak ranger district

 

Forest Service requires horses to use certified weed free feed, and recommends that riders change the feed for their horses 4 to 5 days before riding in the forest, as feed takes time to work through the digestive system.

Hunting

For hunting seasons and rules please refer to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for seasonal rules and changes. 

https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/HuntingSeasonDatesAndFees.aspx

 

Trail Rules & Activities

Trail Rules

The Ring the Peak Trail passes through many different jurisdictions, each with its own set of rules and regulations. Trail users are responsible for knowing and following each area’s rules.

Many of the rules are common sense.

  • Don’t litter – pack out all trash where garbage cans are not available.
  • Don’t deface or damage facilities or resources.
  • Operate motor vehicles only along designated roadways and motorized trails.
  • Park vehicles in designated parking areas. In national forest, a vehicle can also park within one vehicle length of a road if the vehicle does not damage land or vegetation.
  • Stay on trail and don’t cut switchbacks.
    The U.S. Forest Service usually allows foot traffic off trail, but off-trail use is not allowed in the Bear Creek watershed, and Forest Service also prohibits cutting switchbacks.
Dogs
  • Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and El Paso County all require dogs to be on-leash (outside of designated off-leash dog parks).
  • The U.S. Forest Service requires dogs to be on-leash in developed recreation areas and under control at all times.
Smoking & Alcohol
  • Colorado Springs: no smoking in parks except in designated smoking areas.
  • Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and El Paso County all prohibit alcohol in parks.
Campfires
  • Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and El Paso County all prohibit open fires.
  • The U.S. Forest Service prohibits open fires in the Bear Creek and Cheyenne watersheds; be aware of and follow any current fire restrictions in other Forest Service areas.
Camping
  • Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and El Paso County all prohibit camping.
  • The U.S. Forest Service prohibits camping in the Bear Creek watershed; dispersed camping is allowed in other Forest Service areas except within 1/4 mile of the Crags Road (Forest Service road 383).
Seasonal Closure
  • North Slope Recreation Area is open May 1 through the 3rd Saturday in October; closed the rest of the year.
  • Access gates from Catamount Ranch open space in Teller county to North Slope Recreation Area are open May 1 to September 30.
References:

Safety

Tell someone where you are going

Tell at least one person your planned trailhead, route, destination, and when to expect you back.  Allow some buffer in case things take longer than expected.  If you’re late, they should call Search and Rescue.  The county sheriff, often assisted by volunteers, is responsible for search and rescue, though calling 911 works.

Consider buying a CORSAR (Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue) card.  The fee for the card goes into a fund that reimburses Search and Rescue teams for their expenses.  Hunting and fishing licenses pay into the same fund.  CORSAR info

Take the ten essentials
  • food (more than you expect to need)
  • water (and a way to purify more)
  • sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
  • rain gear
  • extra clothes (layers, gloves, warm hat)
  • map and compass (and know how to use them, even if you have a GPS)
  • light (flashlight or headlamp)
  • first-aid kit
  • repair kit (duct tape, knife, tools)
  • emergency kit
    • some way to start a fire
    • emergency shelter (space blanket, bivy sack, tarp, or large trash bag)
           some way to signal for help (whistle, mirror, light)
  • And, as Gerry Roach says, don’t get separated from your lunch (or other gear).
Keep your group together

Don’t leave someone behind, especially if they are having trouble.  Don’t send someone back alone, unless necessary for going for help in an emergency.

Don’t take a “short cut”

Stay on trail and on the designated route.  The standard route to a destination is the best route.  Getting lost is easier off-trail, and lost people off-trail are harder to find.  Going off trail, especially in sensitive areas, damages the environment.

Watch the weather

Check the weather forecast before you leave.  weather.gov, can provide point forecasts (for example, forecast for the Raspberry Mountain trailhead).  Get the forecast for a nearby city, then click on the map at the location you plan to be at.  Be sure to check the elevation that the forecast is for, also.  Then watch the weather while you are out.  Storms can develop quickly.

Be willing to turn around

To paraphrase Ed Viesturs: reaching the summit (destination) is optional, returning to the trailhead is not. 

Etiquette

Follow Leave No Trace principles
  1. Plan ahead
  2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of others
Stay on trail
  • Going off trail damages plants, leads to erosion, and hurts nature and the resources that we are there to enjoy.

  • Don’t cut switchbacks.

  • Go through muddy spots on trails, not around them, to avoid widening the trail.  Avoid using trails when they are muddy to avoid creating ruts.

  • Go single-file unless on a wide trail.

  • When yielding or going around other trail users, stay on trail if at all possible.  If not, step on rocks or other surfaces that won’t be harmed.

Pack it in, pack it out

Pack out all trash, including food waste or other biodegradable items, which take a long time to decay in the dry Colorado climate.

Deal with human waste responsibly

Go off trail and at least 200 feet from any water source.  Solid human waste should be buried several inches deep.  In high use areas and above timberline, consider using one of the commercial products, for example, a bag with enzymes to break down waste and control odor, to pack out solid human waste.  Urine can attract animals, that then dig up and destroy the plants, especially above timberline.  So it’s best to pee on rocks if possible. 

Ensure dogs are under control

Keep campfires small or forgo a fire.  Know and follow current fire restrictions.  Be sure any fire is completely out (cold to the touch) before leaving.  Don’t bring wood from another area as that can also bring in pests.

Keep dogs on-leash where required, and under control everywhere.  Don’t let dogs chase wildlife, which stresses the animal.  Pack out dog waste, which can spread diseases.

Keep wildlife wild

Watch wildlife from a distance.  Don’t feed wildlife.  Keep a clean camp.  Store food and trash away from camp, secure from bears and other animals.  If animals associate people with easy food, it is bad for the animals and bad for the people.

Respect all trail closures

Trails or areas may be closed seasonally, for restoration and recovery, to protect wildlife, or for some other reason.  Don’t create or follow non-system (social, rogue) trails, as this can disturb wildlife, trample plants, and lead to erosion.  Respect private property; don’t trespass.  Some trails go through private property with permission from the owner, and bad behavior could cause the property owner to restrict or prohibit access. 

Yield to other trail users

Horses have the right of way because they can be unpredictable.  Stepping to the downhill side, if practical, is recommended because predators tend to attack from above, so people on the uphill side can make horses nervous.  Everyone stepping to the same side makes passage for the horses easier.  Some horses do not recognize hikers, especially backpackers with large packs, as human, so talking, for example, a friendly greeting to the rider, can help a horse recognize a human and be less nervous.

Bikers yield to hikers and horses.  Bikers should always ride in control and be able to stop, especially where curves or vegetation make sight lines short.

While strictly speaking, bikers should yield to hikers, often it’s easier for the hiker to move aside.  This is especially true when bikers are going uphill.

Generally, downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic, though uphill hikers might appreciate a chance to stop for a moment.

Trail users should stay aware of others overtaking them and allow faster people to pass.

Be courteous

Trails have official rules of who yields to whom, but if everyone tries to be more helpful than required, things will go more smoothly.  We’re all out there to enjoy nature, get some exercise, and have fun.

References:

Hiking & Running

Traveling the Ring on foot requires multiple days for all but the most intrepid distance runners.  Day hikes from one of the many access points for the Ring are a nice way to experience the Ring in parts.  Hikers can simply go out and back, or might arrange a shuttle between access points.  Many other trails connect to the Ring, so loop hikes that include a segment of the Ring are a nice option.  Backpacking part or all of the Ring provides for a nice weekend or week-long experience.  Backpackers should be aware of areas along the Ring with camping restrictions and take care to plan where they will camp.

Hiking and running are allowed on all existing parts of the Ring. 

Camping

Backpacking, bike-packing, and horse packing are all good options for multi-day trips on Ring the Peak, whether traveling part or all of the Ring.  But trail users must be aware of areas along the Ring where camping is prohibited, especially on the east and north sides of the Ring.

Camping – West Slope

Once back in national forest west of North Slope, camping is allowed again.  Then the Ring is in national forest all the way to Pancake Rocks, so camping is allowed from the west side of North Slope to Pancake Rocks, except no camping is allowed around the Crags road, ¼ mile either side of the road, other than in the Crags campground. 

Camping – North Slope

The top of the Mount Esther trail and the Crowe Gulch trail, until reaching North Slope, is in national forest, so camping is allowed there. Continuing counterclockwise past the Mount Esther trail, North Slope does not allow camping.

Camping – East Slope

Manitou Springs does not allow camping, so there is no camping along the Intemann Trail or Iron Mountain Trail. El Paso County does not allow camping, so there is no camping along the Ute Pass Trail, and no camping along the current work around for the missing parts of the Ute Pass Trail, and also no camping on the lower part of the Mount Esther trail, which is on an easement through private property.  

Camping – South Slope

Starting on the south side and going counterclockwise, camping is allowed from Forest Road 376, along Forest Service Road 379, and Forest Service trails 701, and 668 up to the ridge between the Cheyenne watershed and the Bear Creek watershed.  Additionally, campfires are not allowed in the Cheyenne watershed (the drainage south of Bear Creek), so while trail users can camp in the area near 701 and the south part of 668, they cannot have campfires there. 

Then comes a long stretch of trail through areas that prohibit camping.

Though Forest Service generally allows dispersed camping, camping and campfires are not allowed in the Bear Creek watershed, which includes the north part of 668, 667, 776, and 666. Sections of those trails are in El Paso County property, Jones Park, which also does not allow camping. The next part of the Ring is in Colorado Springs parks, on the Bear Creek trail, High Drive, the Palmer Red Rock loop, and part of the Intemann Trail, through Bear Creek Canyon Park and Red Rock Canyon Open Space, so also no camping through there.

Use existing fire rings or just use a camp stove
References:
Camping Availability Summary
  • Road to South Slope (376) – Forest Service – camping allowed
  • Seven Steps (379) – Forest Service – camping allowed
  • Forester (701) – Forest Service – camping allowed, no campfires (Cheyenne watershed)
  • Pipeline (668) – Forest Service – camping allowed, no campfires (Cheyenne watershed)
  • Pipeline (668) – El Paso County (Jones Park) – camping prohibited
    • El Paso County property starts shortly after the junction with 622, where 622 comes in from the right
  • Jones Park (667) – Forest Service (Bear Creek watershed) and El Paso County – camping prohibited
  • Buckhorn (776) – Forest Service (Bear Creek watershed) – camping prohibited
  • Bear Creek (666) – Forest Service (Bear Creek watershed) and Colorado Springs – camping prohibited
  • High Drive – Colorado Springs (Bear Creek Canyon Park) – camping prohibited
  • Palmer Red Rock loop – Forest Service (Bear Creek watershed) and Colorado Springs – camping prohibited
  • Intemann Trail – Colorado Springs – camping prohibited
  • Intemann Trail, Iron Mountain Trail – Manitou Springs – camping prohibited
  • Ruxton Avenue – Manitou Springs – camping prohibited
  • Ute Pass Trail – El Paso County – camping prohibited
  • Roads to connect through the northeast gap (Ute Pass area) – camping prohibited
  • Picabo Road – Chipita Park – camping prohibited
  • Mount Esther, lower part – trail easement through private property – camping prohibited
  • Mount Esther, Crowe Gulch (754) – Forest Service – camping allowed, but only before entering North Slope
  • North Slope roads and trails – CS Parks and Rec and CS Utilities – camping prohibited
  • Raspberry Mountain trail – Forest Service (after leaving North Slope) – camping allowed
  • Crags Road (383) – Forest Service – camping prohibited within ¼ mile of the road other than in the Crags campground
  • Putney Gulch trail – Forest Service – camping allowed
  • Horsethief Park trail (704) – Forest Service – camping allowed
  • Pancake Rocks trail – Forest Service – camping allowed

Mountain Biking

While some hardy bikers ride Ring the Peak in a day, a 2 or 3 day trip to ride the Ring might be more appealing to most.  Bikers can bike-pack or take advantage of the cities that are an easy ride from the Ring and stay in a hotel, take advantage of restaurants, and enjoy local amenities.  The many access points easily allow riding a segment of the Ring.  Riders might arrange a shuttle or ride out and back on part of the Ring.  With the many trails that connect to the Ring, riders can also plan nice loop rides.

Biking is allowed on almost all existing parts of the Ring, everything except the Mount Esther trail from the trailhead in Chipita Park to the intersection with the Crowe Gulch trail, Forest Service trail 754.  Bikers can carry their bike (hike-a-bike) on the Mount Esther trail.

Another work around is:
Counterclockwise: rather than turn to go along Chipita Park Road, continue to the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate, pay the toll for going to North Slope (less than paying to go to the summit), and bike up the Highway to the Crowe Gulch picnic area, take the Crowe Gulch trail and reconnect with the Ring where the Mount Esther trail will come in on your right;

Clockwise: rather than turning left to go down the Mount Esther trail, continue on the Crowe Gulch trail to the Pikes Peak Highway, bike down the highway (no toll for this) and down to U.S. 24, the current work around for the Ute Pass gap, or, eventually, to the Ute Pass Trail, and rejoin the Ring.

Check North Slope Recreation Area and Pikes Peak America’s Mountain web pages for hours, seasons, rates, etc.:

Equestrian

Horses are allowed on most parts of the Ring, everything except the Mount Esther trail and North Slope Recreation Area.

None of the access points for Ring the Peak has designated trailer parking, but some parking areas have enough space for trailers.   

Camping with horses is allowed in backcountry areas of national forest land, that is, Forest Service dispersed camping is allowed with horses.  But horses are not allowed in developed Forest Service campgrounds in the Pikes Peak ranger district

 

Forest Service requires horses to use certified weed free feed, and recommends that riders change the feed for their horses 4 to 5 days before riding in the forest, as feed takes time to work through the digestive system.

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