Take a trip into yesteryear.  This ride initially takes you through beautiful Pike National Forest, where you can see remnants of the famous Hayman fire of 2002; the largest fire in Colorado history.  You encounter many twisties along the way as you head for lunch at the Bucksnort Saloon in Sphinx Park, CO; the main feature of this ride.  The Bucksnort is tucked 1½ miles up a narrow, dirt road canyon east of Pine, CO; the ride is worth it, believe me!  This colorful mountain bar has great atmosphere, food and beer; a popular stop for bikers.  The building is built on a rock pile overlooking a creek.  In the early 1900’s this was a popular getaway for the elite.  After lunch, the rest of the ride takes you over 4 Colorado mountain passes ranging from 9,165 ft. to 10,001 ft. in elevation in a giant counter-clockwise loop back to Colorado Springs.

Total distance = approximately 200 miles.

Details: Head west from Colorado Springs along Hwy 24 to Woodland Park.  In Woodland Park, turn right onto Hwy 67 towards Deckers.  As you reach Deckers, stay left and take Hwy 126.  Follow 126 to Pine, where you’ll turn off to go to the Bucksnort Saloon.  As you enter Pine, you turn right onto S 4^th St. (this is where the road turns into a dirt road).  Take the next immediate right onto Grove St. which turns into S. Elk Creek Rd.  Follow S. Elk Creek Rd. approximately 1.4 miles (you’ll be doing about 5-10 mph) to the Bucksnort Saloon located on your left.  After lunch, make your way back to Pine.  Turn right onto Hwy 126 and head north until you reach Hwy 285.  Turn left onto 285 and follow it all the way to Fairplay.  Just past Fairplay, turn left onto Hwy 9 and head south to Hwy 24.  Turn left (east) onto Hwy 24 and stop in Hartsel for a quick stop for gas (on left) and a drink of water.  After your quick stop, take Hwy 24 east all the way back to Colorado Springs.

Click here for a map of the route.