A leisurely ride up Ute Pass and into the mining and gambling town of Cripple Creek, Colorado.  This ride follows Hwy 24 up Ute Pass and then heads south along the back side of Pikes Peak, rising to over 11,000 feet in elevation before dropping into Cripple Creek.  After lunch, it's a very scenic ride cresting rolling hills, then dropping 5000+ feet into Canon City.  In Canon City, you can stop for fuel and a drink (recommended), or continue on to Colorado Springs.

Total distance: approximately 150 miles.

Details: Head west from Colorado Springs up Ute Pass on Hwy 24 to Divide.  At Divide, turn left onto Hwy 67 to Cripple Creek.  In Cripple Creek, take lunch at any one of the many restaurants and gambling establishments.  After lunch, head west on Carr Ave., which turns into Teller County Rd. 1 (CR 1) as you exit Cripple Creek.  Follow CR 1 for about 8.5 miles until you come to CR 11.  Turn left onto Cr 11 and follow it to the end.  At the stop sign, turn right onto CR 112.  Follow CR 112, which turns inot CR 102, all the way through Guffey until you hit CO 9.  Turn left onto CO 9 and follow it all the way until it stops at Hwy 50.  Turn left onto 50 and follow it to Canon City.  Continue past Canon City for another 8 - 10 miles until you reach Hwy 115.  Take the Hwy 115 off ramp and turn left and continue norht all the way back to Coloraod Springs.

Click here for a map of the route.