Overview
The extension of the Ladders Trail and the formalization of the Penrose and Captain Morgans trails in North Cheyenne Cañon Park is now complete. This project included the installation of a grade separated trail interchange at the intersection of the new Ladders Trail and the Captain Morgans Trail. This feature will improve user safety and offer a unique experience in the Pikes Peak Region.
About
The 2.5-mile addition to the Ladders Trail now provides a multi-use, multi-direction connection from Captain Jacks to Gold Camp Rd. and Stratton Open Space. This project also included the installation of a trail interchange feature at the intersection of the new Ladders Trail and Captain Morgans Trail, west of Gold Camp Rd. This feature was partially funded by local mountain biking group, COSMBA (Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association), the Pikes Peak Recreation Alliance (PPORA) and the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation’s Stewardship Fund that includes a portion of registration fees from small fundraising events and the Pikes Peak APEX.
As part of the project and per the recommendation of the North Cheyenne Cañon Park Master and Management Plan, the multi-use, multi-direction Penrose Trail and the downhill bike-only Captain Morgans Trail were officially adopted into the PRCS trail system. These trails, previously social trails, will now be maintained by the City of Colorado Springs and volunteers from local bike organizations.
Funding for the Ladders Trail project was provided by the Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax (LART), the Trails, Open and Parks (TOPS) sales tax program, and the Friends of Cheyenne Cañon.