10.0 miles
Distance
1,734 ft
Climb
-1,741 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
-7 ft
Altitude change
6,236 ft
Altitude min
6,243 ft
Altitude start
6,237 ft
Altitude end
-0%
Grade
-40.4%
Grade max
28.3%
Grade min
5 miles
Distance climb
4 miles
Distance down
4,311 ft
Distance flat

Start at the southern parking lot off of Ridgeway Ave. Leave the lot to take Ridge Trail, left uphill. Stay on Ridge Trail until you intersect Chamberlain Trail near the end of the Chutes at about mile 1.1. Hang a right on Chamberlain Trail to continue uphill towards Ladders.

At mile 1.8, you'll have Ladders on your left. Keep climbing You'll cross over the paved part of Gold Camp Rd. at mile 2.3 onto the new extension of Ladders.

Mile 3.3 you'll cross over Gravel Gutter (Penrose) to stay on Ladders. Then at mile 4.4, you'll cross over Captain Jack's.

After about half a mile descent, you'll cross over the gravel part of Gold Camp Rd. to continue onto Ladders towards Columbine Trail at about mile 5.2.

Take Columbine Trail all the way down, but keep in mind, Columbine Trail has a lot of punchy climbs!

At mile 6.9, after a fun descent, look for a spur on the left towards Chamberlain Connector and eventually Chamberlain Trail. Cross over N. Cheyenne Canyon Rd., take it up onto a quick left. More climbing towards Arroyo Grande Trail.

You'll pass by the bottom of the Chutes and should recognize where you are, continue up to about mile 8.6 to drop onto Arroyo Grande Trail on your right.

Have fun on the flow until you get close to the northern Stratton parking lot, Arroyo Grande Trail will flow into Ponderosa Trail at mile 9.05 and then onto Meadows Trail at mile 9.15.

Take Meadows Trail all the way back to the start!

Detailed Description
D-Loop #8 is a 10 mile popular intermediate route located near Colorado Springs Colorado. This mountain bike primary route and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 9 trails. This route climbs 1,734 ft with a max elevation of 7,369 ft then descends -1,741 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 3 trails (newest: Jul 29, 2026)
Route Supporters

Links

Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association (www.cosmba.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
Donate to earn trail karma!

Stats

  • Distance
    10 miles
  • Altitude min
    6,236 ft
  • Altitude start
    6,243 ft
  • Altitude end
    6,237 ft
  • Climb
    1,734 ft
  • Descent
    -1,741 ft
  • Grade
    -0%
  • Grade max
    -40.4%
  • Grade min
    28.3%
  • Distance climb
    5 miles
  • Distance down
    4 miles
  • Distance flat
    4,311 ft

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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Stratton Open Space
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Gravel Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Bike type
    DH, AM, XC, CX, Gravel
  • Physical rating
    Hard

Directions

  1. Bike west on Ponderosa.
  2. Continue for 30 meters.
  3. Bike south on Upper Meadows (SOS).
  4. Continue for 60 meters.
  5. Bike south on Upper Meadows (SOS).
  6. Continue for 600 meters.
  7. Bike south on Upper Meadows (SOS).
  8. Continue for 70 meters.
  9. Bike west on Upper Meadows (SOS).
  10. Continue for 60 meters.
  11. Bike south on Upper Meadows (SOS).
  12. Continue for 100 meters.
  13. Bike south on Upper Meadows (SOS).
  14. Continue for 200 meters.
  15. Bike southwest on Upper Meadows Connector.
  16. Continue for 400 meters.
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    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Ladders
    Jul 29, 2026 @ 10:33am (America/Denver)
    Jul 29, 2026
    		Some mud puddles, most can be ridden around
    Arroyo Grande
    Jul 29, 2026 @ 10:33am (America/Denver)
    Jul 29, 2026
    		Some mud puddles, most can be ridden around
    Upper Ladders
    Jun 23, 2026 @ 5:50pm (America/Denver)
    Jun 23, 2026
    Arroyo Grande Connector
    May 1, 2026 @ 4:46pm (America/Denver)
    May 1, 2026
    		Soft in spots
    Upper Meadows Connector
    Oct 23, 2025 @ 11:51am (America/Denver)
    Oct 23, 2025
    more reports »
    • By dashraces & contributors
    • #58413 - 664 views

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