A Colorado Springs classic, Cap'n Jacks is famous for great city views, a fast flowing downhill, and plenty of Pike's Peak granite to keep you on your toes.
There are several approaches this area, but this route follows a classic clockwise route that begins with an easy 2-mile uphill on Gold Camp Road. Continue through a parking area another 0.75 mile on doubletrack before turning uphill on singletrack near Cheyenne Creek. The Buckhorn Trail has several steep switchbacks, but loose rubble atop the hardpacked trail adds difficulty to the climb. After joining the multi-use 667 trail at mile 3.6, you may encounter motorcycles—this trail can be downright busy on weekends.
The final section of trail winds along the north slope of Mays Peak and gets faster (and more fun) as it heads downhill, rolling over short jump-like bumps, cutting through a winding steep-sided chute, and finishing with a series of sweeping banked turns just before loop end.
The best time to ride this popular trail is weekdays when there’s less traffic and after a solid rain when the loose gravel atop the hard-pack is likely to be dense and sticky enough to roll over more efficiently on both up and downhills.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland
TO TRAILHEAD: From I-25, take US-24 2.3 miles west and turn left on 21st St. In 0.8 miles, turn right onto Lower Gold Camp Rd., and left onto Bear Creek Rd. in 1.1 miles. In 1 mile, take a sharp left on Gold Camp Rd. and continue uphill 2.9 miles. The trailhead is on the right before the first tunnel.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Captain Jack
Distance: 6.89 mi
Points: 513
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Points of Interest
CAP001
Location: 38.799133, -104.883299
This large trailhead is about 100 yards before the first tunnel and is at the base of this loop's singletrack. There aren't any facilities here, but there is a map about 50 yards up the trail, check it out before you leave to get oriented.
CAP002
Location: 38.794785, -104.897541
This second tunnel is shorter, but curved, so it can be difficult to see traffic heading the opposite direction. Watch for oncoming cars as you ride.
CAP003
Location: 38.790336, -104.903812
Three roads meet at this junction, a popular start point for several area trails. To follow this route, bear right to the north side of the lot and follow the wide multi-use trail to the west.
CAP004
Location: 38.786606, -104.914541
Turn uphill on the unmarked singletrack just before Cheyenne Creek. This trail, the Buckhorn trail, bears right after about 0.75 miles on the doubletrack and begins a tough climb.
CAP005
Location: 38.791172, -104.910100
Though most of it is rideable, the steady climb has occasional switchbacks, plenty of roots, rocks, and a soft, loose surface. Staying safe alongside downhill exposure on the right requires plenty of attention, too.
CAP006
Location: 38.798127, -104.905544
Turn right onto the 667 trail which is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and motorcycles. The sustained climbing is almost over!
CAP007
Location: 38.795753, -104.903019
From this overlook on a Mount Buckhorn ridge, look east for a view of the trailhead and Colorado Springs below, or look west for a view of the North Cheyenne Canyon and Almagre Mountain. The ride from here begins with several steep downhill switchbacks, and then a fast, narrow ride to High Drive.
CAP008
Location: 38.800032, -104.900107
Cross the road at this trailhead and bear left onto the 665 Trail that heads north above the road. The trail climbs gently from here over whoop-dee-doo along the north side of Mays Peak.
CAP009
Location: 38.806081, -104.890356
After this viewpoint--look for Garden of the Gods--the trail turns sharply downhill. A chute-like run bombs between narrow earth walls. Watch for traffic going both ways and if it hasn't rained recently, expect thick granite gravel to slow you down and test your balance as you descend.
CAP010
Location: 38.800923, -104.881652
There are two ways to go around this cluster of trees. The righthand line is easier, but advanced riders will appreciate the rock drop challenge on the lefthand side. Approaching loop end, enjoy bombing downhill and generating speed for the series of banked curves up ahead.
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