Cathedral Pines is the most interesting and challenging of the trails in Black Forest. It's a series of rectangular trails that also connects to the Black Forest Regional Park on the south boundary. The parking area is near the NE corner and is near the high point for the trails, so it's mostly downhill at first with going uphill to get back. The outer "square" loop, Pikes Peak Trail, runs along the perimeter and is a 4.6 mile loop. There are also east-west trails that split the Pike "square" in half, and others that connect this to the northernmost leg of Pikes Peak trail.
Intersections are usually marked with the trail names, but there's no map for reference and some portions seem to dead end at road intersections. But these trails actually pick up tens of yards across and down the road with no signs to point you in the right direction.
Lots of rollercoaster hills, with the northernmost leg of Pike heading east being the hardest. IMO CCW is easier (steeper descent; more gradual incline) and more fun, than CW. Sandy and loose in many sections. The trails are rarely less than about 3' wide, and many times are wider. Most sections are off limits to horses. All are off limits to motorized vehicles. I can ride for an hour and not come across another biker or a hiker.
Excellent views of Pikes Peak. 90% is in trees. Some meadows and next to ponds. Some trails also come within about 20 yards or so of the homes. Elk and mule deer can be seen on occasion. Western bluebirds, magpie, nuthatches, and flickers are common.
The connection on the southernmost leg of Pike Peak trail connects with the Black Forest Regional Park trails, but the intersections aren't marked.
Not a bad trial for beginners. With the hills and sand it is one of the more challenging trials in black forest. All in all this is a pretty good trial to get in a few miles on your bike.
| ThankNot a bad trail if you are just looking to do some laps and put some miles in on the bike. Kind of boring, mostly double track, and a lot of soft sand.
| Thank"Cathedral Pines is the most interesting and challenging of the trails in Black Forest. " I suppose that's true enough, but it's kinda' like saying "Blanche" was the hottest chick on "The Golden Girls." Even the best of the Black Forest trails is a far cry short of what's available on the Front Range. This one is marginally more interesting that Fox Mill, Black Forest Park or Black Forest Section 16, but it's still a 6' wide groomed gravel path. There are some opportunities to get some speed and, although there are no big climbs, all the little climbs will add up if you do a couple laps. In the end, this is only recommended if you live in the immediate area and can't get across town to Palmer, Ute, CMSP, Buckhorn, Chutes, etc. * Review edited 12/10/2010
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