Mule Creek

There are a lot of roots and rocks for the first mile. We went until the intersection with a dirt road. To the right uphill is private property. Are you supposed to go left there? We didn't see that the single track continues at that T intersection. I thought the rocky areas and big roots were difficult but more fun on the way back.

Mule Creek is an interesting ride. You cross the creek 10 times without too much trouble. The trail is great a lot of the time and then not great in a few places.

Mule Creek proper is 3.4 mi and ends where it connects with Trail 717F. The bottom 1/2 mi or so of Mule Creek is a mix of fairly flat smooth narrow ST, a few rock gardens and I believe four creek crossings. The creek crossings are quite easy to ride.
Then the rest of Mule Creek above the first 1/2 mi is mostly smooth ST. DH it is quite flowly. Uphill the climb is quite easy compared to the rest of the Pike Peak region, but in some ways that's the secret of Mule Creek. If you don't want to push it, you can enjoy the beauty of the mixed conifer and the charming little Mule Creek and Trout Creek as you progress up the gentle climb.
Then if you continue on on Trail 717A (as shown on the trail map), the gentle climb continues and it is still quite pretty but a little less imo. 717A is a moto trail, is a double wide, and used heavily by motorcycles. There are definitely some fun portion of trail but much of it requires some pedaling to keep any amount of momentum and flow as you ride back down.
Around mile 5 where 717A crosses Mule Creek, there is a nice little 1/4 mile hill up to the power lines. This is a nice climb up and a fun little DH back. Definitely worth doing. There's not much interesting riding after the power lines. Turn around there.
Also at mile 5 where 717A crosses Mule Creek, there is a little ST that goes off to the right of the trail. This trail is closed to motorized vehicles and has some fun riding for about a 1/2 mile. Do an out and back here for some short steep downhills on ST again.

I wish it were easier to sense sarcasm online! I went here thinking it was a good beginner ride and it was NOT. This was my first time trying out mountain biking and it was a big failure. This trail was narrow, covered in big tree limbs and rocks, the creek crossings were horrible, and I left scratched up and covered in mud. Not beginner. Not fun for a beginner.

For the most part the trail is easy single track. There are a few very technical sections in the first mile or so that are nearly impossible to ride over. The creek crossings can get interesting when the water is high. Overall a fun trail, especially on the way down.

There is no longer a problem with private property--now all public open access. Watch for dirtbikes as you get higher on the trail. You'll get a nice workout going up and tons of fun on your way down. As you get higher, you'll encounter the dirtbike areas and several other trails. I recommend forging straight ahead and turning around for the downhill when you get tired.

A diverse and invigorating trail! Not a full day trip but a fun morning or afternoon outing. Also a good place to practice your stream crossing technique.