The Rock Island Trail connects to the Pikes Peak Greenway (16mi), the Shooks Run Trail (3mi) and the Homestead Trail (8mi). One can also get to the El Pomar Youth Sports Complex, America the Beautiful Park, the Goose Gossage Park, and the Templeton Gap Trail, from the Rock Island trail.
Level of Difficulty
Easy
Length
5.8 miles
Access
From N Weber St (Shooks Run Trail) east along the south side of Constitution Blvd to Powers Blvd. Follows the old Rock Island railroad spur.
Surface is millings and concrete.
Rock Island can be accessed in several spots, but the most convenient are at each end of the path. In the west, park at the Bon shopping center on Wahsatch St. and pick up Shooks Run directly behind the center. Ride north approximately two blocks and make a right-hand turn (there's a covered picnic bench there for reference,) heading east. You'll notice after turning that you're actually riding in a back alley. This is OK, it's actually part of the trail right now, and it's safe - I've encountered exactly one vehicle in all the times I've ridden it, and the folks that live along the alley are very friendly. You'll be in the alley until you cross El Paso St; use caution here, for there's no cross light or intersection, but the trail becomes an actual path on the other side of El Paso.
Trail Description
Rock Island Trail, a (mostly) concrete and asphalt bike path - round trip is approximately 12 miles - that runs east/west alongside an old railroad bed next to Constitution Ave, from the Shooks Run path (Weber and Jackson Streets) in the western section to Murray Blvd in the eastern part of the trail. Although it's an easy ride, the path is actually two completely different cycling experiences. The western part of Rock Island is a false flat; as you ride west, you might not realize that you're actually climbing until you realize just how much easier the return trip is. This lasts until you cross Murray Blvd, after which the trail becomes a series of rolling hills, mimicking the hilly terrain of the bluffs that it passes through.
Attractions and Considerations
There are several places to stop along the way for refreshments.
Drinking Water
NA
Camping
NA
For more information and a map:
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