(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Park, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) announced on Tuesday, June 11 the opening of the new Ladders Trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park.

The 2.5-mile extension provides a multi-use, multi-direction connection between the Middle Columbine Trail, Captain Jacks Trail, Gold Camp Road, and Stratton Open Space that parallels Gold Camp Road offering trail users a singletrack alternative to using the gravel.

One of the highlights of the project is the custom-built timber bridge which allows for a safe interchange between Captain Morgans Bike Trail and the new Ladders Trail.

Funding for the project was provided by the Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax (LART), Open and Parks (TOPS) sales program, and the Friends of Cheyenne Cañon. The custom-built bridge was partially funded by the local mountain biking group Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association (COSMBA), the Pikes Peak Recreation Alliance (PPORA), and the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation’s Stewardship Fund, which includes a portion of registration fees from small fundraising events and the Pikes Peak APEX.

As part of the project, the Penrose Trail and the downhill bike-only Captain Morgans Trail were officially adopted into the PRCS trail system. These trails will now be maintained by the city and volunteers from local bike organizations.