A wide shot looking down of three Harley-Davidson motorcycles ascending Pikes Peak, with the road winding in the distance and landscape extending to the horizon.

TWO DAYS OF EPIC RIDING AROUND COLORADO SPRINGS: MY ROCKY MOUNTAIN H.O.G. RALLY ADVENTURE 

Words and images by Stacy Wilt / @ridetofood 

Colorado Springs sits at the heart of some of Colorado’s best motorcycle roads. Whether you’re looking to climb to the top of Pikes Peak and see the world from 14,000 feet or take a leisurely canyon ride on pavement or dirt through the high desert, you can find any type of riding in this area.  

During the 2025 Rocky Mountain H.O.G.® Rally, I spent two unforgettable days riding some of the region’s most scenic routes, complete with premade itineraries that let me experience Colorado Springs like a local. Read on to learn about these two great ride routes. Each will give you two completely different experiences of the region. 

  • A large group of Harley-Davidsons assemble at a roadside turn-off during the ascent to the summit of Pikes Peak.
  • Two H.O.G. members in leather jackets with patches and helmets smile for a photo at the summit of Pikes Peak.

Day One: Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak 

Two of the most iconic places near Colorado Springs are undoubtedly Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. In total, this ride takes roughly four hours to complete, possibly more if you plan to spend additional time at either location. 

The first stop is Garden of the Gods. Known for its stunning red sandstone formations, Garden of the Gods has been designated as a National Natural Landmark. The ride through the park is short and follows the one-way road way that meanders through the rock formations, but enjoyable for its scenery. 

From there, you’ll head to the Pikes Peak Highway, a toll road that winds its way over 6,700 feet in elevation in a mere 19 miles. Pikes Peak is famous for its Hill Climb races, and while you won’t be sliding around these hairpin turns on a normal day, it’s thrilling to think of what it would be like to climb America’s Mountain in just a few minutes. 

TWO OF THE MOST ICONIC PLACES NEAR COLORADO SPRINGS ARE UNDOUBTLY PIKES PEAK AND GARDEN OF THE GODS. IN TOTAL, THIS RIDE TAKES ROUGHLY FOUR HOURS TO COMPLETE, POSSIBLY MORE IF YOU PLAN TO SPEND ADDITIONAL TIME AT EITHER LOCATION.  

A group of H.O.G. members in riding gear and a Corgi on a leash pose in front of the Pikes Peak sign at the 14,115 foot summit of the mountain.

At the summit, there’s plenty of things to do, like taking your photo with the iconic Pikes Peak Summit sign, trying the world’s highest donuts (my personal favorite are the cinnamon coated ones), and taking a walk around the summit to enjoy 360-degree views. 

Keep in mind that the air is thin at 14,115 feet. Take it easy! Another tip: I’d suggest going early. Colorado is known to have afternoon rainstorms that can sometimes turn into snow on Pikes Peak – even in the summer! 

After conguering Pikes Peak, if you want to continue riding, I’d suggest making a loop up to the historic mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor, where you can climb to over 10,000 feet in elevation along Victor Pass. 

Day Two: Royal Gorge Bridge and Skyline Drive  

If you want to see Colorado’s high desert landscape, a trip to the Royal Gorge region is a great way to do so. Making a loop down to Cañon City and back can be easily accomplished in half a day. 

The Pikes Peak H.O.G. Chapter put together an incredible, rare opportunity to have us ride across the Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the United States. Normally, only pedestrians are allowed to access the bridge, so having it open just for us felt like a once-in-a- lifetime moment! 

While you likely won’t get to experience the thrill of riding your motorcycle across the Bridge without prearranged plans, it’s still worth it to visit and take in the views. You can hop in a gondola for a bird’s eye view of the Gorge. To get back across, you can take a thrilling zipline ride, walk back across the bridge on foot, or take a gondola. From the middle of the Bridge, you can’t help but notice the scale of the gorge beneath you. The Arkansas River flows 956 feet below, and the view of the canyon walls is nothing short of breathtaking! 

IF YOU WANT TO SEE COLORADO’S HIGH DESERT LANDSCAPE, A TRIP TO THE ROYAL GORGE REGION IS A GREAT WAY TO DO SO. MAKING A LOOP DOWN TO CANON CITY AND BACK CAN BE EASILY ACCOMPLISHED IN HALF A DAY.  

  • A large group of H.O.G. members pose for a photo on the Royal Gorge suspension bridge.
  • Harley-Davidson riders travel on a narrow stretch of one-way road along a mountain ridge on Skyline Drive near Cañon City, Colorado.

After leaving the Royal Gorge, we cruised over to Skyline Drive, a narrow one-way road that runs along the top of a razorback ridge just outside of Cañon City. The drop-offs on either side are dramatic, but the views of the valley and surrounding mountains are spectacular. It’s a short detour, but one every rider should add to their list. 

If you're hungry, Cañon City has plenty of food options available. For those looking to keep the ride going, head out to Bishop’s Castle if curvy pavement and roadside attractions are of interest. If you want to take the road less traveled on your Pan America, I’d suggest Phantom Canyon or the Shelf Road – both of these dirt roads are a part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, and will bring you up to the Cripple Creek area. 

  • A wide shot of the Royal Gorge suspension bridge, showing the deep canyon below and mountains in the background.

    DAY TWO: ROYAL GORGE BRIDGE AND SKYLINE DRIVE 

GALLERY

A H.O.G. member with short blonde hair, cat-eye glasses, tattoos, and full leather sits on her limited edition, all chrome Harley-Davidson Grey Ghost motorcycle.
A H.O.G. member poses next to his motorcycle, carrying a small dog wearing a helmet, leather jacket, boots, and sunglasses in a pack on his front.
A group of H.O.G. members smile and pose on the Royal Gorge bridge as the person in front holds a selfie stick up to capture a photo.
A H.O.G. member rests her arm on the shoulder of her partner as they pose for a photo with their motorcycle.
  • A black and white graphic of the Harley Owners Group eagle logo.

    BECOME A MEMBER OF THE HARLEY OWNERS GROUP  

    Now an integrated part of Harley-Davidson Membership, Harley Owners Group provides access to a world of exclusive benefits to help you get the most out of your ownership experience.  

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