The day begins on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, at Balanced Rock in Garden of the Gods.

The stage concludes in Cripple Creek at the Cripple Creek Info Center

If we could take a direct, as-the-crow-flies approach today, the total distance might be a third of the 42 miles ahead of us. But Pikes Peak is sitting inconveniently in the middle, forcing a wrap-around approach. Soon after leaving Garden of the Gods, we reach Manitou Springs. Enjoy it, because the next section is admittedly unpleasant, following Highway 24 through a narrow mountain pass. Four miles later, you'll escape the highway in Cascade, following backroads instead through Green Mountain Falls. The Ute Pass Trail takes you through the next section, before returning to side streets for the final approach into Woodland Park.

Refreshment Stop - Trail Ridge at Woodland Park Apartments

Thanks to Shaye McCoy, manager of Trail Ridge, for the hospitality in Woodland Park! The ADT next follows Highway 24 as it loops through the city, the northward-bound entrance eventually giving way to a southwestward-bound exit. This leads all the way to Divide, where the ADT breaks with the highway, moving due south on CO 67. Over the remainder of the walk, dirt tracks replace pavement, established communities dissipate, and trees encroach upon the surrounding terrain. Amazingly, over the course of this whole stage, you'll ascend 4000 feet, but those gains are entirely gradual, without a single intimidating climb. And finally, the day concludes with a descent into Cripple Creek.

Support: A support vehicle will be accessible at Cascade - Marcroft Hall (8 miles), Crystola Roadhouse (12.6 miles), Divide - Teller Markets (23.3 miles), and Dome Rock Trail (30.7 miles). Water will be available to top off bottles, along with all necessary participant gear. Food is available for purchase in Manitou Springs, Green Mountain Falls, Woodland Park, and Divide.

Take Heed: From Manitou Springs to Cascade, the ADT follows the highway and car traffic can be heavy and fast.