New Santa Fe Regional Trail
Extending from the Palmer Lake Recreation area off County Line Road in northern El Paso County to the city of Colorado Springs, this 15-mile trail drops 1200 feet in elevation as it follows a 6.5-mile portion of the abandoned Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad line along the front range corridor through the U.S. Air Force Academy. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders enjoy a variety of wildlife, abundant wildflowers, open grasslands, cottonwoods and ponderosa pines, interesting geological landmarks such as Elephant Rock and Monument Rock, and magnificent views, including Pikes Peak, along the mountainous backdrop.
- Bicyclists are required to wear helmets on the section of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail that crosses the United States Air Force Academy.
Location: Between Palmer Lake and the 1.3 miles past the southern boundary of the Air Force Academy, totaling approximately 15 miles. View a PDF map of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail.
Facilities:
Fifteen miles of regional trail have been developed. An easement agreement granted by the US Air Force Academy provides a crucial 6.9 mile stretch of this trail. Trail users must not go off the six-foot wide trail surface as it passes through the Academy.
Access Points:
|
-Palmer Lake Recreation Area |
-Highway 105 |
-3rd Street in Monument |
|
-Northgate (Air Force Academy) |
-Baptist Road |
-Ice Lake (Air Force Academy) |