Sante Fe Trail

This popular ride begins at the south gate of the Air Force Academy and goes all the way to Palmer Lake. It follows a wide, well maintained trail its entire distance. Here is a break down of distances (according to posted trail maps).
Ice Lake 6.2 > N Entrance 2.9 > Baptist Rd 3.0 > Monument 3.5 > Palmer Lake

This is a good ride to begin the season. It is long but in general provides a very gentle uphill climb all the way to Palmer Lake. You will not be stressed physically unless you want to be, although saddle soreness and other early season conditions can be very noticable if this is really your first ride. Expect sudden changes in the wind (and therefore temperature) when riding this trail early in the year.

Santa Fe trail does not provide any real mountain biking (people have been known to ride road bikes along it and there tend to be many joggers), but it is still a worthwhile ride to get in shape. Come along and stretch your legs!

Directions to Trailhead:

• Take exit 150B off of I-25
• Head North on Academy Blvd to south entrance of USAF Academy
• continue on Academy past the Thunderbird Overlook.
• Turn left on Pine Dr.
• go .3 mi and turn left at the first dirt road (no road sign)
• continue on the dirt road until you reach the Ice Lake trailhead park here.
• Beware that trains can block you in for up to 45 mins.