Trail Description:
Goes from Downtown COS to Palmer Lake through the US Air Force Academy.
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.
It is paved from Downtown to Woodman Road and then it is gravel from then on to Palmer Lake.
How to get there:
There are access points at Woodman Road just West of I-25 Exit 149, North Gate off of I-25 which is also Glen Eagle Exit, Baptist Road.
In Colo Spgs, there are access points South of Austin Bluffs and Mark Dabbling, Monument Valley Park and near Colorado College Campus.
Additional Notes:
Doesn't cross any roads except just North of Monument Valley Park (not busy at all)
| Posted by: Lynda on 9/22/2007 |
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This is not for the hard-core, but is a great trail for kids who are learning trail manners and increasing their endurance.
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