The New Santa Fe Trail

One of the greatest amenities we have on the west side of Colorado Springs, Monument and Palmer Lake in the New Santa Fe trail. This is a 15 mile trail that extends from the Palmer Lake in northern El Paso County to the city of Colorado Springs, this 15-mile trail drops 1,200 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.

This trail sees a wide range of 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’s also important to note that 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.

The ride through the Academy offers opportunities to view future pilots training in gliders as well as parachuting. This is a beautiful and diverse section of trail.

This Post courtesy Joe Boylan: http://www.SpringsHomes.com