Map of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail
New Santa Fe Regional Trail
New Santa Fe Regional Trail
LENGTH:
16 miles
SURFACE:
unpaved
SURFACE:
unpaved / paved
HIGHLIGHTS:
rail trail, views of Pikes Peak, pine forests, meadows, Air Force Academy, views of Colorado Springs to the south
NEARBY TRAILS:
Greenland Trail
La Foret Trail
Pikes Peak Greenway
RELATED LINKS:
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is a 16-mile long, mostly unpaved, pathway that extends between Palmer Lake and Colorado Springs in Central Colorado. The trail was constructed along an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The trail starts near Palmer Lake and heads to the south through grassy hillsides and piñon trees. There are lovely views of the valley below and to the Colorado Springs to the south in the distance. The trail goes through the community of Monument and through the Air Force Academy with a special easement, passing next to the entrance gate on N. Gate Boulevard. The trail travels for miles through natural areas away from traffic with few street crossings.
At the border of the Air Force Academy and the City of Colorado Springs, the New Santa Fe Regional Trail meets the Pikes Peak Greenway.
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is part of the Colorado Front Range Trail and the American Discovery Trail.
Conditions
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is mostly unpaved, but paved in the southern section. The trail is open for bike riding, walking and running. The trail has long stretches with no road crossings. There is over a 950 foot elevation change along the trail. At Palmer Lake the elevation is 7297 and at the southern end of the trail, at the border with Colorado Springs, the elevation is approximately 6345.
Communities
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail goes past the following communities: Palmer Lake, Monument, Air Force Academy and Colorado Springs.
Points of Interest
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail goes past the following points of interest:
| Palmer Lake |
| United States Air Force Academy |
Nearby Trails
Greenland Trail: this unpaved trail heads to the north from Palmer Lake and the north end of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail.
La Foret Trail: the two trails intersect to the south of N. Gate Boulevard and west of Interstate 25. The La Foret Trail heads east, tucking under the interstate, and heads up into the Northgate Neighborhood.
Pikes Peak Greenway: the two trails meet to the west of the University Village Colorado shopping center on N. Nevada Avenue.
End Points
The north end of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail is located along County Line Road northeast of the community of Palmer Lake and 2 miles west of Interstate 25.
The south end of the trail is locatedat the south border of the Air Force Academy to the north of W. Woodmen Drive. At this point the Pikes Peak Greenway heads south and goes all the way to the southern border of Colorado Springs.
Resources
Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, Colorado.
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