OPEN – The South USAFA gate at Ice Lake is Open CLOSED – to Monument due to CS Utilities NMCIP Project

Last update Nov 4nd 2026

According to the USAFA Visitor website, the Santa Fe Regional Trail through the USAFA is Open – ” The Santa Fe Trail is open for public access, on foot or via bicycle. However, guest MUST remain on the trail at all times and not roam from designated paths unless off the installation.” We are currently checking with the USAFA for confirmation.

While the Santa Fe trail gates at Ice Lake (the south entrance) into the USAFA is open, the trail does remain closed from South Gate Blvd to Monument/Northern edge of USAFA property for the Colorado Springs Utilities Northern Monument Creek Interceptor water line project which started in August.

While we don’t have a current reopening date, previous communications stated that the trail would be impacted through December.

Read Full Post here


Full press release

U.S. Air Force Academy Updates Base Access Procedures, Reinstates Trusted Traveler Program

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The U.S. Air Force Academy has updated its installation access procedures. The adjustments reinstate the Trusted Traveler Program at the Academy, establish a new 30-day general access pre-registration link for non-DoW affiliated guests, and reopen the New Santa Fe Regional Trail to recreational users.

This update balances the security of Academy personnel with our unique mission as a premier academic and public-facing institution.

Key updates:

  • Reinstatement of the Trusted Traveler Program: The Trusted Traveler Program has officially resumed at the Academy.
    • Eligible sponsors—including active-duty service members, retirees, and cadets—may sponsor up to five individuals who possess a Real ID and are legally seated in the same vehicle as the sponsor.
    • Sponsors utilizing Trusted Traveler must remain physically present with their guests at all times while on the installation.
  • New 30-Day General Access Pre-Registration Link for Recreational Visitors: Non-military affiliated visitors requesting access to the Academy for recreational activities (such as hiking, biking, or fishing) can now utilize a pre-registration link to receive a 30-day general access pass.
    • Visitors can register online in advance via the USAFA website or in person at the Pass and Registration Office (PRO), located at the South Gate. The PRO hours of operation for regular services are weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
    • Guests may have only one active general access registration at a time; submitting a new registration automatically voids any previous pass. Visitors should only submit once to avoid processing delays.
  • Access Limitations: The pre-registration link grants access strictly to designated public and recreational zones. It does not permit access to restricted areas (including the Cadet Area) or gates/facilities requiring common access card readers.
  • Reopening of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail: The section of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail crossing Academy property is reopened for public recreation on foot and via bicycle. Trail users are reminded that they must remain on the designated trail corridor at all times; trespassing into adjoining Academy property remains strictly prohibited.

Please visit www.usafa.edu/visitors/ or contact the PRO at (719) 333-0441 for more updated base access procedures and guidance.



Update May 11th 2026

The Airforce Academy Santa Fe Trail segment is currently closed due to heightened security measures, disrupting the crucial trail link between Monument and Colorado Springs. This closure began March 1 2026 with the KKTV article stating that Santa Fe Trail through the USAFA “will be closed until further notice.” Read USAFA Press Release here .

Absence of Safe Detours Presents Significant Challenge

While we understand the security rational, this highlights the importance of additional bike connections in northern Colorado springs as this is the only safe trail connecting Colorado Springs with Monument. As with previous, temporary closures, the severity of this situation is worsened by the lack of safe, convenient detours for cyclists and pedestrians. The immediate shutdown of this vital trail segment underscores the urgent necessity for redundant and resilient bike routes within our region; in this case an additional north/south trail near I-25. Such infrastructure is crucial to prevent similar disruptions in the future.



Info on accessing the USAFA available here/press release here

View our interactive closure and detour map to view the closure as well as other project impacts throughout our region

Importance of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail

It’s important to remember that seven miles of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail traverse the USAFA facility via an easement and are maintained by El Paso County Parks. This trail, along with the Pikes Peak Greenway and Fountain Creek Regional Trail, are integral parts of the Front Range Trail, a visionary project aimed at connecting Wyoming to New Mexico along Colorado’s Front Range.

Advocating for Enhanced Infrastructure

Bike Colorado Springs will continue to strongly advocate that local and regional leaders prioritize the development of redundant bike routes. Here’s how we’re pushing for change and how you can help:

  • Get involved with the 2026 Colorado Springs Parks Master Plan: Your input shapes the future of trail projects.
  • Advocating for new connections: We’re asking for the creation of safer north/south bike/pedestrian connections east of I-25. (how to voice your support)
  • Expediting projects: We’re pushing to accelerate existing and new trail projects to minimize the impact of future disruptions and ensure resilient transportation options for our community.

Stay Updated

We will diligently monitor the situation and provide updates on this website and our social media channels as soon as information regarding the trail’s reopening becomes available.

Links and Sources

Fox 21 News – Enhanced security measures implemented at U.S.A.F.A.
KKTV – Air Force Academy adjusts access procedures
El Paso County Parks – New Santa Fe Regional Trail page
US Air Force Academy – New Santa Fe Regional trail information page
Colorado Springs Parks – Legacy Loop Page (Including Pike Peak Greenway)
El Paso County Parks – Fountain Creek Regional Trail Page
Trail and Open Space Coalition – Front Range Trail information page
Colorado Sun – Front Range Trail article from 2021