Santa Fe Trail OPEN Through US Airforce Academy – Nov 2026
As of November 2nd 2026 the Santa Fe Trail through the US Air Force Academy is open for public use for people on bicycle or on foot. this is the first time the trail as been reopened since February 2026. This is according to usafa.edu/visitors “However, guest MUST remain on the trail at all times and not roam from designated paths unless off the installation.”
Trail Closed To Monument
While the Santa Fe trail gates at Ice Lake (the south entrance) into the USAFA should be open, the trail does remain closed near Monument/Northern edge of USAFA property for the Colorado Springs Utilities Northern Monument Creek Interceptor water line project
We have been in touch with USAFA and have a question out to CS Utilities to understand the timeline for the NMCIP Project and will update this post on closures and timeline – as the below image shows the CSU project is expected to keep the trail closed through December 2026
USAFA Opened to More Recreation
From the The U.S. Air Force Academy Press release “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.”
Santa Fe Regional Trail 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.
https://www.usafa.edu/visitors/
Falcon Trail & Road Cycling access
For riders looking to access other amenities around the USAFA the Trusted Traveler Program at the Academy establishes a new 30-day general access pre-registration link for non-DoW affiliated guests. This new tool will allow riders to access Falcon Trail and road cycling around the USAFA using this quick access tool.
One question we are working to get answered is:
Will riders with the Trusted Traveler access be able to access the USAFA roads or Falcon trail via the Santa Fe trail or do they need to enter at the official gates?
We’ll update this post once we have an answer.
Celebrating Renewed connectivity
We are thrilled to welcome the reopening of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, restoring the sole safe, non-motorized connection between Colorado Springs and Monument. The importance of this trail segment is highlighted by it’s inclusion in the draft 2026 Parks Master Plan as part of the broader Ring the Springs loop initiative.
This temporary shutdown underscored the urgent need for redundant infrastructure, specifically an additional north-south trail corridor along the I-25 corridor. We will continue to push for additional connectivity along this cooridor while we celebrate the reopening of this critical connection
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.
