REOPENED JULY 15TH – Santa Fe Trail through Air Force Academy
Reopened July 15th – the New Santa Fe Trail segment running through the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) has reopened from dusk to dawn, and users must remain on the trail.
Previous statement from U.S. Air Force Academy security
“If someone is utilizing the la Forete or Santa Fe trails, they can come and go freely from sun up to sun down. If they stay on the trail, they won’t need a pass. However, that doesn’t mean that if you have a pass you can deviate.
The trails close on the rare occasions that our threat posture increases, and we don’t want civilians on the property for a multitude of reasons. In this instance, the gate will be closed and locked and signs will be posted.“
The popular New Santa Fe Trail segment running through the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) is closed for the second time in six months with an unknown reopening date, effective June 14, 2025. This closure is a direct consequence of increased security measures implemented at military installations nationwide, as announced by USNORTHCOM – press release here.
This sudden closure significantly disrupts the only safe, direct cycling and pedestrian connection between Monument and Colorado Springs, leaving users with no viable alternatives.
Absence of Safe Detours Presents Significant Challenge
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.
We are in communication with USAFA security and local parks officials regarding this matter. However, it is important to note that no reopening date has been provided. As this decision originated at a national level, it highlights the vulnerability of relying on a singular off-street trail for essential regional connectivity.
Info on accessing the USAFA available here
Critical Impact of the Closure
The implications of this closure extend beyond mere inconvenience:
- The New Santa Fe Regional Trail (including the 7-mile USAFA segment) serves as a vital link in the broader Front Range Trail, a planned route extending from Wyoming to New Mexico.
- Our interconnected network, including the Pikes Peak Greenway and Fountain Creek Regional Trail, heavily depends on this corridor for seamless travel and recreation.
- Without safe and accessible alternatives, cyclists and pedestrians are unfortunately compelled to utilize high-speed, high-traffic roads, thereby exposing vulnerable users to considerable risk.
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:
- Weigh in on the 2026 Colorado Springs Parks Master Plan: Your input shapes the future of trail projects. Take the survey here!
- Advocating for new connections: We’re asking for the creation of safer north/south bike/pedestrian connections east of I-25.
- 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.
Staying Informed
We understand the frustration this closure presents. We will disseminate any news regarding reopening as soon as it becomes available. In the interim, we strongly urge officials to address this critical gap in our trail network with the necessary urgency.
Links and Sources
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
View our interactive closure and detour map to see this and other project impacts throughout our region: BikeCOS Detour/Closure Map
