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.”

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/

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.