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reviewed by zr140th on March 13, 2011
First time riding this trail and man, what a ride. I can't believe I never rode this thing the last time I lived here. This is definitely a good weekend ride spot. Trail is about 13 miles, plenty of trail heads, varying terrain and scenery, plenty of fun. I parked up by the stadium (just to the right) and jumped on there going clockwise. First few miles were pretty sweet, some small air chances, moderate climbs, and overall nice scenery. After you pass the Commissary and Burger King things get a little tricky. From mile marker 9-10 it's pretty much a rock garden with 2 small sections that I had to hike down. After that mile marker 11-13 is almost all uphill...but worth it! Coming back down the north side of the trail is a blast. Even got a little snow shower at the end.
The trail is well marked with white posts and maps every couple of miles to show you how far you've gone. Plenty of parking spots and trail heads to choose from although parking at the stadium has a nice finish (going clockwise). Again, this trail has a mix of everything from flowing singletrack to technical rock gardens and some lung busting climbs. Bridges are well maintained and easy to navigate. Be mindful of other riders going in the opposite direction as well as a few hikers/runners. Didn't see any horses but plenty of their "markings." Overall, this trail makes a nice "getaway" in the Springs and I can't wait to tackle the 24hr race they do here in October.
Time: 1hr 24 min/1 lap (lungs still adjusting)
Similar Trail: Capt. Jack's






reviewed by Grizzattack on October 25, 2010
This is my favorite trail in the region, great flow, not too techy but enough to challenge, creek crossings, nice scenery. You can do as many laps as you can handle for a good to epic workout. I am still deciding which direction is best, clockwise or counter. It seems that most folks go clockwise, but both directions give you a different experiences, both of which are great. There is a fantastic .pdf map of the entire trail system at the Air Force Academy, just google "falcon trail map" and it comes right up. You will hardly need it though, the trail is well signed and there are permanent maps at most intersections. I enjoy starting at the B-52 bomber parking, there is a small spur trail that connects with the falcon and gives you a little extra singletrack.* Review edited 10/25/2010* Review edited 10/25/2010
* Review edited 10/25/2010Similar Trail: Cheyenne Mountain State Park






reviewed by tickledpickle on September 17, 2010
This trail beats everything I've ridden so far! What a gorgeous, sweet ride! There is nothing that I dislike about this trail, it's a pleasure to ride from start to finish. You have a bit of everything at Falcon, including open space, wooded areas, great climbs, the best downhill ever, I even got my tire wet in a small creek, yeah! Beautiful scenery and great views of the Airforce Academy and surrounding area. Can't wait to ride this puppy again. Falcon is well marked and easy to follow and makes a great, enjoyable loop.






reviewed by jason.d.holcombe on May 19, 2010
Today I rode the Falcon Trail. One of the best 13 mile loops I've ever been on. Great climbs followed by long & fast downhill sections, a water crossing, wooden bridges, switchbacks, some technical stuff (not much), banked silky smooth singletrack with plenty of bumps to catch air off of, some loose gravel, rocks and a few roots here and there, and beautiful views of the mountains and valley. I could ride this trail over and over again and never tire of it. During the entire loop I only saw 2 mountain bikers, a couple running, and a couple hiking. Love it. I'm off to Captain Jack's tomorrow.
Similar Trail: When I find another trail that has it all like this one I'll post the name of it ;-)









reviewed by videopelli on September 6, 2009
First off, a point of order. Despite at least one comment, there where no tax dollars spent on creating this trail - either the old or the new version. Having said that, I ride this trail at least once a week, sometimes 5 times. Please take care on this trail. Horses use it, as well as trail runners and hikers. Park in the overflow lot north of the stadium. Head north, and go past the golf course. Cross the golf course access road, and start the up hill to the golf course ridge. It's the beginning of a long uphill. Some tricky switch backs, and eventually you cross a road and find the trail again (it's well marked). Another steep climb finds you at an overlook south of the cadet area. Cross the parking lot and the trail picks up just to the east of the pavement. An nice downhill brings you to another road crossing, then a tough uphill. At the top, you'll cross the access road to Stanley Canyoun Trailhead. Acros the road, you'll hit the precipice of a sweet downhill. You'll cross a creek (the first one going counter clockwise). You'll wind up on a fire road from a nice down hill from Stanley Canyon trailhead (and the intersection with TR713). Take the signed left and continue through a large boulder and rock wall. Start shifting into your granny gear. You'll probably get as far as the rock shelf. That's your walking righ there. Otherwise, it's pretty smooth sailing. Climbing up to the BX area (not PX...) will again tax your cardio. From there, a nice downhill through Douglas Valley. A fairly easy climb to the Stadium Overlook. It's down hill to your car.
Similar Trail: It's pretty difficult to compare it to one trail - it has it all - killer climbs, sweet singletrack. And it all changes depending on which way you guy.







reviewed by velkropie on April 14, 2009
13 miles of fun, We were told to start the trail clockwise but, i think is better counter clockwise. if you start at the B-52 or airplane display, you can choose whether to go right(counter clock) or left(clockwise). Either way you will end up with a downhill finish. I highly recommend it.
I must agree with some other reviews, OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK!!!
The Air Force is a lot more friendly to non-military or non-DoD employees. so just make sure to bring in you ID card and you can go ride in.
The trail was virtually empty. You run into other riders but is not that often.
Nice views!!!* Review edited 4/14/2009
ok, so we took on this trail again, but this time we went counter clockwise. 1000% better ride, a lot less up hill.
again park at the b52 display. the trail starts at the small camp to the left of the lot. just go down about 500 feet and you will see a wooden fence with the white stake that points to the trail.
follow it counter clockwise and enjoy the fun!!!
* Review edited 4/22/2009Similar Trail: Captain jack, the loop, chutes.


















reviewed by bonkedagain on May 10, 2007
Time for a new review. This trail has been almost completely rebuilt over the last few years. All those nasty, steep, root invested, rutted out, boulder strewn sections are gone and have been replaced by machine built single-track superhighway. The majority of the trail has been re-routed and rebuilt, leaving maybe twelve feet of true technical riding in the entire loop. Although it has been heavily sanitized, all-in-all it is now more fun since you aren't fretting about potential broken collar bones from flipping your bike on a rut or rock.
The whole loop is about 12.5 miles and is in the same general areas as before, but it is now much more sustainable (less erosion prone) than it was. Trail markers are everywhere so it is now possible to navigate the whole thing without needing a knowledgeable guide. Some fun swoopy turns with rollers were added to the top, and the ridge down by the reservoir and golf course is fast and very fun. Definitely worth a try.
You can drive on to the Air Force Academy and park at numerous places where the trail intersects roads. For example, the commissary is a popular place, or you may want to consider the north overflow parking lot near the stadium (where it borders the golf course). Or, if you are like me and feel guilty about putting your bike on a car to go riding, you can just pedal in from the North or South entrances to the academy.* Review edited 5/10/2007
* Review edited 5/10/2007





reviewed by FlyingWOOxygen on June 12, 2006
I rode this trail on Sunday morning. I was there at 5am and home before 8 (23 mile round trip, not a soul in sight at that time)!! To avoid 9/11 security restrictions, I parked at the ėnew Sante Fe Trail head" at the north entrance to the Academy, I love Sante Fe trail so I rode it down to the park (at Ice Lake I think is the name, approx. 5-8 miles south), take the dirt road north to Pine Dr, then west to the start of the trail. Easier access would be to take the paved roads to the trail, which is about 3 miles.
As mentioned in previous posts, there is some sand and some sections with rocks that I walked. Overall, I would say that I walked no more than 50 yards (30 yards of sand, 20 yards of steep rocks). I am more of an endurance rider, but I know some of the technical rider I ride with would never have to carry their bikes.
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