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MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	39 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 9/7/11 by bonkedagain	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 12 miles	Global Rank: #509
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 113	Wishlist: 26
Avg. Speed: 6.63 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 49min
Elevation Gain/Loss: +3,676/-2,835 ft

 

Rampart Reservoir in Woodland Park

 

Stratton Open Space/ The Chutes in Colorado Springs

 

Barney Ford To Moonstone in Breckenridge

 

Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs

 

  
reviewed by jmr4400 on August 8, 2011

This is an awesome all around trail. It has many climbs and shots going down with some short technical areas to go through. If you want a little of everything for 12 miles, I would highly recommend. If you don't want the rigorous climbs of Cheyenne Canyon and the technical face beating from Templeton Trail (P-Park), this trail hits it right in between.

  
reviewed by avathan on July 6, 2011

My bud and I hit this trail for the first time yesterday and I gotta say it kicked our a$$es. First off - we rode counterclockwise. Not sure how a loop trail can feel uphill for the entire loop, but it did! If we weren't climbing we were slogging through sandy flats. When we finally did get a downhill it was switched-back with hairpin turns. To summarize - this trail is AWESOME!!! We will be back to hit this again and again. Very challenging from a stamina standpoint (not so much technically). Beautiful views, nice and serene (very little vehicular noise), and some really nice downhill sections (which apparently there are MORE of if you ride clockwise). As far as the trail being closed or open, we are both military so we had no issues getting access. If anyone is looking to ride there and needs help getting in I'm off until this Monday so get at me!

Similar Trail: Too many in da Springs to list! Eh?

  
reviewed by Wisconsin on June 24, 2011

This is a fantastic 14 mile trail with great views and some challenging climbs. Road it last week, and while its marked as CLOSED on this site, that is only true if you try to drive into the Academy by car, but if you ride up on bike, they check picture ID and let you in. It is well marked, so don't let that review scare you off (it must be old). No risk of not seeing where the trail heads. Bi-directional. Equal #'s going both ways.

  
reviewed by Professoran on May 12, 2011

Great trail. Gotten crowded over the last year or so. Anyone know when they'll open it again to the public? Closed after OBL's assassination from 5/3/2011 to present.

Similar Trail: Ute Valley Park

  
reviewed by apothideus on April 18, 2011

zr140th had it right. This is a nice, flowy trail. 1:14/lap ETA- Hit it pretty good today and went 1:05:50. ... this trail is fun.

* Review edited 4/18/2011

  
reviewed by maddslacker on March 14, 2011

This trail is the course for the annual 24 Hours of Colorado Springs. It is fast, flowy and a lot of fun. Riding it clockwise, there is one set of man-made steps that are ridable, but I always chicken out. The rest of it is 100% doable by riders with moderate skills. I have only ridden it clockwise, but counter-clockwise looks like it could be fun too. Either way, park by the BK or the Superette for post ride drinks or eats.

Similar Trail: Lair o' the Bear

  
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 propwash on October 30, 2010

I ride in both directions. Each time I go I ride in the opposite direction.

  
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 10/25/2010

Similar Trail: Cheyenne Mountain State Park

  
reviewed by jeh on October 19, 2010

I just read a previous review about this trail being hard to navigate. Must have been a different trail. The Falcon Trail is sweet and super easy to navigate. Only the Autobahn is easier to follow... I recommend starting at the trailhead just north of the Falcon Stadium on the USAFA. There's a well-used gravel trailhead on the left (north side) of the road. Pick up the trail here. I strongly recommend going clockwise, otherwise you risk running into scores of mountain bikers careening downhill. The initial 3 miles of the route is a pleasant rolling climb behind the stadium, that eventually crosses several ridges before dropping down towards Pine Drive. This first section is great for getting the legs warmed up and can easily push the heartrate into the red. After Pine Drive, there's a slight descent that leads to the first bridge. After crossing the bridge, you will climb gradually at first for the next 2.4 or so miles, topping out at the Stanley Canyon Trailhead at approx 7440' and 6.32 miles into the ride. After a nice twisting descent and a few smaller climbs, you hit a sweet, fast gradual descent along a ridgeline above the golf course. Nothing technical, just awesome cruising. The trail end of he descent is through a nicely wooded section east of the Golf Course that has periodic erosion breaks that give you some fun air. A short climb brings you back to the trailhead. A pro races this course in under an hour; a strong intermediate rider can do about 1:12 on this course; while most other riders can take 1:15 to 2 hours. Great ride.

* Review edited 10/19/2010

Similar Trail: Rampart Reservoir

  
reviewed by jpwcalvary on September 22, 2010

This is now my favorite trail! Park in the lot prior to entering the USAFA. The ride in adds a great warm-up to start and cool-down to finish. Great trails, markings every 100 yards or so. A definate beginner/intermediate trail with one challenging climb and one challenging downhill.

Similar Trail: Palmer 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 pdinsurance on September 14, 2010

This is my favorite local trail. Perfect in length, cross country riding with a little bit of technical. Lots of different terrain including some sand traps. I prefer clockwise but it is good to ride counter as well. This trail should be ranked much higher. Break out the hardtail 29er.

Similar Trail: Buffalo Creek

  
reviewed by 96toy on June 10, 2010

This place was sweet, it is well marked with signs and mile markers. I did see my first bear here crossing the road and going up the trail where I was heading, and I did not have my camera.

* Review edited 6/10/2010

  
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 Steven_Ned on May 5, 2010

WOW! what a great trail! this will definately SMOKE you but its well worth it. clibs aren't too bad, they just can be long! nice views of the Academy throughout. fun variety and not too technical.

  
reviewed by DB4LYall on April 11, 2010

Great training trail as it will smoke you up and down. Nothing too technical but watch out for the loose gravel. This trail is awesome, next time I will do it counter clockwise.

Similar Trail: Cheyenne Mountain Park Trail

  
reviewed by cgcarlson on November 30, 2009

This is my favorite ride in the Colorado Springs area. The trail is well maintained, the scenery is gorgeous and the singletrack is fabulous. Love it!

  
reviewed by kleppe on October 9, 2009

Hands down my favorite MTB trail. Grew up on it in the early 00s. Was back there just a bit ago, and was amazed at the improvements they made to the trail. Better then imaginable.

  
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 dschubarth on August 3, 2009

The Falcon Trail has had great improvements over the last year. The trial is well maintianed and well marked. Four foot white metal stakes with a falcon on the post mark the trial at critical junctions. I never made a wrong turn at anytime. There are only a couple of techinal sections. A few years ago many parts of the trail were not rideable. The trail has great downhill sections and some steep climbing on the backside of the trail. The trail is mostly smooth with some roots and a few stream crossings. Overall a great trial with lots of varity.

  
reviewed by markp136129 on July 6, 2009

This is a great trail and it is our Tax dollars at work. If I'm mot mistaken Dave Dresslin from Trail Art reworked this trail. It is a great recovery ride for the hardcore and for folks like me , it is a geat workout. It is cool riding thru the Academy and ignore the dismissive post. This is a fun ride. I rode it counter-clockwise and parked at the top parking lot that leads to the resovour. So it starts with a great downhill and ends with a mild uphill.

Similar Trail: little of this and that

  
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 4/22/2009

Similar Trail: Captain jack, the loop, chutes.

  
reviewed by RideorDie on March 31, 2009

This is a great trail for all skill levels. There are a ton of small bumps that you can grab air on when decending. This is a great trail for small groups with different riding abilities represented. Snow cover is gone! This trail is a ton of fun! This trail goes through some nice forest and has some decent overlooks as well. Lots of fun! I recommend clockwise. * Review edited 5/31/2009

* Review edited 4/10/2010

  
reviewed by scottharris on March 29, 2009

I rode this trail last week and it was a blast. The western part is definatly much more interesting than the east. A lot of climbs but the desents are a lot of fun.

  
reviewed by vbeckman74 on March 13, 2009

Great trail. Marked well. I had a blast on this one.

  
reviewed by pukalani13 on October 18, 2008

This is one great trail I follow the counter clockwise direction cuz i love the downhill..this was one of the best downhill ever until i did buffalo creek...

Similar Trail: Rampart Reservoir

  
reviewed by reefblue42 on July 29, 2008

Thought is was great! Great challenging uphill ascents along with downhill speed challenges. Easy to follow and very scenic. Lots of jumps-good airtime!

  
reviewed by cbrenner on July 24, 2008

I rode this trail yesterday and I must say it was a challenge. I rode the trail from the main parking lot by the visitor center in the counter clockwise direction. The trail has a lot of challenging areas but also some very fun downhill. This trail is a tough ride if you ride the whole loop and will give you a great workout.

Similar Trail: White Ranch, Meadows Community Singletrack

  
reviewed by tbissett on May 27, 2008

Your tax dollars at work! The trail has been rerouted in the toughest section (up by the Academy PX), so it can be ridden in its entirety by all but sheer beginners (and beginners can ride a good portion of this trail as it is). It is entirely smooth singletrack with a small technical section here or there (but nothing too bad). To avoid uphill sections at the end of your ride, park in the lot across from the football stadium entrance and begin your ride going towards the stadium (clockwise on the trail). The first half of the 13 miles will be mostly uphill, but you're getting all the climbs out of the way up front. Serious pain freaks can park at the 'official' trail start next to the visitor's center, which starts with the downhill sections and finish their ride with the big uphill climb in the Western section of the trail. Overall, if you're looking for a super-technical ride, this isn't it. But if you are looking for a nice singletrack ride that will challenge you every once in a while, give this trail a shot.

  
reviewed by delfire on April 29, 2008

I am a beginner and I love this trail. It is fun and challenging. It has so tough grades, but they are worth the great amount of fast downhill travel with plenty of jumps.

Similar Trail: Don't know really trail to compare to I am a beginner.

  
reviewed by Chris_Cherry on November 24, 2007

I found two good places to start this ride. Closkwise seems to be the best direction. To start from the top of the trail, park at the parking lot southwest of the visitor center. If you don't want to end the ride with a long climb, park in a lot northwest of the stadium. This trail had a good mix of distance (13 miles) on singletrack. A couple of technical sections, lots of rolling terrain, a few switchbacks climbing and descending, and one long climbing section that was just steep enough and long enough to be enjoyable instead of agonizing. It was well maintained and marked with white posts.

  
reviewed by skibum on October 7, 2007

Rerouted or not, this is one of the lesser trails in the Springs Area. The stuff high on the bench above the Academy is nice, but the rest I could live without. The views of the urban sprawl that is consuming the Springs' north end to Monument and Black Forest is less then pleasing. And then there's the ubiquitous gravel. See below for better recommendations in the area.

Similar Trail: Waldo Canyon Limbaugh Canyon (Monument) Anything in Cheyenne Canyon Palmer Park Ute Valley Park

  
reviewed by adtco on August 18, 2007

Just rode the trail this morning, started at 7:30 and didn't see another rider until about 9:00 am just before I finished at 9:30. I don't know what surprised me more about the trail, the quality of the trail, the fact that Ive been in the Springs for over 10 yrs and this my first time on the trail, or that I didnt see tons of people on it. What the trail lacks in tech. areas it more than makes up for in fast down-hill, jumps, and 13 mi workout. Good job USAFA.

Similar Trail: Rampart Res. trail

  
reviewed by gregval on May 28, 2007

Best to ride clockwise. The trail has been rerouted in recent years, and is extremely rideable now, with very few spots where you will have to hike. Just an awesome ride now. Route goes up near the Chapel area, then directly behind the stadium. One of the best rides in Colorado, IMHO!!

  
reviewed by utedude on May 20, 2007

This trail has recently been renovated it they did a great job! The thirteen mile loop is a great aerobic workout however if you want to add distance you can bike into the academy via the Santa Fe traiil and back. This comes to about twenty five miles! Not bad for an in town ride! The great part about this ride is the feeling that when your riding, you are in the middle of nowhere yet only miles from Colorado Springs. The uphill climbs are nice and make this a great workout and the downhill is super fast with jumps or bumps to get air on. Overall, I highly recommend this trail.

Similar Trail: Rampart Reservoir

  
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.

  
reviewed by bonkedagain on August 2, 2005

I used to ride this trail pretty regularly, but with the increased security at the AFA making it a pain to get there I haven't bothered. Given the dates on the most recent reviews I suspect few other people are riding here either. The trail has some nice sections that are a blast to ride, but it also has some really c***py sections. The big problem is it is poorly maintained and really not built for bikes. The steep boulder strewn section off of the commissary area being a prime example. (Some people I ride with just take the road and skip that section.) Some sections of the trail are too steep to ride and have lots of loose rock, etc. Other parts are technical and/or just plain fun to blast thru. The downhill from the main mess hall area down to the stadium is great. All in all a fun ride, just be ready for some short walks. For your first time try to go with somebody who knows the trail or you can easily miss a turn and get completely lost. I recommend parking just past the firestation on the road up to the Tesla power plant, or near the stadium.

Similar Trail: Mt. Herman / Limbaugh Canyon

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