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Fairly grueling, fairly masochistic dirt climb along southern perimeter of USAFA.


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Map Key

4.1

Miles

6.5

KM

Doubletrack

7,426' 2,263 m

High

6,384' 1,946 m

Low

1,169' 356 m

Up

207' 63 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Views

Entrance into the US Air Force Academy requires a state- or federal ID Card and may result in a vehicle search. Also, there are multiple gates across the road to contain livestock - these require a rider to dismount to open.

Description

This is a grueling dirt road climb from its start point near the Sante Fe Trail (Ice Lake Picnic Area) to one of the higher points on the US Air Force Academy (USAFA). This road climbs and continues to climb along the southern edge of the USAFA, passing through multiple cattle gates and offering great views of the Academy and the valley below.

This road really appeals to the masochist in me. At times the road tips up to greater than 10% gradient, especially in the mid- and later portions. Although there are several less arduous grades, this route climbs with little relief until it reaches the water reservoir above the Academy. For the most part, the surface of this road is packed dirt and gravel, although some of the more challenging sections are somewhat loose and sandy. As the road goes west, it becomes significantly less well maintained, almost becoming wide singletrack by the end. Bottom line is, this road deals out punishment like a dominatrix.

The trail ends at a large artificial reservoir. Approximately 50m before it ends, a singletrack trail departs the main road heading north. This is the primary route by which to access the USAFA and AFA Falcon Trail Loop (from the Bomber). This trail can be combined with the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, AFA Falcon Trail Loop (from the Bomber), and a number of other connectors to create a variety of options.

NOTE: I have assessed this trail as Intermediate due to at least three steep grades that require a bit of bike-handling skills and aerobic fitness to conquer. Additionally, there are 3-4 gates that block the road and usually necessitate dismounting to open.

Contacts

Land Manager: US Air Force Academy

Shared By:

J Erik Hartel with improvements by Charles Warloe

Trail Ratings

  2.6 from 8 votes

#35054

Overall
  2.6 from 8 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
38%
2 Star
13%
1 Star
25%
Trail Rankings

#3,146

in Colorado

#35,054

Overall
2 Views Last Month
889 Since Aug 17, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
25%
63%
0%
13%
0%

Photos

This horse gate is one of many, you should be standing on a dirt road staring at this gate, with a resevior far to left below you.  Open this gate (please leave it how you found it, closed), and then follow the singletrack
Apr 21, 2018 near Air For…, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 20 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jul 13, 2018
J Erik Hartel
Deep sandy grind
Apr 21, 2018
J. Frye
go downhill, don't get lost, watch for horses and gates
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