If you are an avid Colorado hiker or biker, you may be familiar with the newer concept of rail-to-trail, but if you are not, you should know that this kind of unique trail follows along old railroad lines, making for an adventure that is equal parts scenic and historic! Are you ready to climb aboard (so to speak)? Then you will want to visit the New Santa Fe Regional Trail ASAP:

Located just outside Colorado Springs, the New Santa Fe Regional Trail is a nearly 17-mile-long point-to-point trail that takes visitors around wide open spaces near the Air Force Academy.

AllTrails/Jeffrey Carra

Housed on an old Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad line first laid by General William Jackson Palmer, the New Santa Fe Regional Trail passes through the vast open prairie and parts of Monument and Palmer Lake.

AllTrails/Chelsie Mullett

When we say it’s near the Air Force Academy, we mean it, as you can see (and hear, depending on whether or not there is a game!) the Stadium, Chapel, and other buildings!

AllTrails/Rebecca Caldwell

While 17 miles may sound a little daunting, the trail itself is deemed accessible, as the path is primarily flat and straightforward to navigate.

AllTrails/Melissa Sylvia

In addition to just hiking and biking, the Regional Trail is also a favorite for cross-country skiing, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife sightings.

AllTrails/Dawn Ramsden

The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is open year-round from sun up to sun down, with the best weather and trail conditions between March and October.

AllTrails/Elizabeth Rogers

The New Santa Fe Regional Trail can be accessed via Baptist Road, Palmer Lake, and Third Street in Monument.

AllTrails/Rebecca Caldwell

While you are in the area, make sure also to check out You Could Spend Hours At Colorado Springs Flea, An Awesome Flea Market In Colorado.

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Address: New Santa Fe Trail, Colorado Springs, CO 80924, USA

Located just outside Colorado Springs, the New Santa Fe Regional Trail is a nearly 17-mile-long point-to-point trail that takes visitors around wide open spaces near the Air Force Academy.

AllTrails/Jeffrey Carra

Housed on an old Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad line first laid by General William Jackson Palmer, the New Santa Fe Regional Trail passes through the vast open prairie and parts of Monument and Palmer Lake.

AllTrails/Chelsie Mullett

When we say it’s near the Air Force Academy, we mean it, as you can see (and hear, depending on whether or not there is a game!) the Stadium, Chapel, and other buildings!

AllTrails/Rebecca Caldwell

While 17 miles may sound a little daunting, the trail itself is deemed accessible, as the path is primarily flat and straightforward to navigate.

AllTrails/Melissa Sylvia

In addition to just hiking and biking, the Regional Trail is also a favorite for cross-country skiing, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife sightings.

AllTrails/Dawn Ramsden

The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is open year-round from sun up to sun down, with the best weather and trail conditions between March and October.

AllTrails/Elizabeth Rogers

The New Santa Fe Regional Trail can be accessed via Baptist Road, Palmer Lake, and Third Street in Monument.

AllTrails/Rebecca Caldwell

While you are in the area, make sure also to check out You Could Spend Hours At Colorado Springs Flea, An Awesome Flea Market In Colorado.

AllTrails/Jeffrey Carra

AllTrails/Chelsie Mullett

AllTrails/Rebecca Caldwell

AllTrails/Melissa Sylvia

AllTrails/Dawn Ramsden

AllTrails/Elizabeth Rogers