New Santa Fe Regional Trail in Colorado

Palmer Lake, Colorado

A biking trip along the New Santa Fe Regional Trail is an extremely unique trail experience. Oh sure, you'll see the usual beautiful trail sights such as flowers, deer, streams, and trees. But what other trails offer you views of the enigmatic Air Force Academy chapel, football stadium, and perhaps even jets & gliders directly overhead?

New Santa Fe Regional Trail

 Then add in the views of Pikes Peak and the prospect of continuing your ride on the lengthy Pikes Peak Greenway, and you may have one of the top rail-trail experiences around. The trail starts in Palmer Lake, Colorado and goes through the beautifully forested grounds of the Air Force Academy all the way to Colorado Springs. From there you can turn around and ride back to where you started or continue for another 16 miles all the way to Fountain, Colorado.

trail overpass near Air Force Academy

Eventually, this trail will be a part of the Colorado Front Range Trail and continue all the way from New Mexico to Wyoming. In the meantime, this is a great time of year to take a bike ride or walk on the New Santa Fe Regional Trail.

sandstone bluff

nearing Pikes Peak Greenway

New Santa Fe Regional Trail in Colorado

Pikes Peak Greenway Trail overnight

Pikes Peak Greenway trail

I just published the Pike Peak Greenway trail guide on Everytrail, and it reminded me of a fun overnight experience.

Most of us think of urban trails as a fun little morning or afternoon activity. Hop on your bike; ride from point a to point b; go home and do another trail tomorrow.

And that is indeed lots of fun. But have you ever thought of turning it into an overnight? It's pretty easy to do and doesn't take a lot of planning. Basically, make a hotel reservation, pack and extra pair of skivvies and a t-shirt and you're ready to go. Since it's an urban trail, you'll have plenty of eating options along the way.

It's like a mini-vacation, but way cheaper and easier to plan. The next day, after a restful night at a hotel (preferably one with a pool) you feel refreshed and ready to hit the trail again.

Some reasons why this is a great option include:

Side trails off Pikes Peak Greenway

• It allows you to ride a longer trail than you normally would since you don't have to go all the way out and back.
• It allows you to combine two trails. For example, I combined the New Santa Fe Regional Trail and the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. 
• It allows you to explore side trails. The Pikes Peak Greenway, for example, has tons of side-trail options including one to historical Colorado City. (See picture w/ trail options above.)
• It allows you to try out new restaurants.
• As mentioned above, it's like going on a mini-vacation with fewer hassles.

Am I the only one who has tried this mini-vacation on the trail thing? If you've ever done it or have some trail suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Pikes Peak Greenway Trail overnight