By Ted Crawford
Special to the Denver Rocky Mountain News

The long and well-maintained route of the New Santa Fe Trail is a prime example of trail-building cooperation between counties, municipalities and organizations.

Beginning in the boundaries of the Air Force Academy, the beautiful, twisting trail meanders along Monument Creek and some interesting rock outcroppings. Short climbs and descents are easily negotiated before leveling off at about four miles. The converted train route is now flat and straight with a few hills and diversions, passing through the town of Monument and finally into lovely Palmer Lake.

The path can be accessed at numerous parking areas. Well-placed historical markers lend interest to the ride as well.

IF YOU GO

Bicycle: Mountain bike or city bike

Location: North of Colorado Springs, from the south end of the Air Force Academy to Palmer Lake

Surface: Wide gravel, sand pack

Distance: 29.6 miles round trip

Difficulty: Technically easy, physically moderate because of mileage

Ride Time: Two to four hours

To reach The New Santa Fe Trail: From Interstate 25, take the south entrance to the Air Force Academy. Continue on Southgate Boulevard, turning left onto Pine Drive. Look for a signed dirt road to Ice Lake and park at the marked trailhead.

OTHER RIDES

-Pikes Peak Greenway Trail: A recently completed trail joins the south end of the New Santa Fe Trail with the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. From the parking area at Ice Lake, go south as the new route follows Monument Creek down to Woodman Road. The existing Greenway Trail continues south through the heart of Colorado Springs to join the Fountain Creek Regional Trail. This central trail is the backbone of a vast trail system in Colorado Springs with access to numerous paved and dirt trails along the way.

-Falcon Trail: This very scenic loop lies in the beautiful foothills encircling the Air Force Academy. Like most trails in the foothills west of Colorado Springs, the hard-packed surface is dusted with a slick topping of marble-like sand. Exposed roots and two or three stream crossings might also necessitate frequent dismounts. Look for the white falcon signs where trails cross roads. To reach the trailhead, stay on Pine Drive past the Ice Lake turnoff onto Pine Loop and park near the softball fields. Ride back up Pine Drive past the fire station, turning left onto Monument Creek Trail. Look for the trail on the left marked with a white falcon sign 0.3 miles from the parking area.

E-mail Ted Crawford at tcrawford@dsl

broadband.com. His column is also available online at www.RockyMountainNews.com.