New Santa Fe Trail
Easy gravel miles, right through downtown Monument. The trail follows the old Santa Fe railroad line, so the grades stay gentle. Great for families, gravel bikes and eBikes.
- Distance
- About 14 mi in El Paso County
- Surface
- Gravel
- Grade
- Level for the first 6.5 mi from Palmer Lake
- Good for
- Bike, walk, run, horseback
- Hours
- Dawn to dusk
- Managed by
- El Paso County Parks
[CONFIRM] How close the Third Street trailhead is to the shop, and current Academy access.
Trailhead and parking
Third Street, Monument: the closest trailhead to the shop. Its restroom is closed November through March.
Palmer Lake: parking, restrooms and picnic tables at the north end.
Baptist Road: 1916 Baptist Rd, south of town.
Easy miles, right through town.
Pick a direction and turn around whenever you like.
North to Palmer Lake.
Flat, easy gravel with the lake as your turnaround.
South toward Baptist Road.
More miles of gentle gravel heading toward Colorado Springs.
Through the Air Force Academy.
The section through the Academy is closed right now. Check El Paso County Parks before you plan to ride through.
Helmets required.
County rules: cyclists wear helmets on this trail.
Gear up, then grab a pour
Everything for the ride, under one roof.
The right bike for it
A gravel or eGravel bike, or an easy-riding eBike. eBikes also rent by the 4 hours.
Trails End Tavern
Same roof as the shop. A cold pour, good food and live music Fridays and Saturdays.
