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Local Trail Riding Adventures:

Fox Run Regional Park

Getting there: From Interstate 25, exit 156A to Northgate Road; east on Northgate Road for 3.5 miles; north on Rollercoaster Road for 1.5 miles to Stella Drive. From Route 83, west on Northgate Road for .5 miles; north on Rollercoaster Road for 1.5 miles to Stella Drive.

Basics: 3-4 miles of very well groomed trails

Description: Visitors to Fox Run Regional Park are delighted by the thick forest of ponderosa pines in which Abert or tassel-eared squirrels, porcupines, red crossbills, and mushrooms and other fungi thrive. Red foxes, mule deer, Stellar's jays, mountain chickadees, and nuthatches are commonly seen within the park, and the lush kinnikinnik ground cover fascinates ponderosa pine forest enthusiasts. Fox Run is a winter wonderland with abundant snowfall for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing.

USAFA Academy Stables

Getting there: Enter the Air Force Academy from the south gate,

Basics: 20+ miles, soft surface roads and single track trails, $10/day trailer in fee (annual passes available for $100)

Description: If ever there was a place perfectly set up for a day's trail ride, this is it. The Academy is at the north west end of Colorado Springs so there is no need for camping. There is a large stable facility with an outdoor arena and round pen for warming up or for just letting your horse stretch its legs. Naturally, there is plenty of water available here. The facility has horses for rent, or you are welcome to bring your own, and there is plenty of room for trailer parking. The best way to find the stable is to enter the academy grounds through the south entrance and get a map at the guard station. I've been there twice and I still need the map, but all the roads are paved and in excellent shape.

The New Santa Fe Trail (USAFA/Palmer Lake)

Getting there: See USAFA Stables above, or enter at the south gate and cross the bridge over Monument Creek. Turn left at Pine Drive. On the sweeping curve to the right, take the gravel road left toward the power substation and cross the tracks. (Trains sometimes block the way out for several hours, so be warned.) The northern end is located in Palmer Lake Regional Park. Take Highway 105 through Palmer Lake, past the northern edge of the lake. Turn right on County Line Road, cross the tracks and turn right into the park. Trailheads are also found in Monument, at Hwy. 105, Baptist Road, the north entrance to the Air Force Academy and Ice Lake on the Air Force Academy.

Basics: 16 miles; wide groomed gravel

Description: This trail is the northern segment of the region?s north-south spine trail. It traces the old 1870 Santa Fe Railroad right-of-way. The gravel trail is used by runners, mountain bicyclists, walkers and equestrians. Views of Elephant Rock and the Front Range as well as prairie lands and pine forests make this trail fun for everyone. The trail is well marked with interpretive signs. Users must not leave the trail through the Academy grounds. Six trailheads service its length. The trail south skirts Elephant Rock. The southern end is south of Ice Lake at the city limits where it transitions to the Pikes Peak Greenway through the City. Helmets for cyclists and a photo ID are required through the Air Force Academy portion of the trail!!!!!!!

Homestead Ranch Regional Park

Getting there: East on HWY 24 to Elbert Road, North 5 miles on Elbert to Sweet Road, East 2.5 miles on Sweet to Golihar, North 1/2 mile on Golihar to the park entrance on the the left.

Ratings: Easy sandy trail 3.2 miles; natural plains trails and bluffs with water trough for horses and nice heated public restrooms.  Plenty of trailer parking, play and picnic area too. No Fee- just remember to pick up after your horses.

Description: An original homestead site settled in 1874, Homestead Ranch Regional Park features diverse topography ranging from rolling, open meadows to tree-covered bluffs running the length of the park. A natural spring-fed pond and creek in the central valley of the park attract deer, coyotes, foxes, waterfowl, and occasional pronghorns. Rattlesnake Butte, a prominent landmark in eastern El Paso County from which visitors can see the Front Range and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the distance, is located within the park.  

Horse Hazards: not much to worry about you may run into hikers, bikers and dogs on leashes.    

Palmer Park

Getting there: Take Woodman to North Academy and head South to Mazeland; turn right and then right again into the park and head up to the top to any open parking area.

Basics: Free access to 17 miles of trails of all different riding levels.

Description: Palmer Park holds a host of challenges for the equestrian. This trail system is surrounded by the entire mass of humanity that is Colorado Springs. But don't let that fool you, if you are in need of mountain or trail training your horse, you could do the entire program here and never leave the city. With over 17 miles of easy rolling trails, rim-wrecking drop-offs, steep climbs, step-like rocks, forest covered streams (after it rains), balance-beam boulders- you name it and Palmer Park has it. Shoes and a breast collar are strongly recommended. The trail system is clearly marked and it is worth mentioning their "rating" system; Blue Square being the easiest trails, Green Circles being their moderate, and Black Diamonds being the rough/tough stuff. Expect to see hikers, bikers, and other equestrian enthusiasts as well, however, I have found that mid-day is usually best for equestrians as hikers and bikers prefer the cooler weather.

For our ride, we parked at the top in Lot 16 and there is plenty of room for several truck/trailer combinations. There are several places for restrooms and drinking water (no troughs). The trail we took is a 3.8 mile loop (Palmer Point Trail) with a 1.8 mile out-and-back (Grandview) that takes you to the Grandview Overlook; a total of 5.6 miles that took 2.5 hours to complete. Despite the fact that most of this is marked as a Blue Square, this is not for a beginner or a new trail horse as you will encounter some very rough terrain and will take some balance from the rider as their negotiates their footing, couple that with mountain bikes, hikers with dogs, and kids playing, you will want to keep the spooky horses at home. If you are looking for a place to get your horse ready for a mountain trip, an overnighter or just time de-spooking, this is a good place to do it. You will quickly see what kind of shape your horse is in and how "trail ready" he/she/you are; so if you are looking for someplace close by to challenge you and your horse and enjoy some nice views, Palmer Park is the place for you!

Extras: Shoes and Breast Collar are highly recommended. Look for hikers and bikers. There are a couple of areas that dogs are allowed off leash. (See PDF).

Getting there: To reach the area, take Woodmen Rd. east to Black Forest Rd. Take an immediate right onto Vollmer. Go 4 miles to the flashing light and take a left on Burgess to the gate/parking about 500 yards from the light. If there is no parking there, you can drive around the section and park at any of the entrances.

Basics: Free access to a 3.75 mile all natural loop that will take about 2 hours to complete; expect to see horses, hikers and some mountain bikes.

Description: This is a new trail built by the Black Forest Trails Association and El Paso County Parks. It runs around the periphery of the section. It is a beautiful forested area suitable for all non-motorized use. With only 200 foot of evelation gain, this is an excellent ride for beginner riders or beginner horses; and don't be suprised if you run into a few KCRC members on a sunny weekend!

Extras: After the ride, head west over the Cowboy Cafe for some awesome food. (Black Forest Dr & Shoup Rd.

Library of Reference Books and DVD's on horse related info for in house use