Stanley Canyon

Links:

Air Force Academy official site

Mileage:

4.3 miles roundtrip

Hours:

The Air Force Academy is generally open to visitors from 8 AM to 6 PM. Check their website before you go for changes due to special events or security considerations.

Directions:

Stanley Canyon is located in the Air Force Academy. The Academy is open to visitors via both the north and the south entrances, exits 156b and 150 off I-25.

From the South Gate: Go about 2.5 miles on the main road (Southgate Blvd.). Take a left on Pine. About four miles later, turn on an unmarked dirt road on the left. There is a dirt parking area next to a gate, and the trail leads up the hillside. Go left at the first, unmarked fork. From there, follow the signs marked 707 and Stanley Canyon/Reservoir.

From the North Gate: Follow Northgate Blvd. for about a mile. Turn left on Stadium Blvd., right on Academy Dr., then left on Pine, and the dirt road mentioned above will be on your right.

Description:

The hike is very steep at first as it climbs the hill and then follows the creek up the canyon. This section, which accounts for about two-thirds of the hike, can be somewhat treacherous. Loose gravel forms the trail, and the larger rocks are generally smooth and slick. Since the canyon is shady, it is pleasantly cool in the summer but can be icy and snow-packed in the winter. When the creek is high, parts of the trail can be wet or even submerged. Depending on conditions, the trail may not be appropriate for small children.

At the top of the canyon, the trail offers a change of scenery and a break from the steep climb. The tall rock formations transition to a wooded valley with a gentler grade. The trail reaches its end at Stanley Reservoir, which is a great place for a picnic lunch. The route down offers nice views of the canyon and the city.