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A challenging run along Stanley Creek to Stanley Reservoir.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.6

KM

61%

Runnable

8,747' 2,666 m

High

7,421' 2,262 m

Low

1,326' 404 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Camping and open fires are prohibited around the reservoir by Colorado Springs Utilities, but camping is allowed on the adjacent US Forest Service land. Public access to the Air Force Academy's trails and trailheads varies and may be restricted due to the base's Force Protection conditions and other random security measures.

Description

Running to Stanley Reservoir on the Stanley Canyon Trail is one of the more popular routes up the Rampart Range and into the Pike National Forest.

The trail starts off steeply through pine/oak and spruce/fir forest and then climbs more gradually along the Stanley Creek riparian area. Stands of aspen and grassy mountain meadows appear near the final approach to the reservoir. Colorado Parks and Wildlife occasionally stocks the reservoir with trout, so a CO State fishing license is required.

Parking and a Port-A-John is available at the end of an unpaved road west of the Medical Clinic, but this road is only accessible with a DoD identification card because of a controlled security gate. Visitors should park at the Medical Clinic and run west 0.6 miles on the unpaved road to reach the trailhead.

Caution! During the winter, ice formations along steep trail crossings of Stanley Creek can be hazardous.

Flora & Fauna

Bighorn sheep are infrequently seen on the trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: US Air Force Academy

Shared By:

Brian Mihlbachler

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 18 votes

#2051

Overall
  4.1 from 18 votes
5 Star
28%
4 Star
56%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#265

in Colorado

#2,051

Overall
13 Views Last Month
6,357 Since Mar 2, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
13%
7%
80%
0%

Photos

The incredible view of Stanley Canyon
May 2, 2018 near Air For…, CO
Looking out over the rock walls
Sep 8, 2018 near Air For…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 40 days ago
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