Believe it or not, it’s (mostly) possible to travel from Colorado Springs to Denver on bicycle via trail. A long-distance route that stretches 80-plus miles depending on the specific route, a key portion for all seems to be a stretch called the ‘New Santa Fe Regional Trail.’

Described by El Paso County as a 14-mile segment, a key reason this trail can exist – connecting the Palmer Lake area to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail – is an easement agreement with the U.S. Air Force Academy that provides access to “a crucial 6.9-mile stretch,” on which users are not permitted to travel off of the six-foot-wide trail as it passes through the Academy. Despite the Academy being a highly secure area, gaining access to this portion of the trail generally means passing through an unmanned gate. Unfortunately for trail users, though, national and world events can impact whether or not this access is allowed.

Effective as of March 1, the United States Air Force Academy has announced that this portion of the trail is now closed until further notice, along with other security-related changes. Per language on the USAFA website, the changes are “based on the current world situation,” presumably related to conflict in Iran that escalated significantly over the weekend.

“While there is no credible threat, these adjustments, in accordance with U.S. Northern Command directives for installations within the continental United States, enhance the safety and security of personnel, facilities, and the entire installation,” reads a statement from the Academy.

For now, those hopeful of navigating this section while traveling between Colorado Springs and Denver – or places in between – will need to find another option. Not the first time in recent years that a closure of this nature has occurred, there’s no indication of when this segment may open again.

Find additional updates on the United States Air Force Academy website.

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