New Santa Fe Regional Trail is a rails-to-trails in Colorado

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enjoying the fall weather

along the old route of the Santa Fe Railroad

trail along Palmer Lake

father pulling bike trailer on trail

numerous historical interpretive signs along the trail

beautiful rock formations line the trail

deer frolicking in the sun

Air Force Academy view from the Santa Fe Trail

Air Force Academy Stadium as viewed from New Santa Fe Regional Trail

Pikes Peak from the Front Range/New Santa Fe Trail

rest stops scattered throughout the trail

natures architecture as seen from bike trail

snake slithers away from bicyclists on trail

rail trail

multipurpose, multi-use trail

A fairly short drive from Denver brings you to the town of Palmer Lake. Palmer Lake was named after General William Jackson Palmer. General Palmer was one of those men who seemed to accomplish more in one year than most people do in a lifetime. His early interest in railroading led him to a long and very successful career in that field. At an early age, he was sent to Great Britain to learn about the British railroading industry. After returning to the U.S. his railroad career was interrupted by the Civil War. Despite his Quaker upbringing, young Palmer was passionately opposed to slavery therefore passionately in favor of the Union cause. As with every aspect of his life, Palmer pursued his military career with vigor and rose quickly in rank. He spent some of his war time as a Confederate prisoner, but upon his release he picked right up where he left off.
After the war General Palmer pursued his career in the railroad business and eventually opened his own north/south railroad line in Colorado. From his experience in Great Britain, Palmer introduced coal powered locomotives to the U.S. and utilized the idea of narrow-gauge rails for his Denver and Rio Grande Railroad.
If you're wondering what General Palmer has to do with the New Santa Fe Trail, the answer is: plenty. Part of the trail runs over the old railroad line developed by Palmer. Palmer Lake and Palmer Divide are named after General Palmer. Colorado Springs was founded by General Palmer as was the steel industry in Pueblo. Needless to say, William Jackson Palmer played a tremendously important role in the development of this part of Colorado.
As for the trail, it is pretty amazing also. After going through portions of the communities of Palmer Lake and Monument, it marches onto Air Force Academy territory. In fact, if you're riding the trail during one of the Air Force football games, you'll hear the roar of the crowd and the boom of the PA system. You'll also see the Air Force stadium, chapel, and other buildings including the north entrance gate. There are plenty of signs instructing you to stay on the trail, and it's a good idea to heed these warnings.
After you exit the Air Force Academy, you are nearing Colorado Springs. Once you get to Colorado Springs, you are no longer on the New Santa Fe Regional Trail. But no worries; you can continue your bike ride on the Pikes Peak Greenway that runs through Colorado Springs and continues all the way to Fountain, Colorado. Both the Pikes Peak Greenway and the New Santa Fe Regional Trail are part of the great Colorado Front Range Trail. This trail also includes the Platte River Trail and will eventually traverse the entire state of Colorado running north and south.

New Santa Fe Regional Trail
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New Santa Fe Regional Trail crosses under an Air Force Academy trail.
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INew Santa Fe Regional Trail makes a great hiking trail.
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New Santa Fe Regional Trail is one of Colorado's finest rail-trails.
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The north end of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail is currently in Palmer Lake.
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The New Santa Fe Regional Trail will eventually be part of the Colorado Front Range Trail.
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The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is well marked and a very educational trail.
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Chimney rocks can be seen from the New Santa Fe Regional Trail.
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The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is a great wildlife trail.
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Air Force Academy chapel from the New Santa Fe Regional bike Trail
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On autumn weekends, you can hear the roar of the Air Force Academy Stadium crowd from New Santa Fe Regional Trail.
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Summer flowers grow along the New Santa Fe Regional Trail.
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Most of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail would be a great recumbent bike trail.
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beautiful Colorado trail scenery
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The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is a great family trail for nature viewing.
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The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is a great example of rails-to-trails.
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streamside trail near Colorado Springs, Colorado and the Pikes Peak Regional Trail
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New Santa Fe Regional Trail

another Colorado trail description on trailsnet.com