The Stanley Canyon Trail may be accessed from the Rampart Reservoir Area or the Air Force Academy grounds. This description explains the route from the Air Force Academy. The trail is 2 miles one way and the first mile is fairly rocky and steep. It is not recommended for horses, mountain bikes or small children. The trail follows the stream that flows through Stanley Canyon. At some points users walk in the granite streambed, which makes a very slippery trail. The steepness ends soon after hikers climb over a rock fall. The trail leads through green meadows until it reaches the reservoir after the rock fall. The canyon, meadow and reservoir portray well the varied terrain of Colorado's eastern slope. This short hike may be extended by any number of trails that reach from the Rampart Reservoir area.

Directions: From Air Force Academy south entrance, From the south entrance of the Air Force Academy drive approximately 2 miles and turn left on Pine Drive. Follow Pine Drive approximately 5 miles. You'll pass Community Center Drive and Interior Drive. The road will ascend a hill at the top of the rise you'll see a large building with a parking lot on the right and a gravel road immediately before it on the left. Turn left on this gravel road and drive a short way to the trailhead. If you reach a T road with the Air Force Academy hospital directly ahead you've gone too far.

Elevation: 7,500 feet

Ending Elevation: 8,900 feet

Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous

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