Academy’s Falcon Trail restoration offers hiking, biking paradise

  • Published
  • By Susan Walker
  • Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- --  When people think of Air Force environmental restoration, they probably don't envision incredible views of mountain ranges from hiking trails, but that's exactly what one Air Force Center of Engineering and the Environment project manager does as he goes about his work at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

Work is in progress at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Falcon Trail in Colorado Springs to restore and groom it because of erosion and overgrowth in the past few years.

AFCEE has worked closely with the academy's environmental staff on this project with great care being taken to ensure repairs are done properly, explained Bill Kivela, a member of AFCEE's Capital Investment Execution Division based in Colorado.

"It's been a real challenge to assist the Air Force Academy in accomplishing a sustainable, comprehensive and aggressive streams and trails restoration program," said Kivela. "The Falcon Trail work is part of a larger effort to effectively restore areas, and maintain the large network of publicly accessible hiking and mountain biking trails that crisscross the academy and give base residents and the public many miles of recreational trails to enjoy.

"It's really rewarding to see the finished work constructed and surviving the harsh rocky Mountain environment," he said.

Beginning near the USAFA's visitor center, Falcon Trail extends for about 13 miles.

Sections of trail have undergone transformation to control erosion that had been wearing the trails away. Whether hiking or biking, some of the most incredible views in the mountains can be enjoyed from the trails that overlook the Rocky Mountain's Front Range and the academy below.

The Falcon Trail has been voted by residents as one of the best mountain biking areas in the Colorado Springs area, said Brian Milbachler, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service natural resources manager.

"The trail, which winds through a variety of habitats, including Gambel oak, Ponderosa pine woodlands, grasslands and riparian areas, is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Elk, deer, coyote, fox, songbirds and other wildlife are commonly seen along the trail," Milbachler said.

In addition to restoring the hiking and biking trails, a vital component of the larger USAFA vision is the preservation of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse habitat, Kivela said.

"The mouse resides near streams throughout the academy and is listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act," Kivela said. "Their habitat has been decimated by erosion caused by upstream off-base development."

Since the area was unaffected by the recent Waldo Canyon fires, work will continue on the trails in the upcoming months as weather permits, Kivela said.

In the meantime, the Falcon Trail is open to the general public during normal visiting hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with access available at the "B-52 Loop." Active-duty and retired military members and their families can use the trails from 5 a.m. to sundown.