Falcon Trail

Awesome trail. I live in Oklahoma and Colorado MTB is way different (so much better!). This trail had everything from tough long climbs to fast and flowy technical downhills to stream crossings and beautiful views. If this was my home trail, I would be good at all things MTB (excpet massive jumps). There is a climb going clockwise on this trail that seemed to NEVER end. I want to visit CO again just to clean that climb and a couple other more technical spots. Highly recommend this trail for the moderate to advanced rider.

There really is something for everyone on this trail, from steep climbs to flowy single track to technical descents. This trail is not a one trick pony. I would not recommend this trail for first timers but it does not take too much experience to ride.

Rode this trail for the first time in 5 years, can only ask myself why? Fun, beautiful, and close to town. Great trail.

Got here to the Air Force Academy at 8:15 and was told the public is not allowed until 9 a.m. I've been here at 8 a.m. several times never had this issue

Coming from SD, it was a great and fun riding. There is few places that takes some challenges. I wasn't able to complete due to flat tire. Definitely want to come back to finish it!

Rode the Falcon Trail at the AFA for the first time this afternoon...what a fantastic trail!! If you're in the CO Springs area, this should be high on your list. Most of the singletrack has good flow, but be wary of lunchbox-sized rocks that are hiding in the brush. If you start at the trailhead off of Academy Dr and go CCW, at the 8.2-8.4 mile mark, you'll come to a fork; go left and you'll end up HAB up the hill, or cross the stream and keep going straight to meet up with the trail later (be careful of the stream as it can be pretty strong). As previously mentioned, there are some sections that are quite sandy and washed out, but nothing you can't handle by sitting back on the saddle a bit and float over. Easily would've rated this trail 5-stars had there not been so much sand and washed out sections. Give yourself an hour and a half to two hours for your first outing if your in reasonable shape. Enjoy the ride!

Just rode this trail for the first time, it took me 2 hours 47 minutes. So the reviews saying AVERAGE is 2 hours or 1 hour 50 just can't be right. I'm no pro rider, but I've been riding for 6 years now. If this is your first time on the trail, plan on 3 hours. Trail condition as of yesterday is dry but sandy washout almost everywhere. I honestly hated most of this trail, every time you get a chance to pick up speed there is a sandy washout around the corner preventing you from keeping any momentum around turns. I'm from Arizona, where sandy washes are a normal thing, but even those trails aren't as washy as this. I rode CCW, I could see the other way being about the same. Lots of climbing and some descending. I can't see how this is seen as some of the best singletrack around, buckhorn and captain jacks are way better. Go try those, especially if you are just visiting.

This trail should not be ridden on if you like rough long DH Rides but if you like quick up and quick down then this is the trail for you. Watch out for cadets

Great trail riding. Nothing too difficult, just some rocky sections and loose gravel. My 1yr old made the 14 mile loop with me.

This trail is really rocky at sections and the climbs can get tough but overall good ride. I have ridden it a dozen times CCW.

Great trail to get mileage in and beautiful at the same time. Couple small areas of tech and several challenging climbs.

Thanks for the update on the trail status Bushy. I just called the AFA Visitor Center. They confirmed that the trail is open to the public again. Enter through the North Gate per usual with picture ID.

I much prefer to ride Falcon CCW. In general the DH runs are much better in this direction. I give it a 5 star rating ridden CCW, but not ridden CW. I start from the North Gate and access the trail using the B52 Portal. At the end of one loop I like to ride back up the north ridge to the top (2 miles) and then turn around and finish with the two mile DH run. Very fast and fun way to finish.

Wow! What a ride! As advertised. Really great ride. My son and I rode this trail on Friday, August 9, 2013. Took about two hours. Started near the stadium which is not the main trailhead but was first place we saw a trail entry and there were other cars there. We took the counter-clockwise route and enjoyed some butt-kicking climbs and amazing downhills. My son filmed one downhill on his iPhone that took almost six minutes. The altitude and this being our final ride of our nine-day epic adventure riding MTB trails and seeing National Parks in SD, ND, MT, WY and CO kept us from riding as hard as we would have liked. But, it was a great finish to a week-plus of epicness. If you can gain access to this trail you should ride it. It offers everything, sand, rocks, speed, work, water (two creeks to cross) thrills, for my son some spills, and with the chilly wind even some chills. Saw some breathtaking views from the tops of the hills. It was just an all around excellent ride. Highly recommended if you are in the area.

I thought that this was by far the best trail i have ridden in Colorado Springs, and I'm a little surprised it is not more popular. The trail is a true cross country ride with just about 90% of it tight single track. It reminds me more of a ride you would find in other areas. When i rode it in late spring their was very little gravel, that is often associated with rides on the front range. The trail is extremely flowey in a many spots and very fun and fast. The trail is not really technical but still as some rocks here and there to make things interesting. Going clockwise the climb is also not overly intense compared to others in the area making it possible for more beginner riders, yet still raising the heart rate for a while for seasoned riders.

I've ridden this trail twice now, once clockwise and once counter clockwise, I liked both, but the counter clockwise downhills were more rewarding too me. The uphill climbs were challenging, (they kicked my b*#@!), but the downhill rewards were worth it. It took me 1:50 (both ways, no time advantage either way). When I go back I will ride it counterclockwise again. This trail was physically, but not technically, challenging. There are places to bail (road crossings), but if you bail you will miss the downhill rewards. I recommend sticking it out for the entire 13 miles. It's a great workout!

I really enjoyed this trail, I had no problems at the security gate.
We took the trail counter clockwise and it was fantastic. (reminded us of the well manicured trails on the east coast)

This is my first season riding the Colorado Front Range and I am loving it. Rode this trail early March, soon as it was warm enough to ride. I've been on a few other rides since then but I would say this trail is (so far) my favorite. It is engaging but not too tough, beautiful views and there are a variety of challenges from water crossings, switchbacks and uphills. There are sections that go through foresty trees and some that lead you to open grassy paths in rolling speed. The trail is long enough to satisfy one's riding lust without being too long to bore or wear your out. It is great for all skill levels and highly recommended.

Note---We went to the visitor center before heading to the trail and were informed that we needed a "sponsor" or someone from the base or an enlisted personnel that would vouch for us before we can ride the trail. Despite this advise, we went on and just followed groups of people that were riding through. Just a heads up in case this becomes an issue when you go to ride this trail.

My first real trail since I got into biking. I had a great time starting from the stadium and running it clockwise. The trail is clearly marked but starts to get pretty thick and technical in some of the wooded areas. It has a good blend of downhill spots, flats, road crossings, and a good flow. Although I am a total noob and know nothing about riding I would still say this is a great trail for beginners and experts. On a side note, all non military personal must enter and exit through the north gate of the academy.

This is a spectacular trail that hits you with a little bit of everything. A few technical spots, lots of wide open fast areas, great climbs, and a few solid jumps. Right now I'm having too much fun in the clockwise direction to try it counter. Great trail