Stanley Canyon Trail & Reservoir
About
Stanley Canyon is one of the steepest short hikes on the Colorado Springs side of the Front Range: Trail 707 climbs out of a narrow canyon above the U.S. Air Force Academy to Stanley Canyon Reservoir, a mountain lake about two miles in. Google reviewers rate it 4.6 out of 5.
Before anything else, though: the trailhead is inside the Academy. Since March 1, 2026 the Academy has required every visitor without a Defense Department ID card to hold a sponsored pass, and it has suspended the Trusted Traveler program that used to let civilians drive in. Without a sponsor, you will be turned away at the gate.
Getting to the trailhead
The trailhead parking lot is on the west side of the Academy grounds, at the foot of the mountains. To drive there you need either a DoD ID card or a sponsored visitor pass arranged through the Academy’s Pass and Registration Office with the sponsorship of an ID holder; adults then show a REAL ID–compliant license with the pass at the gate.
Access rules on military installations change with little notice. Call the Academy Visitor Center at (719) 333-2025 or check its Getting On Base page before you plan around this hike.
The hike
From the lot, the trail climbs about 1,200 feet in its first mile — the steep part of the hike. Past that the grade eases, and the reservoir is about two miles from the start.
The round trip to the reservoir is a little under 5 miles with roughly 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers take three to three and a half hours. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. Carry plenty of water and start early on summer days.
The quick take
Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other hiking trails in Air Force Academy.
What works
Consistently well reviewed
4.6 stars held across 94 reviews is not a fluke — people keep going back.
Dogs welcome
Listed as dog-friendly — bring the leash and waste bags anyway.
An official site to check first
Whoever runs this hiking trail posts schedules, closures and events there.
Worth knowing first
Parking is undocumented
No lot or street parking is recorded against this listing. Assume you are hunting for a kerbside spot.
Hours are not published
Google lists no opening times for this one. Daylight hours are the safe assumption.
The only one of its kind here
We list no other hiking trails in Air Force Academy, so there is no fallback close by if it disappoints.
Planning a visit
General guidance for hiking trails, adjusted for what this listing records.
What to expect
Marked trails that can run from a short loop to a half-day out, with the trailhead as the only real commitment.
A good fit for hikers and trail runners looking for a route close to town.
When to go
Start early — trailhead parking is the first thing to disappear on a good weekend.
What to bring
- More water than feels necessary
- Shoes with grip
- A downloaded map — signal thins out
- Leash and waste bags
Amenities
Featured in
Common questions about Stanley Canyon Trail & Reservoir
Can civilians hike Stanley Canyon?
Only with base access. The trailhead is on the Air Force Academy, and since March 1, 2026 visitors without a Defense Department ID need a sponsored pass. Call the Visitor Center at (719) 333-2025 to confirm current rules.
How long is the Stanley Canyon Trail?
About 2 miles one way to Stanley Canyon Reservoir, or a little under 5 miles round trip, with roughly 1,500 feet of elevation gain — about 1,200 of it in the first mile.
Are dogs allowed on the Stanley Canyon Trail?
Yes, on a leash.
What is Stanley Canyon Reservoir Trailhead?
Stanley Canyon Reservoir Trailhead is a hiking trail in Air Force Academy, CO, at Parking lot.
What are the opening hours at Stanley Canyon Reservoir Trailhead?
No opening hours are published for Stanley Canyon Reservoir Trailhead. Public spaces like this are commonly open from dawn to dusk, but confirm with the listed number, (719) 333-2025, before travelling.
Is there parking at Stanley Canyon Reservoir Trailhead?
No parking is recorded for Stanley Canyon Reservoir Trailhead. Expect to look for street parking nearby.
How is Stanley Canyon Reservoir Trailhead rated?
Stanley Canyon Reservoir Trailhead holds 4.6 out of 5 stars from 94 Google reviews.
Written and reviewed by the AllParx team. Last reviewed . Ratings and hours come from Google.
Sources consulted: U.S. Air Force Academy — Getting On Base, KKTV — Air Force Academy suspends Trusted Traveler Program (March 2026), Visit Colorado Springs — Stanley Canyon.