Stanley Canyon Trail

I feel this route needs a solid review from someone who is mathematically, grammatically and alpinistically (I just made that up), "inclined".First of all, this is probably the most beautiful yet somewhat challenging short hike in town. If you want a snapshot of the grandeur awaiting you beyond the I25 corridor (and cell phone range) this is it! Absolutely beautiful.The short: for the average person of moderate or lacking fitness level, it should absolutely be doable. I would say the normal person could knock it out in less than 4 hours (with picture/selfie taking along the way and up top).Decent fitness levels should be up and down in less than 2 hours...Don't bring the cat-dog looking micro mutt as you will either be carrying it or burying it somewhere about the first hour of hiking. There is water throughout the trail so regular dogs should have a blast here. There is an issue with dog poo littering the parking lot and trails (despite free poo bags being offered at trail head...This hike is no joke. Wear proper shoes with decent traction. You can get hurt here! I would bring at least a liter (Nalgene bottle) of water during hot days. Although covered with trees throughout, the sun will beat down on you throughout the hike. I only say this because I passed a family of 5 about half way with no water.As far as short local hikes go, Stanley Canyon gets a Five from me. Awesome!

This hike is not for the faint of heart. It's a pretty steep hike up and coming back down can be very difficult if you have bad knees or don't have excellent tread on your hiking boots. Scree for days! But it's a beautiful one and a great workout.

This is a strenuous trail with lots of difficulty. Don't forget to wear proper, comfortable shoes, and bring lots of water. It is a beautiful hike tho. The trailhead is a little hard to find. If you are going to check out the reservoir, do some research beforehand in case it's been drained.

The most beautiful scenery I have seen on a trail. If you want a tough workout (parts similar to the Incline) mixed with waterfalls and luscious green landscape, this is your trail. It's approx. 4 miles to and from the reservoir. Take some water, camera, and really great hiking shoes. Remember: you need your ID to get in the gate!

My Boyfriend, Dog and I hiked this trail about 3 weeks ago.... in December when it was 35 Degrees out. Needless to say the trail was snow covered and icy the higher we got up. Being that were from the south we were under prepared. The trail was about 8 out of 10 on a difficulty scale but with the proper gear would have been a lot less difficult. It was about a 2 mile hike one way, 4 miles roundtrip (for the mathematically inclined). I highly recommend this trail to anyone who can get onto the Air Force Academy. I know there is a lake once you reach the clearing through the mountains where you can fish, providing you can make it to the top. Whether you are a Colorado native or just a visitor this trail is a must see in Colorado Springs. Call the AFA visitor center for more information; (719)333-2025

Great hike bring a picnic lunch and eat at top ooze you get to reservoir. Nice incline up really enjoyed this hike.