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| Waterfalls along the trail, very pretty |
I had no idea how incredible this hike would be when I started up the trail but it didn't take long to espy what a great trail this would be and I couldn't stop snapping photo's along the way. The hike to Stanley Reservoir is 2 miles each way; but the trail is difficult with Class 2 climbing (using your hands to help you) in some locations; but once you are out of the canyon and behind it, the last 1/3 of the trail becomes much easier as it meanders through high elevation meadows with wildflowers and golden aspen trees that glimmered in the sunlight.
Getting there: From Denver, head south on I-25 to the N. Academy exit, just north of Colorado Springs; exit number 156B. Continue west on the exit ramp and enter the Air Force Academy. **FYI; you have to present ID and have a short search of your vehicle to enter.**
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| Facing east on dirt road, easy ]to miss |
Specs: The parking lot had about 6 vehicles in it, so it was not very busy on a Tuesday morning. There are no bathrooms here. The Stanley Canyon trail to the reservoir is 2 miles each way. There are numerous other trails that start from this parking lot; including a mountain biking trail. The trail to Stanley Canyon cannot be biked.
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| Steep climb before canyon |
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| Steeper climb up the river rocks |
The dogs were able to get water and cool themselves down in the stream while I snapped photos of the beautiful water shimmering in the sun. The most difficult portion of the trail is getting out of the canyon; I had to climb a steep section crossing over the river and slippery rock only to cross back over again. I had several slips and near falls, which would have hurt on the hard river rocks, fortunately I made it without incident. Beware, the rocks are very slippery when wet!
Once out of the canyon, you then hike through a wooded area with pine and aspen trees; the aspens were changing color and the leaves littered the trail. It reminded me of cross country season in Michigan with the smell of autumn in the air. After meandering through the trees for just under a mile the trail opens up into a large meadow and shortly you are able to see a man made solar panel next to the reservoir which is raised up and out of view until you climb up to it. I was surprised to see it was bigger than expected; the sun was behind the clouds and the mountain lake reflection in the water was magnificent. I snapped tons of photos as I sat and ate lunch with the dogs. We had a visit from 3 ducks, who were begging for food just as politely as my two dogs who are both afraid of water. The ducks came remarkably close and neither dog did too much to deter them. I did share the reservoir with one other person, who sat on the opposite side of the lake enjoying the view.
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| Our visitors, the ducks comin' at us |
I didn't stay too much longer after my lunch because I had such a late start, so I walked back down the trail at 1:15pm and made it back to the car before 2:30; it was much faster hiking back. I slipped and slid down the gravel and rocks, with several near miss falls but made it back to the car without incident. This is truly one of my favorite hikes and I will be back to Colorado Springs again soon for it's beauty and diversity in culture. Plus, I have always noticed the Springs climate is more lush and wet, so the wildflowers are still in bloom with the golden aspen trees changing, which is very different from the Denver area, everything is brown this late in the season.  |
| Reflection looks like a painting to me |
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| Sky in the water, I love Colorado |
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| Rock is making sure the ducks don't get too close :) |
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| Ok, I had to take one of these :) |
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| Dogs walking through the Aspens |
any rock climbing there.
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