Top 7 Lakes around Air Force Academy

Access to lakes on the main USAFA grounds and at the Farish Recreation Area is generally restricted to eligible patrons, including active duty military, retirees, disabled veterans, DoD civilians, cadets, and sponsored guests. A USAFA fishing permit is required, not a state fishing license. Farish Recreation Area may also have an entrance fee for day-use patrons.

The Farish Recreation Area, located about 23 miles from Colorado Springs, offers the most diverse activities. Here, you can enjoy fishing, paddle boating, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, camping, hiking, and mountain biking. The area includes Grace Lake, Leo Lake, and Sapphire Lake.

Yes, several lakes are considered family-friendly. Aspen Lake and Gazebo in Fox Run Regional Park is great for relaxing and wildlife viewing. Mary Kyer Park features a pond with a waterfall, ducks, geese, and a walking trail. Rampart Reservoir also offers camping, fishing, and wildlife observation in a scenic setting.

Many lakes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. At Aspen Lake and Gazebo, you can spot fish and turtles. Mary Kyer Park and Water's Edge Park Pond and Fountain are known for ducks and geese. The Kettle Lakes (1-3) on the USAFA main grounds are home to beavers and herons. Rampart Reservoir is also a good spot for general wildlife observation.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. The Farish Recreation Area lakes (Grace, Leo, Sapphire) are stocked with rainbow trout and occasionally channel catfish from May through September. Lakes on the USAFA main grounds, including Deadmans Lake, Ice Lake, and the Kettle Lakes, are also stocked with trout and catfish. A USAFA fishing permit is required for these locations.

The Farish Recreation Area offers over 600 acres of hiking trails that extend into the backcountry from Sapphire Lake. On the main Academy grounds, Ice Lake is a point of interest along extensive hiking and biking trails like the New Santa Fe Trail. For more general hiking options, you can explore easy hikes around Air Force Academy, which includes routes like the Mary Kyer Park & Water's Edge Park loop.

Camping is available at the Farish Recreation Area, which offers tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and cabins. Rampart Reservoir also allows camping. However, camping is prohibited on the lakes located on the USAFA main grounds.

The Kettle Lakes (1-3) on the USAFA main grounds offer special gate access for mobility-impaired anglers. Additionally, Water's Edge Park Pond and Fountain features a paved trail that loops around the pond, making it accessible.

The period from May through September is generally ideal, especially for fishing, as many lakes are stocked during this time. Fall offers beautiful foliage, particularly in areas like the Farish Recreation Area with its pine and aspen trees. Winter activities like ice fishing may occasionally be open on Farish lakes, but are prohibited on the main USAFA grounds.

Rampart Reservoir offers spectacular views of the wilderness, including Pikes Peak. The Farish Recreation Area provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Mary Kyer Park features a serene pond with a soothing waterfall, while Water's Edge Park Pond and Fountain also boasts a fountain and waterfall.

Yes, Ice Lake is situated along the extensive New Santa Fe Trail, which is suitable for hiking and biking. For dedicated running routes, you can explore options like the running trails around Air Force Academy. If you're interested in gravel biking, the gravel biking guide includes routes like the New Santa Fe Regional Trail.

Visitors appreciate the serene natural settings and diverse outdoor activities. Many enjoy the fishing opportunities, especially at stocked lakes like those in the Farish Recreation Area and on the USAFA grounds. The scenic views, particularly at Rampart Reservoir, and the peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and wildlife observation at spots like Aspen Lake and Mary Kyer Park, are also highly valued.