15 Mile Paved Loop 7400 Altitude

The Air Force Academy is one of the area's more popular tourist spots. This base trains cadets as officers for the Air Force, and allows public access to some of less sensitive and more interesting areas. The immaculate roads, mountain vistas, historic setting and airplane displays can provide a whole day of fun bike riding.

At the Academy Blvd exit for I-25, head west into the south entrance for the Academy. Continue two miles to the T-38 Thunderbird display. This is next to the airfield, and is a prime viewing location for the Academy skydivers who float down daily, usually in the morning. Jump on the bike and ride back and ride north on Southgate Blvd. A half mile later is the first intersection, turn right onto Stadium Blvd and head north.

Stadium Blvd is a wide road that runs past the football stadium - a scenic ride through park-like lawns and a forest backdrop. Continue north to Northgate Blvd and the B-52 display. The B-52 is on pylons and is too high to touch, but you can walk under it and imagine bombs falling out.

Turn left on Northgate, and toward the cadet area of the Academy. After about a mile, the road narrows and changes its name to Academy Drive. This two miles of road is a long uphill slog. Along the way are two scenic overlooks, with views of the cadet area and sports fields.

Academy Drive swings south as it continues around the cadet area, then passes the visitor center. This huge visitor center has a gift shop, theater and museum, and you can also hike to the popular chapel.

Continue south on Academy Drive and the road shortly swings left. There are only a few building along this road, which returns to the rural form seen earlier. This is a long fast cruise down to Stadium Blvd. Turn right at Stadium then left on Southgate Blvd and back to the Thunderbird display.