THE HIKE:

Stanley Canyon is a short hike. Thats what the numbers say at least. In reality, it’s a steep climb up a boulder filled trail. For being a two miler, it’s a hell of a challenge. But those two miles bring you to a secluded and patient reservoir. Minnows dance in the shallows and ducks float from rock to rock, and they’ll let you watch.

THE ROUTE:

Use the South Entrance for the Air Force Academy, and stay on Stadium Boulevard until you reach Pine Drive. Take a left and drive west for 3.9 miles. There will be a dirt road on your left. Follow that to the trailhead.

The first quarter mile of the hike is calm and deceiving. You’ll start on a graded dirt road. In a hundred yards, you’ll run into a Y. Go leftish-straight. The signs do a great job for the rest of the hike.

Soon the steep part begins. And it’s a little shocking. My friend looked at it and said, “is this true?” I think that’s a good way to put it.

But eventually the trail calms down. It starts to swerve through forests and meadows. And everything is green.

After 2 miles, you’ll come up on the reservoir. Find a rock and give your legs a break.

GOOD TO KNOW:

-Stanley Canyon is not a good hike after a winter storm—snow makes the granite slabs slick. And if you’ve got bum knees, it’s just not a good hike year round.

-Depending on national security levels (or something like that), the Air Force Base might be closed to civilians. There’s a link under the “Resources” section with the base’s current security standings.

-If you get a little hot or just love to swim, look for a ten foot boulder/diving board on the North-West side of the Reservoir. The water is refreshing and the jump is only kinda stupid.