This Hike In Colorado Is Called The Stairway To Heaven

Nearly all of the hikes and trails in Colorado are considered to be heavenly, but did you know that one has actually been dubbed the “Stairway to Heaven”? No, I am not talking about the Manitou Incline or Seven Falls (though we do highly recommend visiting both!), but rather the United States Air Force Academy Stairs:

Tucked away in north Colorado Springs is the United States Air Force Academy, which is home to a full-blown campus, plus the iconic Cadet Chapel and Falcon Stadium.

Mike Kaplan/Wikimedia Commons

In addition to these learning and living spaces, the Air Force Academy is also home to various hikes and trails, all of which are located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

AllTrails/Dawn Williams

While every Air Force Academy hike is a must-do, there is one in particular that should be at the top of your list. It is the aptly-named Stairway to Heaven! 

AllTrails/Butch Enterline

Situated between the Pine Valley housing area and the Community Center, the Stairway to Heaven boasts 300+ steps and an elevation gain of a whopping 211 feet, making this an intermediate hike that is not for the faint of heart. 

Google/Bryan Manchester

Can you see why they call it the Stairway to Heaven? 

Google/Brontavious Railey

Do you need to work your way up to this .4-mile trail? No problem, as the Air Force Academy houses a number of other hikes and trails that are suitable for nearly every fitness level. 

AllTrails/Nicole Irwin

To learn more about the United States Air Force Academy trails and other attractions, please visit their website.

Google/Manoj Sreekumar Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, be sure also to check the status of the United States Air Force Academy before you set off for your hike. 

For even more fun and free things to do around the Centennial State, check out You Can’t Afford To Miss These 9 Free Outdoor Activities In Colorado.

Mike Kaplan/Wikimedia Commons

AllTrails/Dawn Williams

AllTrails/Butch Enterline

Google/Bryan Manchester

Google/Brontavious Railey

AllTrails/Nicole Irwin

Google/Manoj Sreekumar

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, be sure also to check the status of the United States Air Force Academy before you set off for your hike. 

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Address: Air Force Academy, CO 80840, USA