Lee Lake is a scenic mountain-fringe lake located on the United States Air Force Academy property in El Paso County, Colorado. Accessible via the Santa Fe Regional Trail, this small lake sits in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by trails, open grasslands, and views of the Front Range foothills south of the Palmer Divide. For hikers, dog owners, and anglers in the Colorado Springs area, Lee Lake provides a worthwhile destination that feels more remote than its proximity to the city would suggest.
The hike to Lee Lake is the primary draw for most visitors. The approach follows portions of the Santa Fe Regional Trail, a well-established multi-use corridor that runs through the Air Force Academy grounds. The trail passes through rolling terrain with Pikes Peak area views before reaching the lake itself. In winter, the frozen lake creates an atmospheric scene, with visitors describing the ice producing eerie moaning sounds as it shifts and cracks under temperature changes.
Dog walking is popular at Lee Lake, but there is an important rule to follow. The lake is divided into a dog-friendly side and a fishing-only side, and mixing the two creates conflict. Keep your dog on the designated dog side and away from anglers on the fishing shoreline. Dogs reportedly love the access to water and open space here, making it a favorite among Academy-area pet owners.
Fishing at Lee Lake is available on the designated fishing side, though reports suggest it can be hit or miss. The lake does not see heavy stocking, and anglers report limited surface activity. It is best treated as a casual fishing stop on a longer hike rather than a dedicated fishing trip. Patience and realistic expectations will serve you well here.
Parking requires some local knowledge that can save you serious frustration. The lot nearest the lake sits on the wrong side of active railroad tracks, and trains regularly stop and block the crossing for extended periods, sometimes days. Experienced visitors strongly recommend parking on the far side of the train tracks and walking the extra distance to avoid having your vehicle trapped behind a parked train.
Because Lee Lake is on Air Force Academy property, access policies may change and visitors should verify current entry requirements. The Academy grounds are generally open to the public through designated access points, but security measures can restrict entry without notice. There are no developed facilities at the lake itself, so bring water, supplies, and plan for a self-sufficient outing. The surrounding trail network connects to longer routes through the Academy, making Lee Lake an excellent waypoint on a bigger day of hiking or trail running.