Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado
Hiking at Schriever Space Force Base is a different kind of outing than you'll find at a public trailhead.
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Hiking at Schriever Space Force Base is a different kind of outing than you'll find at a public trailhead. The five listed routes — North Perimeter, East Perimeter Road, Northwest Perimeter Road, West Perimeter Road, and South Perimeter Road — follow the base's perimeter roads and fence lines across the open high plains southeast of Colorado Springs, sitting at roughly 6,200 feet elevation. The terrain is flat to gently rolling shortgrass prairie, so these aren't summit hikes. What you get instead is wide-open sky, long views toward Pikes Peak to the west, and a quiet, utilitarian landscape that suits a steady morning walk or a base-fitness run. Access is the defining factor here: Schriever is an active military installation, and entry requires either a valid DoD credential or authorized visitor status. If you're eligible to be on base, these perimeter routes offer a reliable, low-traffic place to log miles without driving off-post. Distances vary by segment, and combining multiple perimeter roads lets you build a longer loop. Facilities are minimal along the routes themselves, so plan accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Who is allowed to hike at Schriever Space Force Base?
Access is restricted to individuals with authorized entry to the installation — active duty military, DoD civilians, contractors with valid base access, and sponsored guests. If you don't already have credentials or a visitor pass arranged through a sponsor on base, you won't be able to enter. Check with the Schriever visitor control center before your visit to confirm current access requirements.
What is the terrain and difficulty level on the perimeter routes?
All five listed routes — North, East, Northwest, West, and South Perimeter Road — run along flat to mildly rolling high plains at around 6,200 feet. There is no significant elevation gain. The difficulty is low for anyone in reasonable shape, though the altitude can affect visitors coming from lower elevations, and the exposed prairie means wind and sun are constant factors.
What gear should I bring for a hike here?
Sun protection is essential — there is almost no shade on open perimeter roads. Bring more water than you think you need, since there are no water sources along the routes. Wind on the plains can be strong year-round, so a light windbreaker is worth carrying even on clear days. Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners are fine; technical boots aren't necessary given the flat terrain.
What time of year and time of day is best for hiking the perimeter roads?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, roughly April through June and September through October. Summer afternoons bring afternoon thunderstorms that build quickly on the plains, so early morning starts are strongly recommended from July through August. Winter is hikeable on calm days but wind chill on exposed perimeter roads can be severe, and snow or ice on the roads is possible from November through March.
Can I combine multiple perimeter segments into a longer route?
Yes. The North, East, Northwest, West, and South Perimeter Roads collectively trace the boundary of the installation, so connecting segments is a practical way to extend your mileage. Confirm with base recreation or your sponsor whether any specific segments have access restrictions on a given day, since operational requirements can occasionally limit movement in certain areas.
