NORAD was particularly interested in a Colorado Springs location, and the Corps of Engineers recommended the selection of Cheyenne Mountain in March 1959.

There was a combined effort of U.S. Forest Service crews, the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Air Force Academy cadets, and the Mile High Youth Corp to restore the trails, remove hazardous trees, install log erosion barriers and other erosion minimization approaches, and plant trees and seeds.

Funding was provided by Pikes Peak Community Foundation and Great Outdoors Colorado totaling $75,000 in addition to monies raised by McCloskey Motors.

[7] The main route, and the most accessible, starts in the Blodgett Peak Open Space and is approximately 5 mi (8 km) round trip.

The trail is noted to be hard to navigate, especially since the Waldo Canyon Fire has changed the landscape and notable landmarks for hikers.