Cool hikes in Colorado Springs - North Cheyenne Canyon
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Exploring Cool Hikes in Colorado Springs- North Cheyenne Canyon
Just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, North Cheyenne Canyon’s 1,626 acre park promises exciting views, sweat inducing hikes and nature soaking moments amidst pine trees and aspen groves.
For cool hikes in Colorado Springs, North Cheyenne Canyon is the place to head! This park has some of Colorado Springs best hikes within minutes of the main road.
Admission is always free and is open 365 days a year from 5 am to 9 pm. Walkers, hikers, bikers, equestrians and pet owners alike can explore the 56 miles and more of trails.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of finding some of the best local Colorado Springs hikes with our 7 favorite hikes from Seven Bridges trailhead.
Enjoying one of the many mountain views on one of the coolest hikes in Colorado
Colorado Springs Cheyenne Canyon Park is a rock climbing and hiking paradise.
Each hike offers a slightly different outdoor adventure. Beginning at Seven Bridges trailhead, you’ll hike along a meandering river.
From easy to difficult in ranking, these cool hikes in Colorado Springs offer views of Pikes Peak on Kineo Mountain’s summit and famous log cabin ruins at Louds Cabin. You’ll experience 360 views of downtown Colorado Springs on May’s Peak and wonder at St Mary’s majestic waterfall.
The 13 Best Tips for Colorado Hiking!
Lace up your favorite hiking shoes, grab your water, leash the dog and let’s start trekking up Colorado Springs Seven Bridges trail. These hikes are family friendly, appropriate for new hikers, seasoned trail blazers and nature lovers.
Stream flowing next to Seven Bridges trail
Table of Contents
Getting There and Where to Start
Seven Bridges Trail *Easy
Kineo Mountain Trail *Moderate to Hard
Louds Cabin *Moderate
St Mary’s Falls *Moderate to Hard
May’s Peak *Easy
Mount Garfield *Hard
Mount Rosa via Cheyenne Canyon *Hard
Nearby Places to Eat
Where to Stay
This is the overflow parking lot - just down the road is the main paved parking lot for Seven Bridges trailhead.
How do I get to Seven Bridges?
Colorado Springs Seven Bridges Trailhead is located in North Cheyenne Canyon Park. When there is no construction, this park is easy to access off West Cheyenne Road.
Alternate route: Take exit 141, Hwy 24 toward Cimarron. Left on 21st road. Turn right on to Argus Blvd passing by Bear Creek Nature Center. Turn left and go up Gold Camp Road, road number 370.
Be prepared that Gold Camp Road is approximately 4 miles of rough-grade gravel road to the parking lot. You will pass through 2 tunnels before reaching the parking lot.
Once you are on Gold Camp Road, you’ll be within 4 miles of the trailhead parking.
Trailhead sign at start of Seven Bridges trail.
Where can I find parking for hiking Seven Bridges?
This is a very popular trailhead on the weekend and in the summer months and warmer fall/winter days. The new paved parking lot holds many cars but fills fast. There are also 3-4 porta potties however cleanliness is up for interpretation.
LOCAL TIP! Guaranteed Parking? Plan a middle of the week or early morning hike.
The Seven Bridges trailhead
Seven Bridges Trailhead
From the parking lot, you’ll note several large signs and a gate. Head towards this gate, hiking along a very wide sand and gravel road for about a mile. There is little shade in this section.
The actual trailhead is a bit hidden. Round the bend after seeing a rushing river to your right.
LOCAL TIP! No matter the time of year, sun protection is your friend on the coolest hikes in Colorado Springs. We love our OR sunhats, Patagonia sun shirts and 40 SPF sunscreen!
Once on the trailhead, hike along the river. There is some confusion at the beginning with splinter trails created by lost hikers. The river/stream is your guide. Stay by her and you’ll find your way.
Seven Bridges Trailhead is marker 622
If you’re new to hiking Colorado trails, consider investing in a proper daypack. We love Osprey’s packfinder tool. With just a few clicks of a button, you can find the perfect pack for your back!
Seven Bridges Trail
Length: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,046 feet
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Seven Bridges trail is one of our favorite hikes for out of town guests. While a relatively short hike, you get waterfalls, rolling hills, large pine trees and bridges.
Located in the heart of Cheyenne Canyon Park, this trail is busy most months. Start early or arrive late to avoid crowds. That said, sometimes the best time is mid day when all the morning hikers have cleared out.
Literally one of the coolest hikes in Colorado Springs with it’s raging river!
Begin hike down a gravel road for about a mile. It is a wide road without shade. You’ll see the trail sign to the right. Take the trail and start hiking along the river.
Some of the trail is rocky and steep while other parts are relatively flat.
Each bridge is marked on this Colorado Springs hike. You’ll come across red scrub oak in the fall and fantastic green pine all year long.
Map Link: Seven Bridges Trail
HIKING WITH KIDS? One of our favorite kid friendly hikes, make sure to include some down time for your kids to dip their feet in the water. It’s icy cold but oh so refreshing!
There are sections of dry ground shaded by enormous trees creating the perfect rest stop. This is the perfect hike to take your active kids on. Please remind them to keep the rocks and pebbles in the creek.
Related Post: Hiking Boots, Shoes or Trail Runners? Which to Choose?
Take in the stunning views of Colorado Springs from Kineo Mountain’s summit.
Kineo Mountain
Length: 6.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,955 feet
Route Type: Out and Back or Point to Point
Difficulty: Moderate
Once you reach the 7th Bridge on the Seven Bridges Colorado Springs Trail, stay to the left as you follow trail 622. Make sure to follow the PURPLE/PINK paint that acts as markers.
This is particularly helpful through the large boulder and loose rock section.
Trail just past the 7th Bridge.
Just past the 7th bridge, as you hike towards the left, the trail becomes steep and rocky. Hiking poles help in this section!
*We love Black Diamond trekking poles for Colorado hikes. They fold up neatly, perfectly content to hang on our packs until needed for trail sections like this.
When you’ve felt that the uphill has got to end RIGHT NOW, you’ll arrive at a spectacular aspen grove. No matter the season, this grove makes for gorgeous views.
Just past the grove expect a final section of uphill hiking. Perhaps a 1/4 mile long, arrive at a large area marked with several trail signs.
PRO TIP! When you arrive at the junction for Trails 667 and Jones Park, the Kineo Mountain trailhead is unmarked but to the right. There is a large tree stump with a small cairn next to it. These man made piles of rocks look like a pyramid, marking the trail.
Head towards the cairn and tree stump. A trail will soon appear.
Note large tree stump and cairn. This is your trailhead marker for Kineo’s summit
Meander uphill, switchbacking in places but hitting steady uphills as well. The Colorado mountain views will be worth it we promise!
The last 1/4 mile or so is very steep. Once you pass a giant clumping of rocks, you know the summit is close.
Tons of room at the summit to find the perfect rock to sit on and soak in the almost 360 degree mountain and downtown Colorado Springs views.
Summit view at Kineo Mountain
This is a less traveled trail, the perfect spot for some quiet meditation and why we rank it one of the coolest hikes in Colorado Springs. Melody has met some of the coolest local hikers on Kineo’s summit. Heck, you might even meet her up there as this is her favorite trail in North Cheyenne Canyon!
Map Link: Kineo Mountain
Most of Buckhorn Trail is red gravel rock. Hiking poles really help!
Add miles and make it a loop hike
Go down Kineo mountain, turn right and take Trail 667( Buckhorn Trail).
NOTE! Keep in mind bikers love this section of the trail so keep your ears on and hop out of the way. Technically you as a hiker have right away but downhill cyclists are often moving too fast to brake.
Trail runners love this loop as well. You might pass by an Olympian training as it’s near the Olympic Training Center.
Map Link- LooP Mountain and Buckhorn Trail Loop
DID YOU KNOW? From the summit of Kineo Mountain, you can see ziplines. Zipline adventures can be tons of fun if adrenaline is your middle name. We share how to get on these ziplines along with over 50 free or almost free things to do in and around Colorado Springs!
Louds cabin in summer months.
Louds Cabin
Length: 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,778 feet
Route: Out and Back or Point to Point
Difficulty: Moderate
This cool hike in Colorado Springs is rated moderate mostly because of the steep uphill rocky portion past the 7th bridge to the 622A trail junction. The terrain is quite rocky (see video).
Louds Cabin hike is one of our favorite winter hikes! Most of the time spikes work fine along the trail. As always, keep an eye on the weather and strap on snowshoes if there’s been a large snowstorm. This trail is quite shaded in spots, keeping snow for months!
Take the same trail as you would for Kineo Mountain.
Follow 622A after reaching the 7th Bridge, turn LEFT, following along the stream. There is a fair amount of boulder scrambling in portions. It’s a STEEP section. Traverse a wide sandy field that includes a high drop off towards the river. For those afraid of heights, beware!
While portions of the trail have snow, it’s typically packed down. Traction and gaiters work fine for keeping upright.
While a steady uphill through the aspen grove, it’s a pretty trek. In winter months, this area is usually blanketed with snow the entire season.
Just past the aspen grove, you’ll arrive at the wide open junction of Kineo Mountain, Louds Cabin and Jones Park.
The aspen grove along this cool trail is stunning in every season!
Head towards Trail 622A, just to the left of a large map sign of the area.
NOTE! For those hiking this trail in winter, the snow can get very deep! Still doable with gaiters and traction but expect to move slow.
Download a map of this area. In summer months, the trail is very easy to find. Winter snow makes it a bit trickeer to find. You’ll do a fair amount of hiking down a hill, coming across the old cabin ruins and equipment as you hike.
The destination, Louds Cabin, is about another 20 minute walk from the intersection.
Map Link: Louds Cabin Route
Louds cabin intact chimney in the summer
DID YOU KNOW HOW LOUDS CABIN GOT ITS NAME?
Frank Loud was a Colorado College professor of math who spent summers in this cabin. Taking his wife and child with him, they’d spend those long days enjoying this Colorado outdoor paradise. He loved to garden, planting wild plum trees and other crops.
Two of Louds cabins still can be found, including his main residence, Chipmunk Lodge. You’ll note a large intact 8-foot stone chimney stands in the middle of toppled log walls.
As this is a wonderful piece of Colorado Springs history, please look with your eyes and not with your hands or feet.
Louds Cabin is to the right.
Related Links:
Curious to learn more about Colorado Springs wild west history? Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum has wonderful interactive historical exhibits free of charge.
HIking to St Mary’s Falls is a pretty cool deal, literally.
St Mary’s Falls via Seven Bridges Trail
Length: 6.3 miles out and back
Route Type: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 1,397
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
This Colorado hiking trail creates some heart pumping with a steady incline in portions. However, hike at a slower pace and you’ll do just fine.
*Make sure you this is on your Colorado Springs hikes to do list!
Lace up those hiking boots and shoes, leaving the Chacos and sandals for other trails. The upper portion of this trail can be slippery in the winter, with loose gravel and rock in warmer months.
If hiking boots aren’t your thing or just don’t know where to even start with footwear, we are here to help with our hiking shoes, boots and runners review!
You’ll begin at the parking lot, taking the mile or so to the Seven Bridges trailhead sign.
DON’T TURN ONTO THE SEVEN BRIDGES TRAIL!
Look for this large cave as you head up the gravel road.
Keep on the wide gravel road to the left.
You’ll follow this wide gravel and sand road up rather steep hill. Take a moment to stop and look around at the gorgeous backdrop of the Colorado mountains. This is one of those times to look behind you!
Once you pass a large cave-like structure on your right, look for trail marker 624.
NOTE! If you’re hiking this in the winter, keep in mind that the trail might be hard to see when covered with snow, especially at the very top.
Take TRAIL 624. Near the top, head left, as if you’re walking in the creek. You’ll see the trail steps. Continue on until you reach the falls. In summer months, this is well marked area. People hike this trail often, creating an established trail.
Consider going the last 500 feet or so up the trail. The base of the fall is gorgeous, even in the winter when it’s frozen. This is a stunning Colorado fall hike, lit up with gold aspens and scrub oak reds.
PRO TIP! The winter be careful of ice, particularly the last stretch of the trail. Grab your YakTrax or spikes for an easier climb.
Map link: St Mary’s Trail
LOOKING TO ADD A FEW MORE MILES?
One of our reader’s shared this about adding mileage around Mary’s Falls.
Head towards Mary's Falls, staying on the dirt road to the left (technically Old Gold Camp Rd). You’ll head through a series of long and spooky tunnels. This road leads to Cripple Creek. There are a couple trail connectors. Head to Cheyenne Rd towards Columbine and the parking lot. Or hike on to Mt Cutler and Muscoco.
May’s Peak
Length: 3.2 miles
Route Type: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 777 feet
Difficulty: Easy
This is the perfect Colorado sunset hike!
Our teenagers love the consummate Colorado Springs sunset selfie. Maybe that’s your thing. Good thing this hike is beautiful no matter what time of day you choose to hike it.
Helen Hunt Falls - You can see glimpses of this gorgeous waterfall on your route up May’s Peak.
While one of the easiest hikes in Colorado Springs Cheyenne Canyon Park, this trail offers some of the best Colorado Springs views as well as a peek at Helen Hunt Falls.
An easy trek, this trail is a safe space for newbie hikers as well as families. HIke along the well marked trail with nary an obstacle.
NOTE! The hardest part of this hike is finding parking at golden hour to do this short but pretty hike. Limited spots fill fast. DO NOT PARK in undesignated areas.
The worst thing? You’ll get a HUGE ticket. The best thing? THe park closes the gates to the public until the cars clear out.
Most of the trail is well marked along dirt trails.
WHERE TO PARK:
Captain Jack’s Parking Lot. This is the first lot you’ll see after passing through the second tunnel on Gold Camp road. It will be on your right.
Technically this hike does not begin at Seven Bridges, however you’re so close to that trail, we think it’s worth mentioning.
Start this cool hike in Colorado Springs on High Road. You’ll encounter a few trails. Captain Jacks is to the right and May’s trail is farthest right behind the metal handrails.
The first half of this trail is a wide gravel path. You’ll find yourself on a more narrow path in a forested area for the second half. The last half is a bit steep.
Map link: May’s Peak
Note! If you would like more miles, consider taking the Captain Jack’s Trailhead (This is the nearest trail from the parking lot.) This way creates a 6 mile round trip hike. However, Captain Jack’s trail is ATV and bike friendly. On the weekends they can take over this section of the trail.
Related Link:
Looking for more beautiful sunset hiking spots? We have a roundup our favorite short and easy hikes in Colorado Springs.
Mount Garfield Peak
Length: 9.7 miles
Route Type: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 3,480 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
We attempted summitting in January. However the snow was thigh deep and the trail difficult to find. Our biggest mistake was not downloading the map BEFORE we set out.
NOTE! North Cheyenne Park does not have reliable cell reception on most of the trails.
Below is the route we took towards Mount Garfield Peak. Take the same route as you would towards Loud’s Cabin.
Our Mount Garfield Map
DIRECTIONS:
You’ll start at the Seven Bridges trailhead, heading towards Louds Cabin. Trail 622A is your ticket - stay on that and you’ll be fine.
Once you’ve arrived at Louds Cabin, look for a faint trail to the right of the cabin through a meadow of sorts. There are several cut logs arranged in a circle with large trees over head. Head uphill along this trail.
*While there was a TON OF SNOW the day we hiked this, we did manage to find the trail.
We got as far as the boundary of the National Forest. You’ll want to keep left of that sign. We followed the trail a bit up, having to turn around due to snow and time.
The last mile, locals tell us, is a steady uphill unmarked trek. Not for the faint of heart or altitude, some have compared this stretch to the scree on a 14er. And similar to hiking a 14er, the views are worth the hike. Several local hikers we’ve met declare this a favorite. After seeing their pictures, we are determined to keep it on our bucket list.
Map Link: Mount Garfield
OUR 2024 SUMMER GOAL: Complete the hike!
Related Link:
Want to attempt your first 14er? We share our 14er family friendly favorites as well as have an expert recount his top three hardest 14er treks.
View of Pikes Peak from Mount Rosa Summit
Mount Rosa via Pipeline Trail
Length: 13.9 miles
Route Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 4,202 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Mount Rosa is the pointy shaped mountain in Colorado Springs just south of famous fourteener, Pikes Peak. Three main ways to hike Mount Rosa, Melody tackled the longest loop!
Always up for a challenge solo hiking, trekking along Mount Rosa via Pipeline Trail is one of the coolest hikes in Colorado Springs. Start early and pack strategically.
NOTE! For this almost 14 mile hike, bring at least 3 liters of water. Carry a water filter and replenish along the way. This route has plenty of water sources throughout the hike.
For a detailed map of the trail, check out the route Melody took. A loop hike, heading clockwise allows you to tackle most of the elevation the first half of the trail.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO TAKE ONE OF THE COOLEST HIKES IN COLORADO SPRINGS!
The terrain is unforgiving in winter. Don’t attempt to do this route unless you’re proficient in winter hiking, having the proper gear and know what the weather is.
You will share part of this trail with all terrain vehicles. Avoid on weekends and be prepared for long stretches of hiking in sand.
Enjoy solitude for most of this hike, making it the perfect solo hike!
Download a map. Better yet, bring a Pocket Pals map with you. You’ll need to consult it as you venture. The trails are not super well marked.
Once you descend Mount Rosa, look for TRAIL 672. Stay on this trail until you arrive at a gate of sorts. This area has ample parking for all terrain vehicles. This portion is a shared trail with ATVS.
PRO TIP! Go on a week day to avoid potential run ins with motors. The day Melody hiked this loop, she saw no one until reaching Seven Bridges.
INSIDER TIP! Pocket Pals Trail Maps are helpful in planning these hikes on Cheyenne Canyon Trails. You will need both maps #2 and #3 — these are fantastic waterproof, tear-resistant maps. They also offer immediate digital downloads if you prefer.
Melody downloaded All Trails map of the area. Being directionally challenged, she also took along her trusty old school compass to help navigate.
Pocket Pal maps of this trail help immensely, it’s not a well marked trail.
Receive 10% OFF any of Pocket Pals digital and waterproof paper maps when you use our promo code “10%OFF” here.
TRail 701
HIking in especially wet summers, expect a lot of water along this trail. A very shaded portion of the trail, it is lovely walking alongside the streams.
A rolling hill section, this portion of the loop trail is very pleasant. Quite the reprieve after a severe downhill from Mount Rosa’s summit.
A rusty metal trail sign gives you options for the next bit. Add on more mileage and do some segment hiking to the left. OR stay on course with this loop trail and head towards Jones Park.
Walk along this lovely stretch, enjoying the solitude of the moment.
Ring the Peak Trail to Pipeline Trail
While a small sign, you won’t miss the gigantic pipeline embed in the trail. Follow this section until reaching the final miles of this loop.
As you cross the stream one final time, take a right hand turn toward Seven Bridges. Head left and you’ll be going up the hill toward Kineo Mountain.
For your final miles of this loop hike, hike down Seven Bridges. After journeying on a mostly solitude hike, expect to run into many happy hikers out enjoying Seven Bridges.
A truly magical loop trail, make sure you have plenty of water, take breaks and most of all, ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!
Nearby Hops
Pro Tip! If you are a fan of craft brews, Colorado Springs has dozens to pick from. We took the guesswork out for you, creating a post of the Spring's breweries, locations and areas of town.
Sacred Grounds Coffee sHOp
1801 Cheyenne Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
With an enchanting outdoor patio for warm weather days, this coffee shop delivers the best espresso a hiker could want. Hungry? Order up a sandwich or pastry. Locally sourced food with adult drinks available.
Just minutes from Colorado Springs North Cheyenne Canyon Park, this should be high on your must stop list!
Trails End Taproom
3103 W. Colorado Colorado Springs, CO
A self-pour tap local hangout, choose from a variety of 1 ounce local beers and liquors or have a pint of your favorite beer. We love the friendly vibe of this taproom with many bikers and runners gathered in groups after just getting off the nearby MIdland trail.
Food trucks outside provide great grub.
Ivywild School
1604 South Cascade Colorado Springs, CO
Just a few miles from Colorado Springs Cheyenne Canyon park, former elementary school’s remodel is a unique stop.
Home to one of Colorado Springs first craft beers, Bristol Brewing Company offers many local beers including their famous Laughing Lab and Beehive.
Fossil Craft Beer Co
2845 Ore Mill Road, Suite 1 Colorado Springs, CO
IPAs, seltzers, dark brews are all on tap here. There is a year-round patio with different food trucks daily. This is a great spot for all.
Where to stay in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is one of Colorado’s most popular vacation destinations. This historic town is filled with fun attractions such as Garden of the God’s Visitor and Nature Center and the Olympic and Paralympic Museum.
Book a beautiful vacation home in the heart of hiking and outdoor adventure hub.
More Classic Colorado Springs Hikes
Kid friendly hikes are fun for the whole family. Colorado Springs nature centers are usually surrounded by trails. Dogs always invited.
Palmer Lake, just north of Colorado Springs, offers beautiful trails around the reservoirs. Bring a hammock for some down time.
If strollers are part of your daily routine, we have all the trail hook up.s you need. Check out Colorado Springs ADA and stroller friendly routes with our interactive map.
Garden of the Gods is the most visited park of Colorado Springs. Two hours, half a day or a full day of hiking is covered for you.