The first and second come early in the adventure, but continue on to discover all seven! The last bridge ends at Jones Park, where you'll find a variety of other trails if you’re still up for more. From here, you’ll dip into the forest, following along the creek to discover the seven numbered bridges. The first bend in the trail is where the Seven Bridges Trail begins – look for a marker on the righthand side indicating Trail 622. It’s a shady escape in the heat of the summer, though the hiking is best in winter when the snowpack is low.ĭriving through North Cheyenne Cañon, you’ll find a parking lot on the west end there you’ll begin walking up Lower Gold Camp Road, a former narrow-gauge railroad bed that's now a dirt road. It will keep you guessing, wondering when you’ll discover the next bridge as you try to check them all off your list. While it’s challenging to get a good look at the Silver Cascade Falls from the top, the main observation point offers a peek at North Cheyenne Cañon.ĥ.78 miles round trip, 1597 foot elevation gain, 2 to 3 hours, moderateįor hikers looking to immerse themselves in nature, the Seven Bridges Trail is exactly that. Along the way, you’ll see water rocketing off the rock, as well as two viewpoints. Silver Cascade Falls Trail is well-maintained, with handrails and graded steps on the trek up to the taller of the two falls. Take a short walk over a bridge spanning a waterfall, then continue up the mountain for a nature hike to a second waterfall. 6 miles round trip, 175-foot elevation gain, easy to moderateĪdmire the spectacular view of the Helen Hunt Falls as soon as you step out of the car in North Cheyenne Cañon Park – the upper parking lot next to the visitors' center is where this trail begins. Helen Hunt Falls & Silver Cascade Falls Trail There are more than a dozen trails to explore here, but if you have time to walk only one, the Central Garden Trail gives you the best lay of the land. While you can loop around the park by car or dive in deeper with a Segway, e-bike or climbing tour, most travelers start with an easy walk along the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved path that leads through and around the tallest of the park's famous red rock formations. No trip to Colorado Springs would be complete without a visit to Garden of the Gods, which is easy to access and free year-round. 8 mile walk at the bottom of the canyon to the waterfalls, or a $2 tram ride for those who are unable to walk. In the summer, plan to park 30 minutes before it opens to avoid waiting in a long line. Note: there's no parking at the entrance for Seven Falls, but free parking and shuttle-bus service is available for visitors at the Norris Penrose Event Center. Tickets range from $10.50 - $16.50 children under 2 are free. While Seven Falls is open year round, check the website for current operating hours – it's often closed a few days a week depending on the season. Inspiration Point is about a mile hike (an hour round trip) to a lookout offering views of Colorado Springs. From the bottom of the falls, you can also take an elevator to an observation deck to admire the Seven Falls. 36 miles one way (about 30 minutes round trip), Midnight Falls is the shorter of the two, a mellow walk through the woods leading to a small waterfall. From here, you can choose from two hikes – Midnight Falls or Inspiration Point. Surround yourself in nature and enjoy the iconic views of the Broadmoor Seven Falls. Climb along the waterfall to the top of a 224-step staircase. Seven Falls Waterfall & Midnight Falls HikeĠ.8-mile walk to waterfalls and a 224-step staircase, 2 to 4 hours, easy There’s no shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Note: there are limited facilities on site, including one picnic table and a restroom near the main parking lot. You can explore and wander along the trail, though climbing the structures is not allowed. Be sure to visit the overlook for an interesting vantage point. For the best light, rangers and photographers recommend coming early or late in the day, when the colors appear more vibrant. The park was named for its colorful bands of white, orange and pink clay, once used by Native Americans to make paint. About 30 miles east of Colorado Springs, a walk in this park feels like you’re on another planet – the rare geological formations are stunning, and the sandstone-capped spires called hoodoos can only be found in three regions of the country. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, a visit to the Paint Mines Interpretive Park is exactly that. This hike will take you through rock formations only seen in a few places in the world © Federica Grassi / Getty Images Paint Mines Interpretive Parkģ.4 miles round trip, 500 feet elevation gain, 2 to 3 hours
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