A creek-carved granite canyon on the edge of Colorado Springs: waterfalls, city-park crags, and Gold Camp Road singletrack
North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a city park on the southwest edge of Colorado Springs, a short drive from the Broadmoor district and the base of Cheyenne Mountain. One paved road climbs the canyon past the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center to Helen Hunt Falls, with Silver Cascade Falls and the Seven Bridges walk along the way. Above the falls, the closed upper Gold Camp Road leads to Tunnel 3, St. Mary's Falls and the Captain Jack's / Buckhorn mountain bike and hiking system. Rock climbers use the canyon's granite: the park is one of four City of Colorado Springs sites open to technical climbing, with The Pinnacle on Mount Cutler, the Amphitheater and Sun Slabs among the best known areas. Seven Falls and South Cheyenne Cañon sit at the canyon's southern mouth, Stratton Open Space and Cheyenne Mountain State Park are close by, and the Broadmoor area makes a comfortable base. Colorado Springs has its own page (colorado-springs-co) as the wider overview of the city; this page covers the southwest side only.
The details that make a trip to North Cheyenne Canyon go smoothly, from our original guide.
North Cheyenne Cañon is a city park on the southwest edge of Colorado Springs, at the base of Pikes Peak. The canyon road passes the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center on the way to Helen Hunt Falls. Climbing areas lie along the canyon with short approaches. The granite varies from excellent to friable, so choose popular routes and check local information. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so start early.
The places you can't miss in North Cheyenne Canyon, best rated first.
The canyon's best-known crag, obvious from the road; its north face carries the multi-pitch Army Route. Granite quality varies, so stick to popular lines.
Shaded crag southwest of The Pinnacle with plenty of trees, which helps in summer.
Sport climbing area on the east side of The Pinnacle's slope above the canyon.
Shared-use singletrack from the Gold Camp Road gate over Mt. Buckhorn toward Jones Park; best ridden as a downhill. Expect other bikes, hikers, horses and some motorcycles.
Trail from the Starsmore center up the canyon to Helen Hunt Falls, open to cyclists, with three trailheads.
Roadside waterfall on Cheyenne Creek at the top of the paved canyon road, with a parking area and visitor center. Short walk from the car.
Popular creek-side route crossing the stream on seven bridges, up toward the falls and the upper canyon.
Small cascade just below Helen Hunt Falls, reached on a short walk from the same area.
A car is the practical way to reach the canyon. North Cheyenne Cañon Road runs from the park entrance to the Helen Hunt Falls parking area, about 2.5 miles up, and the city notes there is no cell service at the falls. The park is open 5 am-10 pm May 1-Oct 31 and 5 am-9 pm Nov 1-Apr 30. Continuing to the gravel lot at the Gold Camp Road gate is about 3 miles from the entrance. Seven Falls is reached by a shuttle from the Norris Penrose Event Center on Lower Gold Camp Road. Check the city page for current road closures; the road was closed for bridge repairs in 2021-22.
Commercial airport on the east side of Colorado Springs; distance and drive time are our estimates from its Wikipedia location.
Far larger choice of airlines and routes; the usual option for long-haul trips. Distance and time are estimates.
| City | Distance | Drive to North Cheyenne Canyon |
|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO | about 70 mi | about 1h 15m (estimate) |
| Pueblo, CO | about 45 mi | about 50m (estimate) |
| Albuquerque, NM | about 330 mi | about 5h (estimate) |
| Salt Lake City, UT | about 600 mi | about 9h (estimate) |
| Kansas City, MO | about 600 mi | about 9h (estimate) |
What a trip to North Cheyenne Canyon costs, what to sort out ahead of time, and how to stay safe.
City of Colorado Springs requires technical climbers to register for a free annual permit; North Cheyenne Cañon is one of four approved sites. Non-discoloring chalk substitute only; bouldering height limit ten feet; fines up to $500 and loss of privileges for violations.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park has no entry fee. Hours 5 am-10 pm May 1-Oct 31, 5 am-9 pm Nov 1-Apr 30 (city page).
A Colorado state parks pass is required for every vehicle; camping is by reservation only; fees vary, check Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Paid admission; park at the Norris Penrose Event Center and take the shuttle. Check sevenfalls.com or call before visiting.
Standard US entry rules; international visitors should check ESTA/visa requirements.
The upper canyon and Gold Camp Road sit well above 7,000 ft, so allow time to adjust, carry water and wear sun protection. There is no cell phone service at Helen Hunt Falls, per the city.
Historic city park next to the Broadmoor district, loved by locals for quick after-work hikes and rides.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer: start early and leave exposed terrain.
Climbers must register for the free annual city permit; scrambling more than ten feet above a rock's base without proper equipment is prohibited, and bouldering has a ten-foot limit.
Dogs, wildlife (the city notes bears and mountain lions) and slippery rock near the falls call for care.
Check current conditions and closures before driving up.
Easy waterfall walks, a visitor center and a free city park make the lower canyon good for families; the upper trails and climbing are more demanding. Family score is a judgement call.
Family-friendliness is scored from real web evidence across multiple sources — trail difficulty, access, and how families describe each spot — not a single opinion.
A short walk from the parking area to a waterfall, with a visitor center beside it. Rocks around the falls are slippery, so keep kids back from the edge.
The city-run nature center at the canyon entrance is free and a good first stop for kids; check the city page for hours.
A popular creek-side walk over seven bridges. It gets steeper higher up, so children can turn around at any bridge.
A small waterfall just below Helen Hunt Falls on a short walk, easy for young children.
A staffed attraction with a stair and viewing platforms; children 2-12 have a reduced ticket and under 2 are free.
A state park with trails and a campground; only a few trails allow dogs, and a park pass is needed per vehicle.
A trail from the visitor center up toward Helen Hunt Falls that is shared with cyclists; fine for families who keep children close.
A long, high-elevation hike past Tunnel 3; better for older children with good stamina.
| Sport | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Climbing | — | — | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | — |
| Mountain Biking | — | — | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | — |
| Running | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Comfortable temperatures for climbing, hiking and riding; the park is open to 10 pm from May 1. Judgement call from the canyon's elevation range.
Spring and fall days can be good but variable; in July-August afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early (judgement call; see safetyNotes).
Cold and icy on the upper canyon and Gold Camp Road, with short days; the park closes at 9 pm Nov-Apr. Lower trails remain walkable in dry spells.
Resort district at the mouth of the canyon with The Broadmoor hotel, its restaurants, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and a lake. Closest base to the park.
Stay here if: You want to be minutes from North and South Cheyenne Cañon and don't mind resort prices (judgement call).
Residential area with local restaurants and quieter streets between the Broadmoor and downtown.
Stay here if: You want a mid-priced base close to the canyon road entrance.
State-park campground a few miles south with trails and a visitor center.
Stay here if: You want to camp (reservations required; state park pass needed in addition to site fees).
Long-running Colorado Springs outdoor retailer (listed on the previous version of this page; confirm current details).
Large outdoor shop for camping, climbing and bike gear (from the previous page; confirm details).
Resort outfitter at 6 Lake Ave, offering bike rentals and guided rides.
Guided rock climbing at Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Cañon or Red Rock Canyon (equipment included, about 3.5 hours), plus guided mountain bike tours.
Local guide service carried over from the previous version of this page; confirm current offerings.
Many options including the Penrose Room, Ristorante del Lago and La Taverne; Michelin-recommended places listed on the Broadmoor site.
Colorado cuisine and local beers at the base of the falls, operated by the Broadmoor.
Casual lunch and beer, named in Visit Colorado Springs' foodie itinerary.
You've got the field notes. Time to put it on the calendar.