North Cheyenne Cañon Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak on the southwest edge of Colorado Springs, North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a 1,600-acre natural area known for its steep canyon walls, cascading streams, and dense forests of pine and fir. Established in 1885, it is one of the region’s oldest and most beloved parks, offering a dramatic gateway into the mountains while protecting critical wildlife habitat and watershed resources.
Recreation and Trails
North Cheyenne Cañon Park features over 20 miles of trails for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, with access to longer backcountry routes extending into surrounding forest lands. Popular destinations include Helen Hunt Falls, one of the most accessible waterfalls in the region, and the Seven Bridges Trail, a scenic route that follows a creek through a shaded canyon.
The park is also home to two key visitor hubs: the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, which offers exhibits, educational programs, and trail information, and the Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center, where visitors can learn about the canyon’s geology, ecology, and history while enjoying views of the falls. The park also connects to Gold Camp Road, a historic corridor offering both recreational access and expansive views.
Wildlife and Scenery
The canyon’s varied terrain supports a wide range of wildlife, including mule deer, black bears, foxes, and numerous bird species. Streams flowing through the canyon create lush riparian zones, while higher elevations transition into dense conifer forests. Seasonal changes bring vibrant wildflowers in spring, cool shaded hikes in summer, golden aspen in fall, and quiet snow-covered landscapes in winter.
History
For generations, Indigenous peoples traveled through this canyon before it became a destination for early settlers and visitors seeking mountain scenery. North Cheyenne Cañon was officially established as a city park in 1885 through land donations by General William Jackson Palmer and others. Over time, the park became a cornerstone of Colorado Springs’ park system, preserving both natural beauty and access to the mountains for the community.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 2120 S. Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Parking: Multiple parking areas throughout the canyon, including at trailheads, the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, and Helen Hunt Falls
Hours: Open daily, typically 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (seasonal variations may apply)
Fees: No entry fee
Tips:
- Stop at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center for maps, exhibits, and current trail conditions
- Visit early, especially on weekends, as parking fills quickly
- Stay on designated trails to protect sensitive habitat
- Bring layers—temperatures can vary significantly in the canyon
With its towering canyon walls, flowing waterfalls, and educational visitor centers, North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers a classic Colorado experience just minutes from downtown.
