HAPPY TRAILS: Buckhorn Trail Loop
One great thing: There's usually plenty of parking for all.
HAPPY TRAILS: Buckhorn Trail Loop
2 boots
4 miles
700-foot elevation gain
The Buckhorn Trail climbs a ridge on the sunny side of North Cheyenne Cañon, where snow quickly melts away. Even in snowy years, it is one of a few local winter hikes at elevation where snowshoes are not required.
To get there
From Colorado Springs, take U.S. Highway 24 west to 21st Street. Go south on 21st until you reach Cheyenne Boulevard. Turn west on Cheyenne Boulevard and follow it about a half-mile to the mouth of Cheyenne Cañon. Drive up to the top of the canyon, past the Helen Hunt Falls parking area, to a large dirt parking lot at the beginning of High Drive.
The hike
Winter is the best time to explore the Buckhorn Trail on foot. In summer it’s a popular thoroughfare for mountain bikers and finishes on a dirt road open to motor traffic. But when snow is falling, most bikers stay home and the road, High Drive connecting Cheyenne and Bear Creek canyons, has a big padlock on its entrance.
Start the hike by heading up Gold Camp Road past a hefty metal gate on the west side of the parking lot. Follow this old railroad grade-turned-toll road-turned dog-walking area for a half-mile until a distinct path climbs off to the right. If the road makes a hairpin turn back to the east, you’ve gone too far.
Now begin the long, steady climb to the top of Mount Buckhorn. The trail is clear except for one junction 100 yards up from the road that leads down and left. Keep right and head up to the ridge.
When you’re ready to stop and catch your breath, look around at the mountainside. For most of winter, the snow is patchy or nonexistent because sun bakes the south-facing slope. Now look out across the canyon at the north-facing slopes. Snow blankets them all winter, sometimes not melting until May or June.
The trees on the far side are the straight, narrow spruces and firs that need a lot of moisture. The trees flanking the trail by your feet are scraggly ponderosa pines that thrive in dry weather.
When the trail reaches the top of Buckhorn Ridge, it forms a T. Turn right and amble another quarter-mile along the ridge to a craggy point that commands a sprawling view of Cheyenne Cañon and its less-visited neighboring valleys. You’re at the halfway point.
The trail leads down to the top of the High Drive. From there, summer mountain bikers cross the road to Captain Jack’s Trail. Winter hikers should turn right and saunter down the empty road to complete the loop.
Details
The trail has regular foot traffic. If you take a dog, put it on a leash and stay on the trail. Take a jacket because, even if it’s warm in town, it will be a lot chiller up here, especially in the shade. Pike National Forest, 636-1602.
Rating system
A scale of one to four boots. One is easiest, with little elevation gain, and it is at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme length.
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