Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Summary
This short loop takes hikers to an ephemeral waterfall that changes from season to season and year to year, depending on water levels. Sometimes it rushes in a noisy torrent. Even in dry years, it attracts an array of small wildlife.

Location
West of Colorado Springs

Hike
Start up the Section 16 Trail, which climbs northwest through the scrub oak. Look for mariposa lilies in the shade and listen for the tiny rufus-sided towhees rustling in the dry leaves. The path climbs 200 feet in 0.5 mile, then levels out and veers west. Stick to the most-traveled trail; there are a few smaller trails that branch off 0.8 miles from the start. Turn right at a marked sign for the Paul Intemann Memorial Nature Trail. The trail contours for 0.4 miles, then starts to drop into a small canyon. Here a marked trail for the waterfall branches to the left. Follow the branch up a steep, rocky trail to a point, less than 0.25 miles ahead, where it scampers down to the falls. Here, after summer cloudbursts or during spring snowmelts, a cascade splatters down a series of stone ledges. When we last checked, it was nothing but the slightest sheen of moisture creeping over the rock. It was enough to attract a galaxy of moths, butterflies, tiny flies and midges, and a few hummingbirds hunting amid the moss. Even when the falls are dry, this is a nice spot to sit on a log and listen to nature in the cool shade. Return up a short climb from the waterfall, then take a right up the trail, which quickly joins the Section 16 Trail. Go left and return down to the trailhead.

To get there
From U.S. Highway 24, take 26th Street south, drive 1.4 miles past the cemetery, up two switchbacks to a stop sign at Gold Camp Road. Turn right (west) onto Gold Camp and drive 0.6 mile to the trailhead.

Trip Log
2.4 miles, 800 feet elevation gain

Details
Not recommended for bikes. No camping, no fires; city-managed open space, open dawn to dusk.
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