Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Summary
This is a classic trail to a tumbling cascade: not too long, not too steep, and drop-dead gorgeous. There are views of the city, views of the mountains, and plenty of solitude.

Location
Cheyenne Canyon

Hike
Start by walking west up the Gold Camp Road for 1.2 miles, around a long switchback to the south, and over a burned railroad tunnel. A trail on the left side of the tunnel takes hikers up and over, then west up Buffalo Creek. From the entrance of the creek, it is about 1.6 miles to St. Mary's Falls. The trail begins to climb steeply through the woods. Although it generally sticks to the dry, south-facing side of the valley, it can have snow and ice in fall and spring. In May this area blossoms with pasque flowers. In June it hides wild raspberries and strawberries. In late winter, it hides only ice, but hikers who reach the falls can enjoy the quiet trickle bouncing over the granite. Look for an old metal sign for the base of the falls on the left after a switchback. The top of the falls is another 0.2 mile up the trail.

To get there
Drive up North Cheyenne Canon Road 3.2 miles to a gravel parking lot at the top.

Trip Log
3 boots, 5.6 miles round-trip, 1,200-foot elevation gain.

Details
Information: Pike National Forest, 636-1602.
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