Get Directions

Things To Do

HikingRunning

Once the carriage route between the gold mines of Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs, this road has become a trail since being closed to cars after a 1988 tunnel collapse. It starts at the top parking lot in North Cheyenne Canon Park and winds around the stunning valley, providing access to the popular Seven Bridges and St. Mary’s Falls trails. Cyclists or ambitious hikers can continue 8 miles, all the way to where the closed road meets Old Stage Road, which is an alternate (but long, potholed and winding) route to Cripple Creek. It features panoramic views of the Colorado Springs skyline for much of its length.

Pro Tips

  • Cycling up the road and to the other end of the closure and then coasting down makes for a great biking trip but a very long day for a hiker.
  • North Cheyenne Canon offers many attractions worthy of adding to your day. Take a short hike to Helen Hunt Falls, a moderate hike to Helen Hunt Falls, or a longer hike up the Seven Bridges Trail.
  • There’s a small visitors center at the Helen Hunt Falls trailhead that offers souvenirs and beverages during the summer months.

    • Recommended season(s): Spring to fall.

    –R. Scott Rappold

    Newsletters

    Get OutThere

    Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates.

    (0) comments

    Welcome to the discussion.

    Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
    PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
    Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
    Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
    Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
    Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
    Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.

    Post a comment
    Stop watching this discussion.