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North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a jewel of the Colorado Springs park system, a great network of trails, waterfalls and overlooks just a few miles from downtown. This is the lowest trail in the park, starting at the Starsmore Discovery Center at the park’s entrance. The trail runs parallel to the road, crossing it at the Mid-Columbine Trailhead. It then climbs above the canyon, offering great views as it continues ever upward, ending at the Upper Columbine Trailhead after four miles. You can either return the way you came, or walk down the road. Despite the name, columbines aren’t known to grow at this low elevation.

Pro Tips

  • This is a great year-round trail, though the first mile is shaded and may be icy in winter. From the Mid-Columbine Trailhead, the trail faces south and is therefore often sunny and usually snow-free.
  • The Starsmore Discovery Center, open daily in summer Tuesday-Saturday in late spring and early fall, is a great starting point to ask questions, get a map and learn more about the florae and fauna of the park.
  • Bristol Brewing Co., which provided most of the donations for the new Helen Hunt Falls visitor center in the park, makes for a great post-hike watering hole. It’s located in the former Ivywild Elementary School.

    • Recommended season(s): Year-round.

    –R. Scott Rappold

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