I used to be excited to run in Colorado once more. Working in North Cheyenne Cañon Park kicked my butt. The truth is, I felt so defeated the primary time I made a decision to return again for some brief climbing after. I’m no stranger and really hiked the Seven Bridges Path in 2017. I’m having a tough time accepting that was 8 years in the past, however I digress. We got here again in 2025 as a part of our two week highway journey…not as a result of we sought it out, however timing labored out.
With over 1,600 acres of rugged wilderness, it’s no shock North Cheyenne Cañon is a well-liked vacation spot. You’ll discover every thing from scenic dust roads to singletrack switchbacks…all wrapped in high-desert forest and mountain views.
Earlier than working on the North Cheyenne Cañon Park I had some questions:
Is it onerous to run at North Cheyenne Cañon Park? Now, I haven’t been doing trails as a lot and don’t stay at altitude so I’m going to say sure LOL.
Is North Cheyenne Cañon Park good for walkers? Sure, simply know you’re going up some hills.
About North Cheyenne Cañon Park:
The story behind North Cheyenne Cañon Park goes method again to the late 1800s when Colorado Springs founder Common William Jackson Palmer donated the land to assist protect the pure great thing about the realm.
He believed the canyon was one of many metropolis’s biggest treasures, and truthfully, it’s onerous to disagree. In 1885, the residents of Colorado Springs even voted to buy further land for the park, solidifying its place within the metropolis’s outside tradition.
Over time, the park has grown to incorporate iconic spots like Helen Hunt Falls, Silver Cascade Falls, and the Starsmore Customer and Nature Heart. Right this moment, it’s not only a place to hike or run…it’s a protected panorama that carries over a century of native historical past with each footstep.
In regards to the park:
North Cheyenne Cañon Park covers over 1,200 acres of rugged magnificence and affords a few of the finest views and path entry within the space.With round 56 miles of trails winding by means of the canyon, there’s one thing right here for each sort of outside lover…whether or not you’re climbing, working, mountain biking, or simply out for a scenic drive. You’ll additionally discover quiet picnic areas scattered all through the park, and there’s a big group shelter out there when you’re planning one thing a bit extra social.
On the high of the canyon highway, there’s a mud car parking zone that connects to main trailheads, Gold Camp Street, and Excessive Drive. Whereas autos can’t transcend the higher gates, foot and bike visitors are welcome to proceed exploring deeper into the backcountry.
Why Run Right here?
In the event you’re craving selection, this place delivers. You can begin your run on paved highway, head into the forest, and finish at a waterfall. There’s a motive this park is beloved by Colorado Springs locals…it’s one of many few locations the place you possibly can log elevation, soak within the surroundings, and nonetheless seize a espresso close by afterward.
Plus, wildlife sightings are widespread. Mule deer, foxes, even the occasional bear (don’t fear…they don’t need to see you both). And when you cease lengthy sufficient close to the creek, you’ll spot tiny birds like hummingbirds and kingfishers darting round. After I was at North Cheyenne Cañon Park, I noticed deer subsequent to my automotive in addition to wild turkeys crossing the highway.
Path Choices for Each Runner
The park includes a community of well-marked trails starting from “easyish” to quad-burning. Listed here are just a few standout choices when you’re working:
Columbine Path
That is the principle artery of the park for runners. If you’re in search of the perfect path at North Cheyenne Cañon Park for working, take into account the Columbine path. Beginning on the Starsmore Customer and Nature Heart, it climbs steadily by means of the canyon for about 4 miles earlier than ending on the higher dust lot close to Helen Hunt Falls. It’s an out-and-back with a number of possibilities to hop on or off at highway crossings, making it straightforward to shorten or prolong your run.
Gold Camp Street
If you need a large dust path with room to maneuver, that is your route. After Helen Hunt Falls, the canyon highway continues uphill till it intersects with Gold Camp Street, a former rail line turned path. It’s flat(ish), nice for tempo efforts, and ultimate if you wish to zone out to the rhythm of your toes. Bonus: The views listed below are wonderful, particularly as you achieve altitude.
Seven Bridges Path
This one’s a crowd-pleaser for good motive. As talked about, it was my first expertise at North Cheyenne Cañon Park! Although it’s a shorter run or hike (about 3 miles spherical journey), it crosses a gorgeous creek seven occasions through…you guessed it…seven bridges. The bridges are charming, the climb is manageable, and also you’re rewarded with cascading water and luxurious forest environment. Begin from the west facet of Gold Camp Street simply after the dust lot.
Sensible Particulars for Path Runners
Canines are welcome however should be leashed.
Restrooms: There are restrooms on the North Cheyenne Cañon Park, however they’re so onerous to search out.
Greatest parking is on the dust lot above Helen Hunt Falls or at pull-offs alongside North Cheyenne Cañon Street. Go early…parking fills quick on weekends.
Park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in summer time, and 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. in winter. Gates lock at closing time.
Elevation and altitude are not any joke right here…most runs embrace a minimum of 500–1,000 toes of achieve. Take it straightforward when you’re new to high-altitude efforts.
Remaining Ideas on Working in North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Whether or not you’re within the temper for a mellow jog alongside a creek or a harder long term into the mountains, North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a good selection. It’s has loads of native historical past, stuffed with pure magnificence, and affords the most effective path techniques inside metropolis limits.
Who Ought to Run at North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Anybody who enjoys climbing and elevation achieve
Path runners coaching for races or constructing power
Guests who need to mix a exercise with waterfalls and views
Runners with canine (on-leash) who take pleasure in forested paths
Who Ought to Not Run at North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Runners delicate to altitude or new to working at elevation
These in search of flat, paved loops with out visitors crossings
Anybody uncomfortable with steep drop-offs or switchbacks
Runners needing restrooms or water entry mid-run (restricted services so carry your personal hydration/fueling)
You may see Strava right here and all hike and path runs right here.
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Questions for you:
Have you ever been to Colorado Springs?
The place is your favourite place to path run?
