The hike to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs follows a paved canyon trail 0.8 mile to this famous tiered 181-foot waterfall. After severe damage by the floods in 2013, the Broadmoor Resort purchased the property and has made significant improvements, including trail and site repairs, as well as creating an on-site restaurant. As in the past, there is an access fee to this historic Colorado Springs attraction. Explore our full Seven Falls hike profile for 4 different hike options, driving directions, trail map, and tips for making the most of your trip to Seven Falls.

Trail Snapshot: Seven Falls in Colorado Springs

Parking & Trailhead Information for Seven Falls

The parking and shuttle service for Seven Falls is located at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road in Colorado Springs. Visitors take the free shuttle from the parking area to the Seven Falls entrance. From here, it’s a 0.8 mile (one-way) hike through the canyon up to Seven Falls. Visitors have the option of taking a tram service to the base of the falls; however, the tram is prioritized for those who have physical limitations that may prevent them from making the journey up to the falls and back. So, on busy days, availability may be limited.

Driving Directions for Seven Falls Parking:

You must take a shuttle from the Norris Penrose building. To access the shuttle from Denver, take I-25 South to exit 141 onto North Cimarron St. Go right/west onto Cimarron St./24 West. At the first intersection, turn left onto 8th Street. After just 0.4 mile on 8th street, turn right onto Lower Gold Camp Road. After 0.4 mile on Lower Gold Camp Road, take a left into the Penrose Equestrian Center. Parking is in the dirt lot to the north of the Norris Penrose building (look for 7 Falls signs). There is no parking at Seven Falls.

Fee:

While parking itself is free of charge for patrons, there is a fee required to visit Seven Falls. For the most up-to-date prices and hours, access the Seven Falls site or contact the Seven Falls Office at 1-855-923-7272.

The Hike: Seven Falls Trail in Colorado Springs

There are three different hike options for visitors to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs.

#1 – Entrance to Base of Seven Falls

Visitors to Seven Falls can walk the 0.8-mile paved trail from the entrance to the base of the falls. The paved, private road winds through South Cheyenne Canyon and under the shadows cast by the Pillars of Hercules, a set of twin rock towers that soar nearly 1000 feet above the floor of the canyon.

At the base of the waterfall, you can choose to take the staircase of 224 steps that provide an opportunity to view the unique segments of this tiered waterfall and give visitors access to the additional three hikes above Seven Falls. At the falls, visitors can also take an elevator to an observation point, which is perhaps the best place to photograph the falls.

A Great Place to Rest and Relax

The path to the base of the falls is wheelchair accessible, and there is a sheltered viewing area (pictured here) and rocking chairs for visitors. If you’re hiking along Cheyenne Creek from the entrance, you’ll also find benches and picnic tables along the trail where you can take a break and soak in the sights and sounds of the canyon.

#2 – Midnight Falls Loop Hike

After climbing the steps to the area above Seven Falls, a short 0.35-mile trail leads south along Cripple Creek to another small waterfall, Midnight Falls. Round trip, this hike takes approximately 30 minutes and is a total distance out-and-back of 0.7 mile.

#3 – Inspiration Point Out-and-Back Hike

Once above the Falls, visitors will follow the Midnight Falls Trail until its first intersection with the Inspiration Point Trail. Taking a left onto the Inspiration Point Trail, it will lead east, then north to the Helen Hunt Jackson Memorial and to the Inspiration Point observation area. Here, hikers can take in views of the Great Plains as they stretch out to the East and of views of the city of Colorado Springs below. The hike to Inspiration Point is about 1.5-mile round-trip and takes approximately one hour to complete from the top of the falls.

Adventure Report – June 2023

In June of 2023, my teenage daughters and I hiked the winding canyon road up to Seven Falls, climbed the steep set of stairs to the top, and explored the trails above the falls. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at 1858 restaurant, explored the gift shops, and made some memories.

A front had moved in, bringing rain to Colorado Springs, but it didn’t ruin our adventure. In fact, the clouds and mist added to the enchantment of Cheyenne Canyon. I was impressed by the established trees lining the creek: thick Ponderosa Pines and tall Douglas Fir. The White Fir trees were especially beautiful in the rain. When wet, their needles turn a glossy white and shimmer when they catch the light.

Along the road, toward the top, there’s a food truck and picnic pavilion. At this point, what stood out most to me was the care taken to preserve and maintain the property. From the lawns to the flowers, and paint to the lighting, the grounds were immaculate. We experienced the same thing at the Cog Railway in Manitou Springs. I love places with historical significance, and I’m always encouraged to see them so well cared for.

Lunch at 1858 Restaurant

The walls of 1858 are decorated with Western artwork and memorabilia documenting the history of Seven Falls and Cheyenne Canyon. Compared to a lunch down in Colorado Springs, you’ll pay a bit of a premium to eat here next to the falls. However, like every establishment managed by the Broadmoor, you’ll get fantastic food and top-notch service. Our girls both eat gluten-free, and 1858 provided a GF bun for their burgers–and the fries were perfect.

Reservations are recommended for dinner, and you’ll want allow about an hour before your reservation for taking the shuttle and walking the road up to the restaurant. More info is available at: https://www.sevenfalls.com/dine/restaurant-1858/

After lunch, we climbed the 224 steps to the top of the falls. Along the way, we enjoyed the more up-close experience of the upper leaps that make up the seven segments of the waterfall. 

The trails above the falls were well-marked, and it was easy to find our way to Midnight Falls and then over to Inspiration Point. Midnight Falls is a quaint waterfall, and was worth the short hike through the forest.

While the girls took the steps back down to the gift shop, I hiked the trail up to Inspiration Point. I actually found some of the lookouts along the way more enjoyable than the final destination. Distant lightning and some loud thunder were moving in from the west, so I high-tailed it back down to the base of the Falls.

Though it was a misty and foggy day, we were all smiles. The hike through the canyon to the falls, our lunch, and our time being together as a family was another chance to make memories and enjoy this unique site in our beautiful state of Colorado.

Tips & Resources for Hiking to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs

  • Expect Crowds in Summer and on Weekends: Because Seven Falls is a popular tourist destination, it can become quite crowded on weekends and during the vacation season of Mid-May through Labor Day Weekend.
  • Operating Hours Vary: The open and close times, as well as shuttle service, varies during different seasons. Inclement weather can also close Seven Falls, so be sure to call ahead for hours 1-855-923-7272.
  • Trail Map for Seven Falls in Colorado Springs: Trail Map Link
  • Packing List: Always pack the 10 Essentials. Download our Hiking Guide to get the list and dayhiking packing checklist.
  • Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
  • Photo: We would like to express our gratitude to Tim Caynes and John Folwer for sharing their photographs of Seven Falls in Colorado Springs.
  • After the Hike: Restaurant 1858 at Seven Falls: The lunch menu is more than what you might pay at a similar place in town, but quality of food and beautiful location make it worth it. Dinner menu is more expensive. No dogs, except service animals, allowed at the restaurant.

Weather

Map & Driving Directions

waterfall in canyon with bridge in foreground fish creek falls waterfall in colorado

Looking for more waterfalls near Denver? Explore our more than 50 Colorado Waterfall Hikes, our favorite Waterfall Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, or 7 Waterfalls within One Hour of Denver.