Helen Hunt Falls

Helen Hunt Falls from the bridge above

Each year nearly 500,000 visitors venture into North Cheyenne Cañon Park, a 1,320 acre area owned by Colorado Springs. This beautiful area is west of the Broadmoor Hotel and a short trip from downtown.  It's long been a favorite destination of Springs residents for a quick get away. With so many visitors, I recommend coming midweek. On summer weekends it can be very crowded and difficult to find parking. For those new to the Springs, my other piece of advice would be to get there via Gold Camp Road. This rugged drive offers fantastic views and really gives you a sense of being far from civilization.

Cascade above Helen Hunt Falls

Helen Hunt Falls is located immediately behind the visitors center. Named for Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885), a writer and activist for Native American causes, the waterfall is 35 feet tall. Depending on the time of year, the falls can be anywhere from a trickle to thunderous.

Silver Cascade Falls Trail

The Silver Cascade Trail crosses over a bridge above Helen Hunt Falls and takes visitors to an overlook of Silver Cascade Falls. This out-and-back trail is 0.3 miles long (each way), with lots and lots of steps.

For a description of the park and other trails in the area, click here.

View from Silver Cascade Falls Trail

Silver Cascade Falls from Gold Camp Road

Rampart Reservoir

Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.
--Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) Italian Painter, Sculptor, Architect and Engineer.

Rampart Reservoir (surface elevation 9,000 ft) is less than an hour's drive west of Colorado Springs and a fantastic place to unwind, relax and take in some beautiful Colorado scenery.  The dam creating the 500-acre reservoir was completed in 1969 but it was not until five years later that the lake was filled, providing drinking water for the City of Colorado Springs. With its crystal clear water and many inlets, it's a favorite for those who love trout fishing. A lakeside trail wraps around the reservoir for 12 miles and is popular with both hikers and bikers -- and numerous picnic tables are available (see photo below). While some of the area around the lake shows extensive damage from the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire, most remains lush and green. I saw one report that said that 18% of the reservoir's watershed was affected by the fire. No camping, campfires or swimming is allowed. And only electric or unpowered watercraft are allowed. Part of the road to get there is dirt, and though I've read comments online that said the road can be rutted and rough, it was in excellent shape when we visited and didn't present any issues for our car. There is a small per-car fee at the gate ($6 when we visited).  The reservoir is open seasonally to the public from May to November (the specific dates can change from year to year). Click here for more information.

You can also go camping nearby at Meadow Ridge and Thunder Ridge Campgrounds.

Directions: From Colorado Springs, drive west on Highway 24 for about 24 miles to Woodland Park. Right before McDonalds, turn north on Baldwin. You'll soon (~2 miles) come to a fork in the road, turn right onto Loy Creek Road, and then take another right on FDR 300 (Rampart Range Road). Follow signs. Rampart Reservoir entrance is about 4 miles further on the left. For a helpful map of the area click here.

achievement

No man ever achieved worth-while success who did not, at one time or other, find himself with at least one foot hanging well over the brink of failure.
--Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) American author.

Above: Rock climber at Garden of the Gods on the North Ridge of Montezuma's Tower.

For more on rock climbing at GOTG, click here and then click on 'climbing.'

More images and info on climbing Montezuma's Tower, click here. Lots of videos of this climb on You Tube.

Academy Views

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pictured here are views of the mountains from the campus of the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Click here to see my previous post on the Cadet Chapel.

daydream believer

People don't come to church for preachments, of course, but to daydream about God.
--Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1922-2007) American author.  

Above: Springtime walk among the spires at Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs. (Click image to enlarge). Taken last year on Easter weekend. Wish I could be there this Easter, even though this scene would be snowy!

Pioneers Museum

 Located in the beautifully restored El Paso County Courthouse (built 1903), the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum tells the history of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Containing more than 60,000 objects, the museum gives visitors a glimpse of life from the first inhabitants of this region through early settlement by the pioneers to today. It is located downtown, with easy parking and access. Admission is free and guided tours are available. Visit the website for hours, directions and more information.

My favorite exhibits were the Native American exhibit entitled "Cultural Crossroads", the "Behind the Lens" exhibit showcasing the work of Pikes Peak photographers throughout the years, and the "From the Ashes" exhibit, telling the story of the Waldo Canyon fire and recovery. 

The museum is a treasure trove of relics, photographs and memorabilia -- and a fantastic place to learn about the region's history and people who built Colorado Springs. 

Pulpit Rock

How is this place not a hugely popular destination?  I guess it's a good thing for those who frequent the lovely trails and rugged, rocky outcropping of Pulpit Rock that this very visible gem in the heart of Colorado Springs remains largely undiscovered by visitors to the Springs. What surprised me, upon stepping out on the trail, was how tranquil, spacious and remote the park seemed. Here it is in the middle of a busy city, and yet it gives a feeling of being much farther removed from civilization than it really is. From this rugged vantage point you can take it the superb views of the city, Cheyenne Mountain and Pikes Peak. The area at the top is fun to explore, lots of interesting and unique rock formations. Pulpit Rock is part of the enormous 584 acre Austin Bluffs Open Space.

The trails are not well marked, so you might want to study a map of the area before heading out. You reach the summit via the 'back' of pulpit rock (north side).  Most of the trail to the top is fairly easy, with just a slight elevation gain. The only difficulty is the final, steep ascent which requires a scramble up loose rock. Dogs are required to stay on leash, and obviously care needs to be taken at the top. The photos above were taken in June and those below in November.


Click here to see photos taken by "Colorado Guy"

Click here to learn about other 'Urban Hiking' opportunities in Colorado Springs.

Directions: We found two entry points off of North Nevada Ave. The more established one was north of the Harley Davidson store near a large electric utility facility (this seems to be the closer starting point as it is closer to the north side of Pulpit Rock - see thumbnail image to the right), the other (with limited, less developed parking) was a little ways south from there on Nevada and offers trail access from south of the rock which wraps around the rock (see bottom image).

roots and wings

There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.
--Hodding Carter (1907-1972) author.

Above: Evening stroll at Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey. 
--John Hope Franklin (1915-2009) American historian.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is located between Colorado Springs and Manitou, south of Highway 24. It's an enormous park (789 acres) filled with geological wonders. The area is similar to Garden of the Gods in terms of its red sandstone formations, and provides recreational opportunities for rock climbers, hikers and mountain bikers. What a great place to hike and explore!

Click here to visit Friends of Red Rock Canyon's webpage.
Click here for a trail map.

Gratitude

When I first open my eyes upon the morning meadows and look out upon the beautiful world, I thank God I am alive. 
--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American writer and philosopher.

Above: Another view of Pikes Peak from Black Forest in Colorado Springs.

beckoning grandeur

The mountains are calling and I must go.
--John Muir (1838-1914) Naturalist and Conservationist.

Pikes Peak, at 14,115 feet, dominates the skyline of Colorado Springs. This view was found north of the city near Black Forest. 

Gold Camp Road

Drive slow and enjoy the scenery -- drive fast and join the scenery.
--Doug Horton

Pictured here are scenes found along Gold Camp Road which winds through the mountains southwest of downtown Colorado Spring to North Cheyenne Canyon Park. The road is narrow and rough, but offers spectacular views of the city and the mountains. How great that this awesome road is right outside of the city! Lots of trails to explore as well.

The road follows an old railroad bed that once led from Colorado Springs to the gold mines in Cripple Creek, CO. Today, the lower part near Colorado Springs can be driven, and the upper section is open to hiking and biking. More information and directions here.

breathe deep

We ought to take outdoor walks, to refresh and raise our spirits by deep breathing in the open air. 
--Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BC-AD 65) Roman philosopher and statesman.

Above: Visitors taking in the open air and beautiful sights of Garden of the Gods.

Crystal Creek Reservoir

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles. 
--Doug Larson (b. 1926) Newspaper columnist.

Above: Boy fishing at Crystal Creek Reservoir.

This lake is part of the North Slope Recreation Area, containing 3 reservoirs which supply water to Colorado Springs. This particular reservoir has a surface area of 136 acres with 3.3 miles of shoreline and is a great place for picnicking, fishing, non-motorized boating and hiking. As you drive up the Pikes Peak Toll Road, this lake will be on your left and is easily accessed. To see my previous post on Pikes Peak click here.

Prospect Lake at Memorial Park

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.
--Wallace Stevens (1879-1955) American Poet.

Prospect Lake is part of the expansive 196 acre Memorial Park located east of downtown Colorado Springs. A 1.25-mile trail leads visitors around this urban lake with great views of Pikes Peak. In addition to walking, picnicking, fishing, and kayaking there are many other recreational opportunities available: playground, horseshoe pit, baseball, softball and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, skateboard park, and ice rink. So much to do. Pictured here is the impressive veterans memorial. Click images to enlarge. Map here.

Seven Falls

224 steps lead to the top of the falls

Tunnel leading to elevator.

Seven Falls is a natural wonder with water cascading 181 feet down the granite South Cheyenne Canyon. A stairway consisting of 224 steps lead adventurers to overlooks and trails at the top of the falls. The other option is to walk through a tunnel to an elevator leading 14 stories up through the granite to "the Eagle's Nest" viewing platform.  The views from the Eagle's Nest are fantastic. My photos, taken on a very sunny day don't really do it justice. If you visit at night, the entire waterfall is lit up in a colorful display. See their website for more photos.  For map and directions, click here.

Eagle's Nest Observation Platform

The drive leading through the canyon to the falls is spectacular. The Pillars of Hercules, just as you enter the property, soar 900 feet above the canyon floor. At its narrowest the canyon walls are just 41 feet apart.

Update: Following a flood in 2013, the area was closed due to damage to the road, fallen trees and debris on the falls. The attraction and surrounding land was recently sold to The Broadmoor, a nearby luxury hotel and resort, and will reopen in the Summer of 2015.

Approach road views are gorgeous

View of cliffs above the Eagle's Nest

Air Force Academy Chapel

Constructed of aluminum, glass and steel, the chapel at the US Air Force Academy north of Colorado Springs soars 150 feet into the sky. Between the seventeen spires are narrow gaps filled with stained glass of various colors depending on their placement in the structure. It is one of the most unique and beautiful churches to be found anywhere. The chapel was completed in 1962 at a cost of $3.5 million to serve the spiritual needs of cadets. Pictured here is the largest of the chapels located on the main level. On the lower level are smaller chapels for other denominations/faiths including Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist and an 'all faiths' chapel serving the needs of Muslims and other faiths.

Everything about the main chapel is mammoth.  It seats 1,200 worshipers. The cross behind the main alter is 46 feet tall, 12 feet wide and weighs 1,200 pounds. The organ, located in the balcony opposite the alter, contains 4,334 pipes. The largest pipe is 32 feet high and the smallest is pencil size. Okay, so not everything is mammoth! 

The chapel is the most visited structure in Colorado, receiving 800,000 visitors each year. In September of 2019, the chapel was closed for an extensive four-year, $150 million renovation. 

Links:

USAF Academy Page
Official Facebook Page 

City of Colorado Springs Air Force Academy Page