Hiking Colorado - North Cheyenne Canyon

Today, my mom and i decided to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and go for an "easy" hike. After debating the many amazing trails in the Colorado Springs area, my mom suggested that we check out Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Canyon Park.

Up for an adventure, my mom, uncle, and I jumped in the car and thought we check it out. We were in for a surprise. As we winded through the long mountain road in North Cheyenne Canyon, we drove past a beautiful river surrounded by several trail heads and picnic grounds. Only a few minutes short drive from Old Colorado City and downtown Colorado Springs, I was surprised how close this mountain refuge was... and more surprised that I never hiked the trail before.

The trail started at the base of a water fall. The late afternoon sun quickly racing behind the mountain, the beautiful waterfall and greenery was a delicious respite from the early afternoon's heat. The hike, although a short 1/2 mile, follows the river straight up the mountain to beautiful views. Although it is a good 15-20 minute workout for the out of towner, it was worth it. (There are a lot of benches to stop and catch your breath along the way! My mom, the local, did the hike with her arm in a sling with no problem.)

Doing some quick detective work, I came upon this description of North Cheyenne Cañon Park by the city of Colorado Springs:

North Cheyenne Cañon Park, known for its towering evergreens and wildflowers, stunning rock formations, hiking paths and waterfalls, was a popular camping ground for American Indians, particularly the Ute tribes. Purchased in 1885, General Palmer and Fred Chamberlain enhanced the park with more donations of land. The High Drive and Crystal Park Trail traverse the steep sides of the mountains. The Bruin Inn provided visitors a spot to buy refreshments near Helen Hunt Falls. Eventually, the Columbine Trail was built from the mouth of the Cañon three miles up to Helen Hunt Falls. Between 1914 and the 20s, massive stone bridges, walls and arches were constructed throughout the valley. North Cheyenne Cañon Park is now 1,626 acres, including the Stratton Open Space. Helen Hunt Falls and Starsmore Discovery Center are popular visitor centers in the park which feature nature exhibits, a climbing wall and educational programs.

Hiking Colorado - Garden of the Gods

Located only a few short miles away from my parents home in Colorado Springs is a majestic park filled with dramtic red sandstone rock formations that has made it world famous. It wouldn't be a trip home without a hike in Garden of the Gods and a snapshot or two of the infamous rock formations, include the one called "the kissing camels" in the photo above.

According to legend, the 1350 acre city park got its name from two surveyors, who started out from Denver City to begin a townsite, soon to be called Colorado City in August 1859. While exploring nearby locations, they came upon the sandstone formations. M. S. Beach, who related this incident, suggested that it would be a "capital place for a beer garden" when the country grew up. His companion, Rufus Cable exclaimed, "Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods."

With a plethora of hiking trails and magnificent views, this is a must stop for any visitor to the Colorado Springs. Whether it is an easy stroll winding through the largest rock formation on Perkins Cental Garden Trail (which is a 1.5 mile paved loop that is handicap accessible) or the challenging and rocky 3 mile Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail that nearly circles the entire park, there is something for every level of hiker.

For those history buffs: The land was originally purchased in 1879 by Charles Elliott Perkins, the head of the Burlington Railroad, with the intent to build a summer home by the urging of General William Jackson Palmer, who founded Colorado Springs. According the park website, Perkins later added to the property but never built on it, preferring to leave his wonderland in its natural state for the enjoyment of the public. Perkins died in 1907 before he made arrangements for the land to become a public park, although it had been open to the public for years. In 1909, Perkins' children, knowing their father's feeling for the Garden of the Gods, conveyed his four-hundred eighty acres to the citizens of Colorado Springs and declared the park, "forever free to all the people of the world."

You can find maps and more information at http://www.gardenofgods.com