Topic: COMMUNITY INTEREST
7 Falls Hike In Colorado Springs
The hike to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs follows a paved canyon trail 0.8 mile to this famous tiered 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 Colorado Springs attraction. Explore the 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.
Since purchased by the Broadmoor, the hike to Seven Falls begins at the east parking area at 6 Lake Street in Colorado Springs. Visitors then take the free shuttle 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 $1 tram service to the base of the falls; however, the tram is prioritized for those who are 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.
There are 4 Different hike options for visitors to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs.
#1 – Initial hike from the ticket area to the base of Seven Falls
At the base of the the waterfall, you can choose to take the staircase of 224 steps that provide both an opportunity to view the unique segments of this tiered waterfall and give visitors access to the 3 hikes above Seven Falls.
At the falls, visitors can also take an elevator to an observation point.
#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.
#4 – Stage Road Loop Hike
A longer loop hike that visits both Inspiration Point and Midnight Falls can be created by following the route above to Inspiration Point. After visiting Inspiration Point, hikers would continue south then east on the Sunrise trail, which intersects with the Old Stage Road at approximately 1 mile into the hike.
Going right on the Old Stage road, it will wind south, then will make its way west to where it will intersect with the Inspiration Point Trail (on the right/north side of the road). The Old Stage Road segment is approximately 1 mile.
The Inspiration Point trail will lead North back towards Seven Falls. After about 1/2 a mile on on the Inspiration Point Trail, hikers will see the short spur trail on the left that leads to Midnight Falls. After visiting Midnight falls, this loop hike can be completed by following the Midnight Falls trail back to the steps above Seven Falls. The total distance for this loop hike ends up being approximately 3 miles. Because Seven Falls has posted closing times, hikers should budget enough time for this longer hike so that they are able to make it back for the last shuttle to the parking area.
Fee: While parking itself is free of charge for patrons, there is a fee required to visit Seven Falls. At the time of this posting, the fee for visiting Seven Falls is $14 for adults and $8 for children. For the most up-to-date prices and hours, contact the Seven Falls Office at 1-855-923-7272.
