Columbine Trail

Overview: North Cheyenne Creek slices through Cheyenne Canyon, bordered on the north by Mays Peak and Mount Buckhorn, and on the south by Mount Cutler and Muscoco Mountain. Columbine Trail traces the cut of the creek from the canyon’s mouth in southwestern Colorado Springs, west about four miles to its terminus at Helen Hunt Falls. With the lower trailhead located at the Starsmore Discovery Center (2120 N. Cheyenne Canyon Rd), Columbine Trail provides a variety of hiking possibilities in itself and access to several other adventures. If you appreciate the warbling rush of a running stream or the trilling warble of redheaded finches, you’ll love this trail. If your eyes prefer granite massifs and distant vistas, you’ll love this trail.

Columbine Trail has three trailheads. The lower is located at the Starsmore Discovery Center. This guide begins at this point. The SDC is a treat in itself with excellent displays of local flora and fauna, augmented by helpful and knowledgeable staff. Park on the south side of the Center. The Middle Columbine Trailhead is on the right side of the road about a mile west of the center. The Upper Columbine Trailhead is a wide spot in the road, just past the entrance to Helen Hunt Falls, before N. Cheyenne Canyon Rd. joins Gold Camp Road. You can begin your hike at any one of these locations, depending on your interests, mood, or time.

Tips: Technically the trail is a “multiuse” trail, meaning it’s open to horses, bicycles, and hikers. I encountered one bicyclist and no evidence of horse traffic. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash. The trail bed is mostly decomposed granite; so if your dog has tender pads, you might want to consider trail shoes. The lower third of the trail is close to the creek, which makes water available for dogs. Once past the Middle Trailhead, you’ll be high on the canyon wall; so I recommend bringing water for yourself and your dog.

Directions: Exit I-25 at exit 140. Go south on Tejon and bear right onto Cheyenne Blvd. This joins W. Cheyenne Canyon Rd about 50 yards from the Starsmore Discovery Center. Turn left on South Cheyenne Canyon Rd and then into the parking lot. If you want to start at the Middle or Upper trailheads, turn right onto North Cheyenne Canyon Rd.