Seven Bridges Trail

Use of Trail: Hiking

Length of Trail: 5.78 Miles Roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 1,597 Ft. Gain

Difficulty: Moderate

A popular moderately-difficult 5.78 mile out and back hiking-only trail located in North Cheyenne Cañon. The trail follows a mountain stream and is one of the few cool hikes in the summer, even at mid-day. Best to hike Mar. through Nov., or when the snowpack is low. Dogs on leash are okay.

Trailhead Directions from I-25:  From I-25 take exit # 140 A or 140 B onto Nevada Avenue. Go south on Nevada Ave for about 0.35 miles and turn west onto W. Cheyenne Blvd. Go 2.75 miles to the intersection of N. Cheyenne Canon Rd. and S. Cheyenne Canon Rd. At the Starsmore Discovery Center take the right fork in the road onto N. Cheyenne Canon Rd. Travel approximately 3.0 miles up the winding canyon road, passing Helen Hunt Falls and ending at the parking lot where High Dr. and Lower Gold Camp Rd. begin.

Trailhead Directions from Manitou Springs: Take Hwy 24 east. Turn right on 21st St. 21st St. will change to Cresta Rd. Go about 3 miles, turn right Cheyenne Blvd. Go 2.75 miles to the intersection of N. Cheyenne Canon Rd. and S. Cheyenne Canon Rd. At the Starsmore Discovery Center take the right fork in the road onto N. Cheyenne Canon Rd. Travel approximately 3.0 miles up the winding canyon road, passing Helen Hunt Falls and ending at the parking lot where High Dr. and Lower Gold Camp Rd. begin.

Hike Summary: From the parking lot, hike west past large metal gate blocking the trail. The first part of the trail follows a former narrow gauge railroad bed used to haul gold ore from Cripple Creek to Colorado Springs for processing. At the first bend in the trail look for the Trail 622 marker on the right (near where the creek crosses the railroad bed) and take that path into the trees. This is the beginning of the Seven Bridges Trail. It is not labeled, but there is a sign marking distances. Bridge 1 comes very early in the trail and is quickly followed by bridge 2. The bridges are in great shape and the trail is well maintained. The creek constantly cascades down the valley through the rugged terrain and flows much stronger in the spring than in the fall. The trail is fairly well shaded by the trees the entire way. The hike has a constant and gentle gain that makes it great for a 2 to 3-hour trip. Seven Bridges Trail ends in Jones park where you can take a variety of other trails if you wish to do more hiking.