Information
Landmark: Helen Hunt FallsCity: Colorado Springs
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America
Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado Springs, USA Colorado, North America
Overview
Tucked inside North Cheyenne Cañon Park in Colorado Springs, Helen Hunt Falls cascades 35 feet, its clear water tumbling over dark, mossy rock.The falls, named for Helen Maria Hunt Jackson-a 19th-century poet and champion of Native American rights-draw locals and tourists alike, especially when the mist cools your face on a hot afternoon.You’ll find the falls about 2.5 miles up North Cheyenne Canyon Road from the park entrance, where the sound of rushing water greets you before the view does.There’s a lot here that fits about 30 cars, but on busy afternoons you might circle twice before finding a spot.From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center opens daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering maps, hands-on exhibits, and details about the park’s wildlife and waterfalls.Starting in June 2025, North Cheyenne Cañon Road and Gold Camp Road will be closed because of damage, cutting off the drive to Helen Hunt Falls where water tumbles cold and clear over the rock.A short stretch of smooth pavement winds to the base of the falls, where the mist cools your face, and it’s easy for visitors of any age to reach.If you’re after a deeper experience, take the moderately steep trail climbing beside the falls-it leads to a wooden bridge where you can see the whole valley spread out below.If you’re up for a longer hike, start on the Columbine Trail right at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, where the scent of pine greets you at the park’s entrance.This four-mile trail winds alongside Cheyenne Creek, ending at the splash and roar of Helen Hunt Falls.The trail winds over jagged rock and climbs steeply in places, so it’s best to wear sturdy shoes.The best time to visit is late spring through early summer, when snowmelt swells the rivers and you can hear them rushing from a distance.In winter, Helen Hunt Falls and Silver Cascade Falls turn to ice, their frozen sheets catching the pale sunlight and shaping a breathtaking, rugged scene.Watch your step-ice can glaze the trails, turning them slick and treacherous.Admission is free, and pets are welcome if they’re on a leash.You’ll find portable toilets but no cell service, so plan ahead.Keep an eye out for wildlife-bears and mountain lions roam here-and store food properly.Helen Hunt Falls offers a quiet, scenic escape where you can simply enjoy the view or tackle a more challenging hike.
