Silver Cascade-Buffalo Canyon-Bruin Trail-Upper Columbine Trail Loop
Details
This loop is a combination of trails in North Cheyenne Canyon Park, with spectacular views that begin at Helen Hunt Falls, up to the Silver Cascade, then back down and connecting to Buffalo Canyon Trail and Bruin trail, crossing North Cheyenne Canyon Road and climbing up the Upper Columbine Trail, peaking at Upper Gold Camp Road and then back down to Helen Hunt Falls. The full loop can be seen at https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-silver-cascade-falls-trail-7d48f28?unfurl=false&utm_campaign=memory&showMemory=true&sh=j20c5w. The total distance is 3.6 miles, and is mostly an easy hike with a total elevation gain of around 666 feet, although the rapid elevation gain at the start of this hike can be moderately challenging, and there is one point on the Buffalo Canyon Trail at which poles may be needed to cross a creek. Boots, sunglasses, windbreakers and hats will be needed, and you should plan on bringing water and snacks in a day pack. It is advised to bring microspikes and/or hiking poles if you have them, to avoid slippage in scree or snow. We will meet at 9:30 at the Helen Hunt Falls Parking Lot, which can be found on Google Maps at 3440 N. Cheyenne Canyon Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906. The road up to Helen Hunt Falls is fully paved and there are port-a-potties at the trailhead. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.