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A Day Trip to Seven Falls, Colorado Springs

A Retreat within the South Cheyenne Canyon

By Sarah Hauge, Publisher, Macaroni Kid, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Centennial June 20, 2017

Known as “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,” Seven Falls is a natural wonder made up of picturesque hiking trails and breathtaking waterfalls. Located approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes drive time away from the Denver Tech Center, Seven Falls is a great day trip destination for families wanting to explore scenic Colorado.



Planning Your Trip
  • Free parking is available at the Broadmoor's East lot at 6 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. From there, a free shuttle will take you to the park entrance.
  • For patrons with limited mobility, there is a tram inside the gates, which will you up the .8 mile path to the base of the waterfalls. The tram is $2/person.
  • Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The hiking trails begin at the top of a 224-step stairway.

(View from a landing near the top of the stairs)

Family Activities (All Ages)
  • Scavenger Hunt & Activity Booklet: Pick up a pencil and a copy of the activity book at the ticket window.
  • Panning for Gold: Head towards the water for a chance to collect special rocks and actual gold flakes. *Not always available.
  • Soaring Adventures Zip Line Tour: With 10 lines divided between two courses, soar up to 1,800 ft through the South Cheyenne Canyyon. This is NOT included with your admission to the falls.Tickets are available at the kiosk in the Broadmoor's East Parking Lot.

  • Rockhounds at the Eagles Nest: Take the stairs or the mountain elevator to the top of Eagles Nest to visit a small gallery of minerals and fossils from around the world.

  • Hiking: There are two trail loops. The trail to Midnight Falls is ~30 minutes round trip, while the trail to Inspiration Point is ~1 hr round trip. Both hikes are an up-and-back format.

  • Gift Shop: Press a commemorative penny or purchase a Seven Falls memento.



Dining Options

Conveniently located in Colorado Springs, there are plenty of restaurants within a few miles drive. If you're feeling adventurous, there are several pull-offs near the entrance of the falls that have picnic tables. Once inside the gates at Seven Falls, dining is limited to a couple of options:

  • 1858 Food Truck: Available Thursday through Sunday, 11am-5pm. Select from a variety of comfort foods such as soups, sandwiches, and salads. Round out your meal with some ice cream or cookies.
  • Restaurant 1858: Lunch and dinner are served daily, but the restaurant is closed during various parts of the year. Check here for more information. There is a kids menu available, with entrees starting at $8. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Call 844-843-1858 to make a reservation.


Cost Saving Tips

  • Tickets are required for all guests. Pricing starts at $8 per child and $14 for adults. However, children under 2 are FREE.
  • Your entrance ticket is good for entry and re-entry all day long.
  • Group rates are available. Email sevenfalls@broadmoor.com for more information.
  • Season passes are available.


➡️ Find more great day trip ideas in our Day Trips from the DTC guide