Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs, CO 2026

Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs is a 35-foot (11-m) high waterfall on North Cheyenne Creek. The falls require only a short walk from the parking lot. However, visitors can take a more demanding hike which spans for 4 miles (6.4 km) from the bottom of Cheyenne Cañon to Helen Hunt Falls. This option affords an experience of the rich ecosystem at the base of Pikes Peak. With a great trailhead, hiking here is quite popular. In a visitor center, you can get all the necessary information about the trail as well as buy some snacks. As soon as you reach the top, you will open a view of the City from the Cañon.

When is the best time to visit Helen Hunt Falls

Helen Hunt waterfall is at its best when Cheyenne Cañon's water volume is at its peak and that usually happens between the late spring to early summer, or after a heavy downpour. In the winter, the frozen falls have another kind of beauty, but the trails can be very icy and slick.

Helen Hunt Falls facts

The falls are named after Helen Maria Hunt Jackson, a United States writer, and poet who became an activist in the name of better treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government. Helen Maria Hunt Jackson died in San Francisco in 1885 and was buried in Colorado Springs.

Things to do at Helen Hunt Falls

First of all, chill and enjoy the view from the bridge at the top of the falls, especially if you decided to come here during fall. Pack a picnic to enjoy or, at least, bring a book along to read near the bridge at the top. If you'd like to hike more, you can continue on the route past the falls straight to the Silver Cascade Falls. The trail lasts less than a mile with an elevation gain of 200 feet (61 m). Although this trail can be a little steeper than the trail to Helen Hunt Falls top, it’s still an easy hike with benches along the way. Whether you are leaving from or coming to Helen Hunt Falls, it will be a good idea to take Gold Camp Road to explore the three large tunnels.

How to get to Helen Hunt Falls

To get to the waterfall, drive around 2.5 miles from the entrance of North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Then continue up the canyon on North Cheyenne Cañon Road, to the parking area at the base of the falls.

Where to stay around Helen Hunt Falls

There are a lot of places you can stay around Colorado Springs. Camping is not allowed in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. But if you need to camp in the area you can try Golden Eagle Campground, which is only 20 mins away by car.