
Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs is a 35-foot (11-m) high waterfall that is situated on North Cheyenne Creek, off North Cheyenne Canyon Road in the North Cheyenne Canyon Park. The falls requires only a short walk from the parking lot. Hwever, visitors can take a more demanding hike which takes 4 miles (6.4 km) from the bottom of Cheyenne Canyon 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. There is a visitor center full of information as well as snacks. As soon as you reach the top, you will open a view of the City from the Cheyenne Canyon.
When is the best time to visit Helen Hunt Falls
Helen Hunt waterfall is at its best when Cheyenne Canyon'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. 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 leaving from or coming to Helen Hunt Falls, the good idea will be 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 Canyon 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 Canyon Park and in general, it is not ideal near Colorado Springs. But if you need to camp in the area you can obviously try Golden Eagle Campground, which is only 20 mins away by car.
Practical info
How long is the Helen Hunt hike?
It's a 8 miles (12.9 km) round trip
How tall is Helen Hunt Falls?
35 feet (11 m)
Where is Helen Hunt Falls?
Helen Hunt Falls is located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado