South Cheyenne Cañon facts for kids
South Cheyenne Cañon (pronounced "canyon") is a beautiful canyon located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Many people call the road leading to Seven Falls in this canyon "The Grandest Mile of Scenery" in Colorado. Seven Falls has been a popular place for visitors since the early 1880s. From the top of the falls, you can find trails that lead to Midnight Falls and Inspiration Point. This area is also home to parts of North Cheyenne Cañon Park, including the Starsmore Discovery Center. In 2013, a big flood damaged the area, closing Seven Falls until 2015, but it is now open again for everyone to enjoy.
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Exploring South Cheyenne Cañon
The entrance to South Cheyenne Cañon is about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) southwest of downtown Colorado Springs. Here, Cheyenne Mountain splits into two parts: North Cheyenne Cañon and South Cheyenne Cañon. The rocks at the entrance of both canyons are made of a type of shale and sandstone.
Around the canyon, you can see other interesting places like the northern part of Cheyenne Mountain, Twilight Canyon, Daniels Pass, Muscoco Mountain, and Mount Cutler.
A Look Back in Time
In 1872, a man named Nathaniel Colby claimed the land where Seven Falls is located. He sold it a year later to the Colorado Springs Land Company. By 1874, trails and roads were built to make it easier for people to visit Seven Falls.
In 1882, a nature lover named James Hull bought the land. He wanted to protect it from logging. He eventually owned 400 acres. Hull built stairs up the falls and a road into the canyon, turning it into a popular tourist spot. Since then, the falls have always been owned by private individuals or companies.
In 1884, the Colorado College Land Company bought land on the east side of South Cheyenne Cañon to create Colorado College Park. They improved trails and roads to make them easier to use. They charged a small fee, about 25 cents, to help pay for building and upkeep. The park was open for camping, hiking, and horseback riding. However, some people thought charging a fee was wrong because it might stop some people from enjoying the beautiful scenery.
By 1898, some people lived and ran small businesses in South Cheyenne Cañon, like photography shops and places to buy souvenirs. In 1902, Stratton Park opened where the North and South Cheyenne Cañons meet.
The canyon walls near Seven Falls are very tall, over 200 feet (61 m) high, and made of colorful granite. One famous part is called Pillars of Hercules, which is over 1,000 feet (300 m) tall. In 1906, a writer named Lilian Whiting said that South Cheyenne Cañon was a very special and unique place to visit.
In the early 1900s, visitors could reach the canyon by electric trolley or by carriage. Later, in the 1930s, buses replaced the trolleys.
In September 2013, a big flood caused a lot of damage to the South Cheyenne Cañon Road. Because of this, Seven Falls had to close until the spring of 2015.
Seven Falls Reopens
Seven Falls was closed in 2013 due to the flood. In 2014, The Broadmoor resort bought the falls, and it reopened to visitors in the summer of 2015.
Hiking Trails to Explore
There are two hiking trails that start at the top of Seven Falls. These trails are usually open from May to October.
- Inspiration Point Trail: This trail is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long and winds its way to Inspiration Point. It takes about an hour to walk there and back. From Inspiration Point, you can see amazing views of Colorado Springs and the flat plains beyond. This spot was a favorite of the poet Helen Hunt Jackson.
- Midnight Falls Trail: This shorter trail takes about half an hour to hike. It leads to Midnight Falls, which is close to where South Cheyenne Creek begins.
Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center
The Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center is located on South Cheyenne Cañon Road, right at the entrance to North Cheyenne Cañon Park. It's about a mile (1.6 km) east of the Seven Falls entrance. This center is the main visitor spot for North Cheyenne Cañon Park. It has fun, hands-on exhibits, nature programs, and lots of information about the park. Both North Cheyenne Cañon Park and the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center are free to visit. The park is open all year, and the Starsmore Center is open from April to October.
Fun Outdoor Activities
South Cheyenne Cañon has several great spots for picnics. The Cheyenne Cañon Mesa facility can hold up to 100 people and has hiking trails and a shelter. There are also picnic areas along South Cheyenne Creek within North Cheyenne Cañon Park. However, you are not allowed to picnic on the Seven Falls property itself.
