COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – -- Recently I took a day trip to Colorado Springs and visited the Broadmoor Seven Falls, and I was once again amazed at the beauty of the area and the number of destinations to explore within a days drive of F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.
I started my two-and-a-half-hour drive to Colorado Springs at about 8a.m. I drove around trying to find the falls for a half hour, and got a nice driving tour of the Broadmoor Hotel before I decided to pull over and Google where I needed to go. Parking for the falls is located at the Norris Penrose Event Center on Lower Gold Camp Rd., so now you won’t have to driving around confused like I did. Once I parked, I hopped on the Broadmoor shuttles to get the rest of the way to the falls, which was about a 10-minute drive, and I purchased an entrance ticket at the park window when I arrived.
There is a .8-mile walking path from the park entrance to the falls that goes through the South Cheyenne Cañon and the Pillars of Hercules, which are 790-foot-tall rock walls. Along the walking path, there is also stream with mini water falls, split offs for hiking paths, benches to enjoy the views and a small general store.
At the end of the path, I came to an open area with a gift store, the Restaurant 1858, and of course, the seven falls.
First, I climbed a 185-step staircase to the Eagles Nest platform for my first view of Bridal Veil, Feather, Hill, Hull Ramona, Shorty and Weimer falls. Seeing the whole view of the 181-foot-tall falls was amazing, and I was in awe of how pretty the area was. After taking in the views from that platform, I took the elevator back down to the base to head to the second platform.
Right at the bottom of the falls, there are plenty of seats to enjoy the weather, views or sounds of the waterfalls. I took my time strolling around taking it all in before I headed up the second set of stairs to the top of the waterfalls. The second stair case is 224 steps, but had a small platform halfway up to rest or look at Feather Falls.
The fun doesn’t stop there either, the path keeps going at the top of the falls and splits into two more hiking trails through the woods. Inspiration Point is 1 mile out and back trail with views of Colorado Springs and Midnight Falls trail is a little shorter, but also offers beautiful scenery. I came unprepared for the number of activities the park offers, and I’m excited to go back with more time to finish hiking in the park.
If you don’t end up spending all day in the park, there are many more places to visit in Colorado Springs to fill your day. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is near the falls, the Garden of the Gods Park ( https://www.warren.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Article/3259601/wyoming-wanderers-walking-in-the-garden-of-the-gods/ ) is a great option to enjoy the outdoors, or you can catch a sports game at the United States Air Force Academy, which is the route I took. Either way, the weather is starting to warm up, so get outdoors and enjoy the sun!