Overview
If you’re visiting Colorado Springs and looking for a short outdoor adventure with big rewards, Helen Hunt Falls should be high on your list. This beautiful waterfall is easily accessible, free to visit, and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want to stretch your legs while soaking in some mountain scenery, this gem in North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a great place to start. Plus, it’s close to other Colorado Springs attractions like Garden of the Gods and the historic Broadmoor area, making it a perfect stop on a day of exploring.
Helen Hunt Falls is named after Helen Maria Hunt Jackson, a 19th-century poet, author, and activist who was a vocal advocate for Native American rights. She was deeply moved by the plight of Indigenous people and dedicated her later years to writing about social justice. Her legacy is honored here in the Helen Hunt Falls area, which reflects the natural beauty she often described in her writing. Over the years, the site has become not only a local favorite but a popular tourist stop thanks to its accessibility and charming setting.
Helen Hunt Falls Plan
Our visit to Helen Hunt Falls was completely spontaneous, sparked by a brochure we picked up in the hotel lobby during our Spring Break trip to Colorado Springs. We hadn’t heard of the falls before, but the photos in the brochure were stunning—snow-dusted pine trees, dramatic cliffs, and a scenic waterfall tucked into the mountains. It looked like the perfect place for a short outdoor adventure, and since we had a free afternoon, we decided to check it out.
Being Spring Break, most of the area was still blanketed in snow and ice. Although that meant we didn’t get to see the falls in full flow, we were treated to an entirely different kind of beauty. The trail and surrounding canyon were peaceful and quiet, wrapped in a layer of soft white snow. Trees were frosted with ice, and the creek bed was frozen in place, creating a surreal winter landscape. Coming from Southeast Texas, where winters are mild and rarely bring snow, it felt like stepping into another world. The frozen stillness gave the entire area a magical, almost storybook feel, and it turned out to be one of our favorite memories from the trip, even without the running waterfall.
Ryan and Tyler in front of Helen Hunt Falls
Most of the waterfall was frozen when we were there, but some water was still flowing
Getting There
Location
Helen Hunt Falls is located along North Cheyenne Canyon Road, just west of Colorado Springs. The falls sit inside North Cheyenne Cañon Park, part of the city’s expansive network of open spaces and trails. The drive up through the canyon is scenic, with dramatic rock walls and thick evergreen forests lining Gold Camp Road and Cheyenne Canyon Road.
Best Time to Go
Late May through early summer is a fantastic time to visit Helen Hunt Falls, when snowmelt makes the water flow especially strong. The area stays lovely into Labor Day, though fall colors in September can also add an extra layer of beauty. Mornings and early evenings are great times to visit to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Always finding rocks to climb
Justin and Stephanie at the falls
Helen Hunt Falls
Who Can Go?
One of the best things about Helen Hunt Falls is how accessible it is. The base of the falls is just a short walk from the parking area, making it perfect for families with young kids, seniors, and anyone not up for a long or steep hike. The main trail to the top of the falls does include some elevation gain, but it’s still considered an easy hike.
What You'll See
At the base, you’ll be treated to a dramatic view of Helen Hunt Falls tumbling over rocks in a picturesque mountain setting. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike the Silver Cascade Falls Trail, a moderately steep trail that offers a beautiful view from above and leads to another small cascade. Along the way, you’ll see towering pines, rugged canyon walls, and wildflowers in bloom during spring and early summer.
Mountain view from the waterfall
More views of the park near the waterfall
What to Bring & Wear
This is a short and relatively easy hike, so you won’t need a lot of gear. Still, it’s smart to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- A reusable water bottle
- A light jacket (even in summer, the canyon can be cool)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A camera or a phone for pictures
- A small backpack for snacks or extra layers
If you’re heading to Silver Cascade Falls, sturdy shoes are a must due to the incline and rocky terrain.
Where to Go
Once you arrive at the Helen Hunt Falls parking area, you’ll see the falls almost immediately. Cross the small footbridge and check out the Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center, where you can learn about the area’s geology, wildlife, and history. Just next door is a gift shop where you can grab a souvenir or a trail map. The trail to the top of Helen Hunt Falls and to Silver Cascade Falls begins right behind the visitor center.
How Long Does it Take?
If you’re just stopping at the base of the falls, plan to spend about 20–30 minutes. For the full hike to Silver Cascade Falls, give yourself about 45–60 minutes round trip. It’s only about 0.6 miles total, but there is a moderate elevation gain, so pace yourself if you’re not acclimated to the altitude.
Another look at the flowing water
All four of us near Helen Hunt Falls
Cost
There is no entrance fee to visit Helen Hunt Falls or North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Parking is also free, although it can fill up quickly on weekends. There are no permits required to hike the trails in this area.
Tips for Helen Hunt Falls
- Go early to find parking easily and enjoy the falls with fewer crowds.
- Combine your visit with a stop at Garden of the Gods or a drive along Gold Camp Road for a full day of natural beauty.
- If you're staying nearby, Bruin Inn in Colorado Springs is a cozy and budget-friendly lodging option with easy access to the canyon.
- Bring bug spray in late spring and summer, especially near the water.
- Check weather conditions before heading out—summer thunderstorms can roll in quickly in the mountains.
- Respect trail signs and stay on marked paths to help preserve the fragile canyon ecosystem.