I lived in Colorado Springs for many years before my first visit to Seven Falls. With so many other trails to explore for free, the Broadmoor Seven Falls just kind of languished on my list of options. Sure, I knew it was called “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado.” “But can it really be that good?” I thought.
Then I went.
“How have I never been here before?” was my new question. The Broadmoor Seven Falls and South Cheyenne Cañon are gorgeous natural features and definitely worth a visit for any Colorado Springs local or visitor. The seven cascading waterfalls, the dizzying iron staircases to ascend them, the towering canyon walls, the delicious Restaurant 1858, the history — all of these combine for a beautiful setting and experience.
Is it really the “Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado?” as the historic nickname claims? Places like the Royal Gorge, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Maroon Bells would beg to differ. But the nickname has stuck from its earlier era of hyperbolic tourism marketing. After all, Seven Falls has been a tourist destination since 1883 when its owner began charging 10 cents to visit the waterfalls by road. You’ll also find the current slogan “Colorado’s Most Majestic Waterfall” on the website, and I can get behind that. Whatever you call it, Seven Falls is indeed grand, scenic and majestic.
There’s also a lot to do there. Here are our insider tips for how to make the most of your visit to the Broadmoor Seven Falls.
Make Your Reservations
Save yourself some time on the front end by reserving your tickets ahead of time. The Broadmoor recommends purchasing tickets online at least 24 hours in advance. You will select an entry time when you buy online, so ordering early gives you the best selection. You can buy tickets at the gate, but you might find yourself waiting in line. Locals can also buy an individual or family season pass.
You will need a shuttle to get to Seven Falls. Broadmoor guests can ride a shuttle van from the hotel. Other visitors must park and catch a shuttle bus at Norris Penrose Event Center. You can have a friend or Uber drop you off at the gate, but there is no parking there.
Admire the Canyon Itself
A 0.8-mile road runs from the gate to the waterfalls. You can ride in a universally accessible, open-air tram for a small fee. But take the walk if you can, so you can stop and admire the canyon scenery. The granite walls of South Cheyenne Cañon are steep and sheer. You’ll pass beneath the Pillars of Hercules, 940 and 790 feet high on either side and only 41 feet across at their narrowest point. Watch too for other prominent rock formations, such as Eagle’s Cliff, Half Dome and Alligator’s Head.
The road through the canyon is gradual, and there are shady bench areas along the way. You can get off of the paved road through the middle of the canyon by taking the wide gravel side trails closer to the babbling South Cheyenne Creek.
Explore the Waterfalls
The tiered cascades of Seven Falls are the stars of the show. They flow down at the back of the box canyon, with a large paved viewing patio at their base. This is a must-stop photo opp. You can sit under the covered pavilion and admire the beauty here, but if at all possible, hike to the top of Seven Falls. The iron stairways consist of 224 steps — steep steps, so hold on to the rail. And note that they will look and feel even steeper coming down. It’s not uncommon to see people with a death-grip on the rails heading down.
There is a viewing platform about halfway up, at the top of the first and largest Bridal Veil Falls. This is a great spot for views both up and down the canyon. Take a selfie. Catch your breath. Then keep going all the way to the top.
Each of the Seven Falls you pass has its own name. Going up, after Bridal Veil is Ramona Falls, named for the famous 1884 novel by Helen Hunt Jackson, who spent a lot of time at Seven Falls and Cheyenne Cañon. Hill, Hunter and Weimer are all named for previous owners of Seven Falls. Bridal Veil, Feather and Shorty are named for their appearance.
Learn Some History
Both the north and south sides of Cheyenne Cañon are deeply entwined in Colorado Springs history. Seven Falls first private owner was Nathaniel Colby who received the homestead patent in 1872. Neighboring homesteader James Hull bought the parcel in 1882, reportedly to protect the area from logging. Hull began building a road to Seven Falls in 1883. He also put up a gate and began charging admission: 10 cents. Hull’s sons built stairs alongside the waterfalls, first made of wood, then iron.
Seven Falls changed ownership through the years but always operated as a tourist destination. A burro brigade used to carry visitors up the road to the observation point. A taxidermy reindeer was a popular photo prop for years. Al Hill bought Seven Falls in 1946 and quickly added lights for night viewing. Through the decades, he added the Eagle’s Nest observation area and its elevator tunneled into the canyon rock. Through the mid-century, visitors loved feeding the local chipmunks and watching Native American dancers perform.
In 2013, devastating floods scoured the canyon, destroying the visitor center and road to the falls. The Hill family closed Seven Falls, then sold it to the Broadmoor in 2014. The site was reimagined, renovated and reopened in 2015 with the addition of Restaurant 1858.
Hike the Canyon — Visit the Eighth Waterfall
Seven Falls can get busy and bustling. Everyone takes a view of the waterfall. Most people follow the stairway all or part way up the falls. Fewer explore the hiking trails above the cascades, but these will take you to even higher views and a quieter nature experience in South Cheyenne Cañon.
At the top of Seven Falls, the trail leads into the forest, past a covered rest pavilion and across a bridge over South Cheyenne Creek. The rippling waters here are a stark contrast to the plunging waterfalls you just passed. Quickly, you’ll encounter a fork in the trail.
If you go left, it is about 1 mile and 400 feet of elevation gain to Inspiration Point. There you’ll find a high overlook with gorgeous views up and down the canyon. This was a favorite spot of author Helen Hunt Jackson, and there is now a memorial on the site of her original grave. Her remains have been relocated.
Taking the right fork leads you to Midnight Falls, the lesser known eighth waterfall of Seven Falls. It’s about 0.7 miles and a little more than 200 feet of elevation gain. Don’t expect a raging torrent. Midnight Falls is small compared with Seven Falls, but it’s a scenic, tucked-away destination along Cripple Creek.
Note that these paths are rocky, rugged hiking trails compared to the paved paths and roads below. This is the wilder canyon, after all, though you might still hear the distinctive zing and woots of occasional zip liners overhead.
Eat at Restaurant 1858
Take advantage of your chance to eat the delicious Colorado fare at Restaurant 1858. Seven Falls admission is required to reach it. Sit on the covered patio and listen to the falling water or enjoy the elevated rustic mountain lodge vibes inside. Lunch is a la carte, and the dinner menu is prix fixe. The Pikes Peak or Bust Nachos with wild boar chili and Colorado Rocky Mountain Red Trout are especially delicious pairings with your day’s adventures. Raise a toast with a Moonshine Mule, made with local Distillery 291whiskey, and it’s easy to picture Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose or the historic gold barons of the Pikes Peak region sharing whiskey here.
Save Room for the Waffles
Don’t leave the canyon without a stop at Falling Waffles. New in 2023, the food truck along the creek serves decadent bubble waffle sundaes. We’re talking Broadmoor Creamery ice cream with loaded toppings like gooey chocolate, rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream, the works. These things are huge!
Other Quick Tips to Maximize Your Seven Falls Visit
Don’t Miss the View from the Eagle’s Nest
The Eagle’s Nest is perched on the side of the canyon 14 stories high. That vantage point provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of the upper waterfalls from across the canyon. And gem collectors will love the Rockhounds gallery. It’s 185 stair steps up to the Eagle’s Nest — or a quick ride up the elevator.
How to Beat the Crowds
Seven Falls is usually open from late May to late November. Weekends can get busy, especially in the summer. Plan your visit for a weekday if possible. And it’s always a good idea to go early, both to beat the rush and Colorado afternoon thunderstorms. Once you’re in the canyon, walking the road in and out and hiking above the waterfalls will provide you with more space to spread out and savor all the natural beauty around you.
See the Night Lights
For a different Seven Falls experience, come late to see the lights on the waterfalls. They turn on after dark and make a good pairing with dinner at 1858.
Zip Line Above the Canyon
If you want to level up your Seven Falls visit, start with a zip lining Soaring Adventure. Two courses take you flying above South Cheyenne Cañon and put you in the middle of stunning, airy views. Read about it in our article Soaring on the Broadmoor Zip Lines. The Fins Course or a combo tour finishes with a rappel to the canyon floor, and you can stay to explore. It’s the best way to experience Seven Falls from every angle.
Vote for Your Favorite Squirrel
To commemorate Seven Falls 140th anniversary, third-graders from local elementary schools painted larger-than-life chipmunks. Each design is their interpretation of all the elements in Seven Falls. The 10 finalists line the hiking paths between the canyon road and creek. Visit them there and cast a vote for your favorite. A winner will be crowned on Sept. 6, 2023. You can preview the chipmunks and read about their artists and designs here.
For more details and tickets, visit sevenfalls.com.
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Soaring on the Broadmoor Zip Lines
