Seven Bridges at North Cheyenne
The Seven Bridges trail crosses six bridges in various states of repair or disrepair. One of the seven bridges is hidden and fun to find. The hidden bridge is very little and hard to find let alone cross it. In fact, we have hiked this trail four times wondering where the seventh bridge was, before finally finding it. Children love this trail because it loops over and back across North Cheyenne creek. Dogs like the easy access to water to drink and cool their pads.
Trail Rating
- Boots: Two/Maybe Three boots - kinda scrambly in places.
- Kids: Children love this trail. If they can handle a two-boot trail, they can handle this one.
- Dogs: Definitely!
- Facilities: Some below the parking lot; they are open in most seasons.
What to Bring
Your dog, the leash, your kids, water bottles in a pack and a camera. This is a picturesque hike and loads of fun. Bring jackets for everyone, too. I hiked this trail last July when it was delightfully warm and all of a sudden I was drenched and dodging hail. Don't tempt Mother Nature - bring a jacket and be forewarned.
How to Get There
From Colorado Springs, follow Tejon Street south until it veers west and turns into Cheyenne Boulevard. Follow it until you cross Cresta, then go another half-mile to the Starsmore Discovery Center. Pass the Starsmore into the canyon and drive to the end of the road. Be careful, this drive is particularly beautiful and your biggest danger is other drivers who are looking right and left and up! Take your time, because the road turns and twists around. You will pass picnic grounds and parking lots, but keep going to the end of the road where it ends at a large, gravel parking lot. Park your vehicle and lock it up here. Watch for bikes of all kinds because this lot leads to several biking trails and it is a popular location.
Trail Specifics
The old road begins at the parking lot. Pass the metal gate way onto the wide dirt road. There are steep inclines on both sides, so keep an eye on the children. Watch for bikers and motor bikes on the road too. The road looks like the picture.
As you hike along the road, look toward your left and you will see where the road continues up the other side of the canyon. That leads to St. Mary's Falls, a hike we will cover a little later in the season. As the road curves around to the left, you will see trails heading away and into the woods. Once on the trail, you can stop worrying about bikers - both the pedaling and the motoring types - because the trail is not zoned for bikes. When you reach the point of the curve in the road, you will see a trail leading up and there is a sign just off the road. It looks like this picture.
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