St. Mary's Falls

The St. Mary's Falls trail follows a rushing creek through the woods and ends up at a large waterfall. This is a comfortable trail for the kids and the dogs without having to pack extra water for the dogs.

Trail Rating

• Boots: A two-boot trail.
• Kids: Definitely! The waterfall at the end is a clincher for kids.
• Dogs: Of course, and because the trail follows the creek, you don't need to pack extra water for the dogs unless you don't want them to drink the creek water.
• Facilities: Yes, below the parking lot at Helen Hunt falls. Closed in the winter.

What to Bring

A jacket is a must, but wear your layers with a light t-shirt underneath because the first part of this trail is exposed to heavy sun and you will be warm. Bring water and a snack for when you get to the water fall.

How to Get There

From Colorado Springs, follow Tejon Street south until it veers west and turns into Cheyenne Boulevard; follow until you cross Cresta, then go another half-mile to the Starsmore Discovery Center and pass through the gate into North Cheyenne Canyon Park. This road winds through the canyon, passing trailheads and picnic grounds. The road will finally pass Helen Hunt falls and end up at a gravel parking lot. Park here and lock up your vehicle.

Trail Specifics

Pass through the gate and head up the gravel road. As you begin walking on the road, look to your left to see the road as it passes the other side of the canyon. It looks like the picture.

The road will make a full turn (passing the Seven Bridges trailhead) and head around the other side of the canyon. At the end of the road, you will see an old mine which is currently barricaded and fenced off. The trail begins here. It looks like the picture.

Hike up the trail beside the old mine and it will turn right into the woods. Follow the trail as it leads along the creek and through the woods. Because it is spring here, the flowers (like those in the picture) have started to bloom.

Stay on the trail that follows along the creek because it is cooler and you have a better chance at seeing butterflies and flowers along the way. The trail winds through the woods and at places it gets a bit steep, but take your time and enjoy the scenery. You will see metal trail signs indicating the direction and distance to the falls. Do not believe the distance markers - this trail is longer than 1.6 miles from the trailhead at the old mine to the falls. I cannot find an accurate indicator of the length of this trai, but if you follow the creek my best guess is that the trail is just over 3 miles long one way.

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