Buckhorn Loop
One of North Cheyenne Cañon Park’s classic loops is the one that skirts Mount Buckhorn. That’s no secret. But if you weren’t one of the hikers, mountain bikers or dirt bikers in the know, it might be hard to locate that loop with the lack of signage. We’re here to help, plus point you to Buckhorn’s unofficial summit.
From the park’s uppermost, newly paved “hub” parking lot, where Gold Camp Road meets High Drive, go west on the wide path behind the gate. Our tracker read 0.65 miles when we came to the trail bending into the woods; if you pass the post for Cheyenne Creek, you’ve gone too far. Soon, at an unmarked switchback where you could go straight, turn right.
Cyclists love this route for the heart-pumping uphill and smile- inducing downhill. Colorado Springs motos treasure it for the closest singletrack to town where they’re allowed. Yes, this thin thoroughfare requires sharing. Stretches can be dangerous for anyone enjoying themselves too much or otherwise not paying attention.
Higher up, the plains and city glimmer between the evergreen mouth of the canyon. The antenna-topped Cheyenne Mountain looms large.
At about 2 miles, the path meets a four-way. The loop follows Trail 667 to the right.
About a quarter-mile on 667, look left for a wide path going up to a rock outcrop. This is the well-defined way to Buckhorn’s unofficial summit, ending at an overlook with house-sized boulders.
Return to 667 and proceed for the trip’s best vistas. At the bottom junction, go right, taking High Drive back to the parking lot.
Trip log: 5 miles (loop), 1,066 feet elevation gain,
Difficulty: Moderate
Getting there: Off Interstate 25, exit for Tejon Street going south. Take slight right onto Cheyenne Boulevard and keep right on Cheyenne Canyon Road to the park entrance. Drive up the road, past Helen Hunt Falls to the “hub” lot.
FYI: Park open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Dogs on leash. Lock car and don’t leave valuables. Icy in winter.
SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE
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August 23, 2021 at 06:00AM
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Classic Happy Trails: Though busy, loop showcases timeless beauty of Colorado Springs park - Colorado Springs Gazette
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