Nestled beneath Cheyenne Mountain, south of Colorado Springs, this state park offers 2,701 acres of land to enjoy, as well as a variety of campsites and hiking trails to explore.

History of the park:

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the area that now makes up Cheyenne Mountain State Park was first used as a stopping place for Native Americans along their seasonal migration routes between winter and summer hunting lands. Cheyenne Mountain then opened for homesteading in 1862 after the Homestead Act.

Later, the Jones family acquired the property, expanded it to 2,200 acres, and started the JL Ranch between 1936-1961. However, JL Ranch was relocated to Montana when NORAD’s Combat Operations Center was constructed in 1961.

Then, a partnership including the City of Colorado Springs, CPW, and other organizations allows 1,680 acres of the former JL Ranch to be purchased for the creation of Cheyenne Mountain State Park. According to CPW, the park represents the protection of “one of the last important open spaces along the southern section of the Colorado Front Range and offers a stunning transition from Colorado’s plains to its peaks.”

What recreation it’s known for:

This state park is known for its diverse hiking trails. It has 21 trails totaling over 28 miles that are rated easy to difficult, and gives visitors the chance to experience the area’s natural scenery and maybe spot some wildlife.

Popular camping/lodging options:

Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers 61 campsites for guests to choose from.

Hampton Inn & Suites Colorado Springs – a budget-friendly option close to the park if you don’t want to camp.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs – this is another budget-friendly hotel option that offers easy access to the park.

Popular trails:

Little Bear Trail – one mile

Raccoon Ridge Trail – 0.55 miles

Medicine Wheel Trail – 0.5 miles

Talon – 2.64 miles

Dragon’s Backbone Trail – 0.85 miles (an only be accessed by taking a 17+ mile round-trip hike from Limekiln Trailhead); found near the summit of Cheyenne Mountain

Dixon Trail – 4.5 miles one way and 17 miles round-trip (this trail is accessed from Limekiln Trailhead by taking Talon and N. Talon trails, so that must be tacked onto the distance, as well). This trail is known for traveling a point near the summit of Cheyenne Mountain.

Other things to know:

Dogs are only allowed on the Acorn Alley, Bobcat Way, Raccoon Ridge, and a portion of Soaring Kestrel trails. Dogs musts be kept on a six-foot or shorter handheld leash. Waste bag dispensers and trash receptacles are available to maintain the park’s cleanliness.

Where to eat:

Daniel’s Taco Shop – located near the park, this restaurant offers great tacos

Mountain View Restaurant – also located in nearby Colorado Springs, this spot offers American comfort food

Plan your visit here.

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