Bruin Trail to Silver Cascade

One of Colorado Springs’ most popular outdoor destinations is Helen Hunt Falls at the busy parking lot in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Parking often fills in the summer, preventing the opportunity to continue on Silver Cascade Trail that climbs above Helen Hunt Falls to one of the city’s best overlooks. 

Our recommendation: avoid the parking lot and road to it, opting instead for more trail time surrounded by North Cheyenne Cañon’s beauty. 

Parking seems to be more reliable at the Daniels Pass Trailhead. This is where we pulled off, crossing the road and bridge over the creek for the trail that rises into the forest. 

Daniels Pass Trail is defined by fairly steep switchbacks that bend around boulders and various viewpoints. Shy of a mile, we came to a sign pointing for Bruin Trail. We turned here for even greater views of mountains and rock promontories. 

Bruin Trail drops to a picnic area. Here, we briefly followed the creek up to the marker for Buffalo Canyon Trail. Staying straight, the trail crosses slick rocks at the base of a short waterfall and continues up to a hilltop and bench overlooking Helen Hunt Falls. To the left, Silver Cascade Trail sharply ascends the mountainside. 

We had been alone for much of the route — reminding us that people are perhaps still discovering Daniels Pass and Bruin Trail, which came online in more recent years. But on Silver Cascade Trail, we met a familiar crowd en route to the top prize: the view of the city and plains between the mouth of the canyon. 

We went back down the way we came. 

Trip log: 4.2 miles out and back, 869 feet elevation gain

Getting there: From the park entrance by Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center (2120 S. Cheyenne Canyon Road), continue on the road about 2 miles to Daniel Pass Trailhead at pulloff #21.

FYI: Park open 5 a.m.-10 p.m. May-October; until 9 p.m. November-April. Hiking only for full route. Trail map and more information at coloradosprings.gov/NCC.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE