Thomas Trail

West of Colorado Springs, the town of Green Mountain Falls lists Catamount Trail as “the Gem of GMF trails.” But not to be missed is a trail that connects to the lower part of that gem ー one that helped spark something of a trail revolution in this scenic little town. 

That’s the Thomas Trail, which the late trail-building visionary Dick Bratton and fellow locals celebrated in 1990, ahead of construction on Catamount Trail leading to reservoirs on Pikes Peak. The destination on Thomas Trail is not as grand. But the two modest waterfalls on either end of the trail delight, along with views the whole way. 

We started from the east end, from Crystal Trail that starts at the top of Mountain Avenue at the end of the neighborhood. The path meets a “T” for Kirkpatrick Trail. Going right, Kirkpatrick meets Crystal Falls. We carefully stepped across slick rocks to Thomas Trail on the other side of the pool.

The trail gently but continuously rises through the pines and aspens, skirting a mountainside overlooking town and promontories beyond. Rocks join the trail before towering granite outcrops and a silvery cascade enter the view. Catamount Creek Falls defines the other end of the trail. 

More careful steps are required in the woods beside the rocks and cascade. We had been following yellow markers on trees from the start, and we spotted another one pointing across the slippery creek. 

The path continues down to a utilities station ー the familiar starting point for Catamount Trail. We followed the footbridge into the neighborhood, proceeding on Hondo Avenue back down to town. 

Trip log: 1.2 miles one way, 356 feet elevation (not including steep neighborhood roads walked to form a loop)

Getting there: Starting as we did on Crystal/Kirkpatrick trails from the east end: From parking close to the trail map in the middle of town by Gazebo Lake, walk east and spot the sign pointing to the trails at Hotel Street. The street leads to Park Avenue; continue walking up through the neighborhood to the trailhead at the end of Mountain Avenue. 

FYI: Hiking only. No parking in neighborhoods. More information and trail map at greenmountainfalls.colorado.gov/recreation/gmf-town-hiking-information.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE