Cascading water tumbles down Cheyenne Canyon at Seven Falls.The picturesque view from atop the falls offers a unique visual memento of the Rocky Mountains – and the view is a mere 224 steps to the top.Once you’re at the top, two trails provide even more breathtaking views of spruce and pine trees, some literally clinging to life as they tightly grip steep slopes in the canyon.The mile-long trail takes hikers past the original site of Helen Hunt’s grave, while the half-mile trail follows South Cheyenne Creek to a second waterfall, Midnight Falls.For those less inclined to hike 224 stairs for their view, the manmade tunnel leads to a mountain elevator, which quickly carries visitors up 14 stories to the Eagle’s Nest Observation platform. The platform provides a direct eye-level view of the falls.History: Nathaniel Colby homesteaded the Seven Falls property in 1872. Unaware of the property’s fiscal potential, Colby sold the land to the Colorado Springs Land company for $1,000.James Hull, a naturalist, put off by logging in the scenic Cheyenne Canyon, purchased the property for $1,300 in 1882.Combined with 160 acres Hull already owned and 80 acres he would acquire in 1885, his property spanned 400 acres in the heart of the canyon.Hull constructed a stairway along the side of the falls, and patrons visited the canyon area by horse-drawn buggy or by burro.Seven Falls became a renowned tourist attraction.Ownership changed hands from Hull, to his sons, to C.D. Weimer to Albert Hill in 1946. Hill expanded the Seven Falls experience by adding the Eagle’s Nest Observation platform on the south wall of the canyon and made the area a nighttime splendor by lighting the entire canyon.Our favorite part: Enjoying nature. A rich variety of wildlife thrives in the canyon, including rare birds, rodents and fish. Pools at the bottom of the falls contain trout, which spawn in the turbulent location.As eager as you may be to grab your fly rod and have a snack, Seven Falls would rather quite the opposite.Instead of eating trout, you can add to their survival by purchasing some trout food and tossing it in the water.Bet you didn’t know: Each of the falls has an individual name and the bottom three – Hull Falls, Weimer Falls and Hill Falls – are named after the three of the most recent owners of Seven Falls.Kids will love: Kids can measure their own “wingspan” against life-sized cutouts of the birds that inhabit South Cheyenne Canyon.Special events: The falls are bedecked with majestic effects – 50,000 lights! – for Christmas. There is also Native American dancing in the summer months; call Seven Falls for dance times.Busiest days: The falls are steadily busy most any day, but holiday weekends draw the largest crowds.Best time to visit: Try visiting Seven Falls first thing in the morning if you want to avoid the tourist rush. Weekdays are often quieter than weekends.Souvenirs and snacks: Your tourist needs can be fulfilled at the top or bottom of the falls.A shop sits atop the falls at Eagle’s Nest, featuring various tourist trinkets including picture frames, shirts and countless outdoor-themed goodies.Two gift shops rest at the bottom of the falls. These shops offer knives made from carved stone with jawbone handles, stuffed animals and other childrens toys, among many other gift ideas. There is also a snack bar nearby.DETAILSHours: Seven Falls is open from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. through mid-August.Cost: Daytime admission is $8.25 for adults, $5.25 for children ages 6 through 15, and $7.25 for seniors and military members. For an evening trip (after 5 p.m.) tickets are $9.75 for adults, $6.25 for children ages six through 15 and $8.75 for seniors and military personnel.Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more.Discounts: A coupon is available by clicking the “Coupon” link on the Seven Falls Web site.Tours: Self-guided Phone: 632-0765 Web site: www.sevenfalls.comLocation: Seven Falls is located at 2850 S. Cheyenne Canyon Road. To access the canyon, head west on Lake Avenue or Cheyenne Boulevard and follow the signs to the falls.Parking: An abundance of parking awaits your arrival and sits at the base of Seven Falls.Handicapped-friendly: The waterfall stairway and hiking trails are not accesible to handicapped visitors, but the disabled can take the mountain elevator to the Eagle’s Nest Observation platform.Pet friendly: Pets are allowed on leashes.

A Dromaesaurus albertensis is installed at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in Woodland Park last year. Photo by THE GAZETTE FILE