Cheyenne Mountain State Park

About

Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado Springs offers moderate fall hiking on trails ranging from easy to extreme. The park spans 2,701 acres beneath the eastern flank of Cheyenne Mountain, featuring a transition from prairie grasslands to ponderosa pine and Douglas fir woodlands. Hikers typically spend about two hours on the trails, which total over 27 miles and cover distances varying from short loops to peak-to-valley routes. The season for fall hiking runs from September through November, when Gambel oak and other trees display changing colors. Access is straightforward with parking available and an entrance fee of $10 to $15 for vehicles. The park is pet friendly, allowing leashed dogs on designated trails, and also permits horses. Amenities include restrooms, 22 day-use picnic sites with tables and grills, and an archery range. The trail system includes the Dixon Trail, which reaches the summit, providing views of the surrounding landscape and evidence of ancient geological formations.