Are there fees or permits required for Helen Hunt Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Helen Hunt Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Helen Hunt Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Helen Hunt Falls.

Live Conditions · 2 ft³/s · About average

Helen Hunt Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Helen Hunt Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Helen Hunt Falls.

Colorado • 35 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

North Cheyenne Canon Park LP · CITY

Photo Credits (5)

Peter Ciro Photography CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

WxMom CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

waterarchives CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Helen Hunt Falls

Helen Hunt Falls tumbles about 35 feet on Cheyenne Creek in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, immediately off North Cheyenne Canyon Road in Colorado Springs. Nestled within the city-managed North Cheyenne Canon Park, the cascade is a classic, easy-access scenic stop — there is parking for roughly 30 vehicles at the falls, and the lot often fills up early in the summer when canyon visits are at their peak. As noted on Wikipedia, the falls sit on Cheyenne Creek and are one of the most photographed short stops in the canyon. The setting makes Helen Hunt Falls an ideal quick outing for families, photographers, and visitors looking for a scenic break from a drive through the canyon. The falls are right off the road, and if you want more hiking the Silver Cascade Falls Trail starts nearby and extends the visit into a longer, more strenuous route.

The Setting

Helen Hunt Falls sits at 7,238 feet within North Cheyenne Canon Park, fed by the Cheyenne Creek, in the high mountains of Colorado. The falls drop 35 feet.

Height: 35 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Seven Falls (181 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the southeast.

Seven Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.1 mi distance 50 ft climbed

The Approach

No hiking required. Helen Hunt Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

The trail to Helen Hunt Falls is extremely short — an out-and-back of about 0.1 miles with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain that leads directly to the base of the 35-foot waterfall. The site is essentially a drive-up destination with a short, steep spur trail from the parking area; the trail type is out-and-back and is commonly described as drive_up difficulty. Limited parking (about 30 spaces) and heavy summer use mean you may want to arrive early; for a longer hike, the Silver Cascade Falls Trail begins nearby.

What to Expect

The falls drop 35 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Helen Hunt Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Helen Hunt Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as snowmelt increases the water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the falls partially frozen.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.

Safety Information

Stay on designated trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as storms can develop quickly in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

2 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1 1 5 7

Based on 34 years of record

1.43 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

CHEYENNE CREEK AT EVANS AVE AT COLORADO SPRINGS,CO

USGS 07105490

2.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 22 sq mi

Altitude: 6,265 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CHEYENNE CREEK AT EVANS AVE AT COLORADO SPRINGS,CO (3 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

2 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

2 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

2 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

2 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

2 cfs

4/10

Wed

Moderate

2 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

2 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

2 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Manitou Springs hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar measures about 138 feet of descent through Helen Hunt Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 35 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 7,249 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 174 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 63 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Helen Hunt Falls near Manitou Springs, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Helen Hunt Falls near Manitou Springs, Colorado, showing about 138 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 7,249 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 138 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Helen Hunt Falls is located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, approximately 7 miles southwest of downtown Colorado Springs. Visitors can reach the falls by driving along North Cheyenne Canyon Road, which is well-marked and paved.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking lot near the falls, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. Additional parking may be available along the road.

Elevation

7,238 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.788601° N, -104.903030° W

Land Management

North Cheyenne Canon Park LP

Managed by CITY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and summer months. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore beyond the base of the falls. Bring water and sunscreen, as the area can get warm during the day.

This trail sits at 7,238 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 29% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

OR Sombriolet Sun Hat

UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.

Where to Stay

Tiny House Get Away

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

13.6 miles away · 0 sites

The area is located 4.2 miles east of Woodland Park on Rampart Range Road, FDR 300. **Be advised that the road is a rough, rutted, washboard, native surface road and the posted speed limit is 20 mph. Hauling boat or camper trailers can make this drive especially difficult and slow.

Book on Recreation.gov