Is swimming allowed at Seven Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Seven Falls.

Live Conditions · 2 ft³/s · About average

Seven Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Seven Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Seven Falls.

Colorado • 181 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Seven Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

GlennPope CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

andrusdevelopment CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

0.8 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

224 ft

About Seven Falls

Seven Falls is a dramatic series of seven cascading drops on South Cheyenne Creek tucked into South Cheyenne Cañon just south of downtown Colorado Springs. The falls plunge a combined 181 feet through a narrow, rocky gorge, and have been operated as a privately owned tourist attraction since they were opened in the early 1880s. Framed by steep canyon walls, the waterfall sequence makes for excellent close-up viewing and photos whether you linger at the base or climb to the overlooks above. Access is visitor-friendly but limited: there is no on-site parking at Seven Falls, and round-trip shuttle service runs from the Norris Penrose Event Center. The site’s short but scenic route is a popular half-day outing for families and day hikers looking for a compact, dramatic waterfall experience inside Colorado Springs.

The Setting

Seven Falls sits at 6,893 feet along the Cheyenne Creek, in the high mountains of Colorado. At 181 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Colorado.

Height: 181 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Helen Hunt Falls (35 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the northwest.

Helen Hunt Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.8 mi distance 224 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 0.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 224 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The established route to Seven Falls is an out-and-back of about 0.8 miles with roughly 224 feet of elevation gain, generally rated moderate. The approach to the base follows a paved path through the canyon, making the initial portion an easy walk; from the base, a steep stairway of 224 steps carries you up past the cascades to the top viewpoints. Averaged over the route the gain works out to roughly a 5% incline, but expect noticeably steeper sections on the stair climb. Trail surface is paved for the lower approach and stone/metal steps on the ascent; the short length and clear wayfinding make it accessible for most hikers who are comfortable with a sustained stair climb. Note the lack of parking at the attraction itself — plan to use the provided shuttle service from Norris Penrose Event Center when visiting.

What to Expect

The falls plunge 181 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Seven Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $18.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Seven Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with potential ice formations.

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

The stairs can be steep and slippery, especially when wet. Stay on designated paths and follow all posted safety signs. Be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

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 4 8

Based on 34 years of record

1.44 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

1.2 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 (2 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

2 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

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 Stratmoor 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 178 feet of descent through Seven Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That agrees with the listed height of 181 feet. The brink sits at about 6,857 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 213 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 181 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Seven Falls near Stratmoor, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Seven Falls near Stratmoor, Colorado, showing about 178 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,857 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 178 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Seven Falls is located in South Cheyenne Canyon, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. Visitors must park at the designated parking area at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road and take a free shuttle to the entrance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the designated lot on Lower Gold Camp Road. No parking is allowed at the falls themselves.

Elevation

6,893 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.778880° N, -104.879974° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes for the stairs and bring water. The area can be slippery near the falls, so exercise caution.

This trail sits at 6,893 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 28% 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.

With 0.8 miles and 224 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

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Nearby Campground

Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

14.6 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