Our Seven Falls Adventure!
This area is called the “GRANDEST MILE OF SCENERY” in Colorado and I think that describes it pretty well! It really is spectacular and absolutely worth a visit or two (or seven)!
My husband took me to Seven Falls for my birthday a couple of years ago. We went on a “double date” with my sister and her husband. It was amazing. I definitely recommend this place for a date or double date spot! You get to chat, enjoy the scenery, connect with each other and with nature, all while getting some exercise! We LOVED it!
We’ve wanted to get back here ever since that first visit, so we decided to take all four of our boys during their spring break. We weren’t sure how it would go because our youngest two sons were only 3 and 6-year-olds and there is a lot of walking and climbing involved. Read on to find out how it all went!
To get started, park in the lot at the Broadmoor off of 1st street – next to the Golden Bee Restaurant. Parking is free, and a complimentary shuttle picks you up right there. After an 8 minute drive, you are dropped off at the ticket gate. The cost in the winter is $10 for adults, and $5 for children. Summer is $14.50 for adults and $9 for children over 2. Seniors and military $12.50. (Prices may change)
After you pay the entrance fee you are 0.8 miles from the base of the Falls, so you have two choices:
- Jump on a tram that will drive you to the base of the Falls. The cost is $2 per person. Seniors are free.
- Walk to the Falls. Walking allows you the opportunity to absorb this grand mile. The 6 of us chose to walk. Well, our 3 year old got a piggy back ride for most of it.
The Grandest Mile and my iPhone doesn’t do it justice.
When you arrive at the base of the Falls, I recommend that you start by walking through a tunnel inside the mountain. The corridor is lined with pictures and artifacts from history.
Tunnel through the mountain to the elevator
At the end of the tunnel is an elevator that will take you up to Eagle’s Nest landing. After spending a few minutes taking in the magnificent view…walk down the steps or ride the elevator back down.
Next, walk past a trout pound and watch for the HUGE fish that occasionally jump up to say hello! Then, take a deep breath and begin the climb up the 224 VERY STEEP steps. Thankfully, there is a landing halfway up the staircase so that you can take in the view, rest your legs and catch your breath.
We didn’t know how our young boys would handle climbing more than 200 STEEP steps. Our three oldest sons did not complain ONE TIME. My husband carried our 3-year-old most of the way. I can’t imagine having to carry 30+ extra pounds up all those steps. I was exhausted just getting myself to the top. However, 224 steps isn’t difficult for Ted, who climbs the Manitou Incline on a regular basis. The Incline is 2,744 steps – more than 10 times as many steps as Seven Falls.
If you make it to the top, you are rewarded with a gorgeous hike!
First, you’ll encounter a Ponderosa Pine Tree that’s more than 450 years old! Stop here and try to wrap your arms around this gigantic tree. It took all four of our sons touching hands to get their arms around the trunk of this beautiful tree.
Next, you’ll come to a fork in the path. Go to the right for an easy, 20-minute hike. Go to the left for a hike that will take you about an hour. If you have children in tow, I recommend the shorter hike – we loved it. My sister took the long hike and said it was incredible. If you have the time and the energy, do both!
Next, SLOWLY walk down all the stairs. The climb down is easy but VERY steep and sometimes crowded. Keep ahold onto the handrail!
Stop at the bottom and relax in one of the wooden rocking chairs. Take a few minutes to enjoy the view and reflect on that beautiful hike you just completed.
Rocking Luke and enjoying the view
Take time to watch the trout play in the pond.
Hungry? Eat at the fabulous Restaurant 1858. I recommend the Chili Con Queso nachos. They are made with homemade wild boar chili, chips, cheese and pickled jalapeños.
For all my favorite restaurants in Colorado Springs, click here!
Slowly make your way back to the entrance where a shuttle will pick up and drop you off at the parking lot.
Before you leave, take time to stroll around the lake at the Broadmoor Hotel! This is one of the most beautiful hotels in the country and you’ve just got to see it – or stay the night.
I absolutely recommend that you make some time to visit Seven Falls in Colorado Springs. Add it to your bucket list now, and thank me later!
Watch to see how many #eglyboys it takes to hug the Ponderosa Pine!
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