Mount Cutler Trail - a trail in the woods with trees and rocks
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Mount Cutler Trail

4.6
·491k reviews·Colorado Springs, United States

A popular 1.7-mile moderate hike in Cheyenne Canon, offering stunning panoramic mountain views and a rewarding ascent.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
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Mount Cutler Trail - a trail in the woods with trees and rocks

Mount Cutler Trail

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A popular 1.7-mile moderate hike in Cheyenne Canon, offering stunning panoramic mountain views and a rewarding ascent.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Breathtaking views make this moderate 1.7-mile hike a must-do in Cheyenne Canon!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

The trailhead parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM or consider parking further down the road.

🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots

Good grip is essential, especially with potential ice and snow in shaded canyon areas.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Views

Panoramic Mountain Views

Summit

Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, including potential glimpses of Mount Rainier on clear days.

TikTok
Cheyenne Canon Scenery

Cheyenne Canon Scenery

Throughout the trail

Enjoy the natural beauty of Cheyenne Canon with its rugged terrain and diverse flora.

Instagram
The 1.7-Mile Out-and-Back

The 1.7-Mile Out-and-Back

Trailhead to Summit

A rewarding moderate hike offering significant elevation gain for a relatively short distance.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the View

Mount Cutler Trail is popular! Arrive before 9 AM to snag a parking spot and enjoy a less crowded hike. Weekday mornings are your best bet for a peaceful experience. TikTokInstagram

Gear Up for the Trail

This moderate 1.7-mile trail has 472 feet of elevation gain. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are recommended, especially if there's lingering ice or snow. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better parking
Crowd
Low
When
Early morning
Why
Catch the best light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Skyline Loop Trail was even better than I dreamed! Here are some helpful tips: -Arrive before 9 AM as the parking lot fills up fast and the trail gets super busy! -Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip. -Start clockwise! Starting clockwise gives you more gradual uphill sections and the most dramatic views of Mount Rainier in front of you. -Have fun, be safe, and leave no trace 🫶🏽 #...
@kristinaoutside
139K likes • 791.1K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

The trailhead parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM or consider parking further down the road. TikTokInstagram

🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots

Good grip is essential, especially with potential ice and snow in shaded canyon areas. TikTok

Mount Cutler is a 1.7 out and back trail in Cheyenne Canon. Easy enough to squeeze in on a weekday but beautiful enough to want to go back repetitively. It’s a popular one with limited parking so weekday mornings are the best time to go! Ice and snow stick around during the winter months since the interior side of the canyon doesn’t get much sun, so spikes and poles are helpful…especially for thos...
wild.mamas.hiking
44 likes • 282 views
How to stay safe on the Mount Cutler Trail in Colorado Springs. Top Rated! #colorado #hiking #outdoors
makingmovezwithmike
9 likes • 229 views

⬆️ Hike Clockwise for Views

Starting clockwise offers a more gradual ascent and keeps dramatic views of the mountains in front of you. TikTok

📱 Safety First on the Trail

Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions for a safe hiking experience. Instagram

SAVE this hike for your trip to Colorado Springs! The trailhead gets packed so I’d recommend planning to go bright and early! There’s also more parking down the road. 📍Mount Cutler Trail 1.7 miles 472 feet elevation gain Moderate #coloradosprings #colorado
outherewandering
50 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

The trailhead parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM or consider parking further down the road. TikTokInstagram

🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots

Good grip is essential, especially with potential ice and snow in shaded canyon areas. TikTok

⬆️ Hike Clockwise for Views

Starting clockwise offers a more gradual ascent and keeps dramatic views of the mountains in front of you. TikTok

📱 Safety First on the Trail

Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions for a safe hiking experience. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Mount Cutler Trail for its stunning panoramic views and rewarding moderate hike. The trail's accessibility and natural beauty make it a popular choice, though parking can be a significant challenge during peak times. Some find the trail a bit crowded, but the vistas are widely considered worth the effort. TikTokInstagram+1

What People Like

Spectacular mountain views
Rewarding moderate hike
Beautiful canyon scenery

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Crowded trail

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mount Cutler Trail is located in North Cheyenne Canon Park. Parking at the trailhead can be limited, so arriving early is highly recommended. Some suggest parking further down the road if the main lot is full. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Consider arriving before 9 AM or exploring alternative parking options nearby. TikTokInstagram

While accessible, be aware that ice and snow can linger on the trail, particularly on the interior side of the canyon that receives less sun. Sturdy footwear is crucial during these months. Instagram

Many hikers recommend starting the trail clockwise. This approach offers more gradual uphill sections and presents the most dramatic mountain views directly in front of you as you ascend. TikTok

The Mount Cutler Trail is considered moderate, with a 1.7-mile length and 472 feet of elevation gain. While manageable for many, it's not the absolute easiest trail in the area, with options like Lower Columbine being flatter. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Mount Cutler Trail is located within North Cheyenne Canon Park, which generally has free public access. No tickets are typically required for entry. Instagram

As an outdoor trail, Mount Cutler is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check with local park authorities for any specific seasonal or temporary closures. Instagram

Typically, there is no entrance fee for North Cheyenne Canon Park, making Mount Cutler Trail a free outdoor activity. Instagram

Reservations are not usually required for hiking trails like Mount Cutler. However, due to its popularity, arriving early is the best strategy to secure a parking spot. TikTokInstagram

For general day hiking, permits are not typically required for Mount Cutler Trail. Always check with local park regulations if you plan on any specialized activities. Instagram

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

Mount Cutler Trail is rated as moderate. It's a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail with 472 feet of elevation gain, offering a good workout without being overly strenuous for most hikers. Instagram

Most visitors complete the Mount Cutler Trail in about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on their pace and how much time they spend enjoying the views at the summit. Instagram

You can expect beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Cheyenne Canon area. On very clear days, some hikers report seeing Mount Rainier. TikTok

While specific park rules can vary, many trails in Colorado Springs parks allow dogs on leashes. It's advisable to confirm the current pet policy for North Cheyenne Canon Park. Instagram

Bring water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and consider sun protection. If hiking in cooler months, check conditions for potential ice or snow and dress in layers. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers the most dramatic panoramic shots. The trail itself also provides scenic opportunities with the rugged canyon landscape and mountain backdrops. TikTokInstagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. Instagram

Drone usage in national and state parks often has restrictions. It's crucial to check the specific regulations for North Cheyenne Canon Park regarding drone operation before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors. Instagram

The unique geological formations within Cheyenne Canon and the expansive mountain vistas offer distinct photographic subjects. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Mount Cutler Trail offers a manageable yet rewarding hike for families. Its 1.7-mile length and moderate elevation gain make it achievable for children who are accustomed to walking. The stunning views from the top provide a great incentive and a sense of accomplishment for younger hikers. Instagram

Tips for Families: Pack plenty of water and snacks. Consider starting early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds, ensuring a more pleasant experience for everyone. Sturdy shoes are a must for little feet to navigate the trail safely. TikTokInstagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

Mount Cutler Trail is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as it's generally free to access, located within North Cheyenne Canon Park. The primary costs would be transportation to the park and any personal gear you might need. Instagram

Maximizing Value: Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices. The stunning natural scenery and the physical challenge of the hike provide a high-value experience without a significant financial outlay. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Mount Cutler Trail

The Mount Cutler Trail is a popular 1.7-mile out-and-back route with a moderate difficulty rating, featuring approximately 472 feet of elevation gain. Many hikers find the trail to be a rewarding experience, offering significant scenic payoff for the effort. The trail is well-defined, making it relatively easy to follow, though sturdy footwear is recommended due to the varied terrain. Instagram

Trail Direction and Views: A key piece of advice from experienced hikers is to tackle the trail clockwise. This direction is favored because it leads to more gradual uphill sections and strategically places the most dramatic and expansive views of the surrounding mountains directly in your line of sight as you ascend. This orientation enhances the visual impact of the hike. TikTok

Seasonal Considerations: While beautiful year-round, be mindful of seasonal conditions. During winter months, ice and snow can persist, especially on the north-facing slopes of the canyon that receive less direct sunlight. This makes good traction on your footwear essential. Instagram

Maximizing Your Mount Cutler Experience

To truly enjoy the Mount Cutler Trail and avoid common frustrations, planning your visit is key. The most frequently cited tip across social media and traveler forums is to arrive early. The trailhead parking lot is known to fill up rapidly, particularly on weekends and during peak hiking hours. Aiming for a start time before 9 AM is often suggested to secure a parking spot and begin your hike before the crowds descend. TikTokInstagram

Parking Alternatives: If you arrive and find the main lot full, don't despair. Some visitors have noted that there is additional parking available further down the road, which might require a short walk to the trailhead. This can be a viable option if you're set on hiking the trail. Instagram

Safety and Gear: For a safe and comfortable hike, wearing sturdy hiking boots with good grip is highly recommended. This is especially important given the potential for slippery conditions due to ice or snow in shaded areas. Carrying water and being prepared for changing weather conditions are also standard hiking precautions. TikTokInstagram

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