Seven Bridges Trail
A moderate, shaded hike in Colorado Springs featuring charming bridges over a cascading creek with small waterfalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full creek flow, lush greenery
Seven Bridges Trail
Best Time
Full creek flow, lush greenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate, shaded hike in Colorado Springs featuring charming bridges over a cascading creek with small waterfalls.
"A beautiful, family-friendly hike with plenty of shade and a lovely creek to explore."
Check for Detours
The first bridge may be closed; a short detour is usually in place. :information_source:
Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, especially in wet or icy conditions. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cascading Creek & Waterfalls
Along the trail
Follow the gentle sound of water as it tumbles over rocks, creating small, picturesque waterfalls.
The Seven Bridges
Throughout the trail
Cross charming wooden and stone bridges, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding nature.
Shaded Forest Path
North Cheyenne Canyon
Enjoy a mostly shaded hike through a beautiful forest, perfect for escaping the summer sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Detours
The first bridge may be closed; a short detour is usually in place. :information_source:
Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, especially in wet or icy conditions. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated on this moderate hike, especially during warmer months. :water_wave:
Leash Your Pup!
This trail is dog-friendly, but keep your furry friends on a leash. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Detours
The first bridge may be closed; a short detour is usually in place. :information_source:
Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, especially in wet or icy conditions. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated on this moderate hike, especially during warmer months. :water_wave:
Leash Your Pup!
This trail is dog-friendly, but keep your furry friends on a leash. :dog:
Arrive Early
To secure parking and enjoy a less crowded experience, aim for an early start. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Seven Bridges Trail for its natural beauty, well-maintained paths, and family-friendly atmosphere. The shaded forest and cascading creek are highlights, though some note occasional bridge closures or wet conditions. It's a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike seeking a moderate outdoor escape.
"Open year-round, Seven Bridges Trail is a popular hiking path near Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs in North Cheyenne Cañon.
The bridges are in great shape and the trail is well maintained. Alongside the trail is a crystal clear creek that creates small waterfalls as it cascades down the mountainside. The creek flows much stronger in the spring than in the fall. The trail is fairly well shaded by the trees the entire way. The hike has a constant and gentle gain that makes it great for a 2 to 3-hour trip. This hike is very dog friendly and there are plenty of areas for your dog to cool down in the water. Keep your dog on leash and pick after them.
Leave No Trace 💚"
Grace
"Great trail, not too steep up or down! Was even able to do it 7 months pregnant :) Plus, the weather was fantastic."
Ashley Simonds
"This is one of our favorite hikes. There is a slight detour starting off because the first bridge is completely gone, washed away! Lots of shade and the creek is fun for the dogs!"
Tere Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Seven Bridges Trail is located in North Cheyenne Canyon, near Colorado Springs. You can navigate to the trailhead using Google Maps or your preferred GPS app. Parking is available near the trailhead, and it's often free. 
Yes, there is parking available near the trailhead. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly due to the trail's popularity.
Public transportation options to trailheads can be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use a ride-sharing service to reach the Seven Bridges Trail.
The trail is considered moderately challenging with some elevation gain. While many find it family-friendly, those with significant mobility issues might find certain sections difficult.
Using a navigation app like AllTrails can be helpful for following the trail and understanding its layout.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Seven Bridges Trail is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's a free outdoor activity.
The Seven Bridges Trail is open year-round. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. [^R]
There is no admission fee to access the Seven Bridges Trail. Enjoy this natural beauty for free!
Yes, the trail is open year-round. In winter, microspikes are highly recommended due to icy conditions.
Occasionally, the first bridge may be closed for maintenance, but a detour is usually provided. Always check local park advisories if possible. [^R]
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Seven Bridges Trail is generally considered a moderate hike. It features a gentle, consistent elevation gain with some steeper sections as you progress.
The trail is typically around 3.4 to 3.5 miles round trip, depending on the exact starting point and any detours.
You'll experience a beautiful forest setting with a cascading creek, small waterfalls, and of course, the iconic seven bridges. The trail is also well-shaded. [^R]
Yes, many visitors find the Seven Bridges Trail to be family-friendly, especially for children who enjoy nature and water. The moderate difficulty and engaging bridges make it fun.
Absolutely! The Seven Bridges Trail is very dog-friendly. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridges themselves, the cascading creek and waterfalls, and the lush forest provide numerous picturesque spots. The views of Lake Michigan from Grant Park's Seven Bridges Trail are also stunning.
Yes, the trail offers diverse photographic subjects, from the intricate bridge designs to the natural beauty of the creek and surrounding woods.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow.
Keep an eye out for clearings and spots along the creek where the waterfalls are most prominent. The end of the trail in Grant Park offers expansive lake views.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you enjoy landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the bridges and scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for potential wet spots on the trail. The opportunity for kids to see small waterfalls and cross bridges makes it an adventurous and memorable outing. Leashing pets is also a must if you bring them along.
[^R]🐶 Dog Owners
[^R]It's crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times to ensure their safety and respect for other hikers and wildlife. Remember to bring waste bags to clean up after your pet, adhering to Leave No Trace principles. [^R]
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the most flattering light. The vibrant greens of spring and the colorful foliage of autumn also provide excellent seasonal backdrops. Don't forget to capture the unique charm of each bridge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Seven Bridges Trail
+1 [^R]As you traverse the path, you'll encounter a series of charming bridges, some made of wood and others of stone, that cross a lively creek. This creek cascades down the mountainside, creating small, picturesque waterfalls, especially vibrant in the spring. The trail is also well-shaded for most of its length, providing a pleasant escape during warmer months. [^R]
While the trail is generally well-maintained, it's worth noting that the first bridge may occasionally be closed due to damage. In such cases, a short detour is usually provided, adding minimal distance to the hike. [^R] This makes it a popular choice for families and dog owners, though leashes are required for pets.
The Allure of the Bridges
Some bridges are rustic wooden structures, while others are built from stone, reflecting different stages of the trail's development or repair. The variety in design contributes to the charm and makes the hike engaging, as you anticipate crossing each new bridge.
While the trail is named for seven bridges, some visitors note that there might be more than seven in total, or that some are more prominent than others. Regardless of the exact count, their presence is a defining feature that enhances the overall hiking experience.
Seasonal Beauty and Conditions
Summer provides a welcome respite from the heat due to the trail's ample shade, making it a great option for a cooler hike. However, the creek flow might be less robust compared to spring. Fall brings a beautiful display of autumn colors to the forest, creating a vibrant backdrop for your hike.
Winter hiking is possible, but visitors should be prepared for icy conditions. Wearing microspikes or other traction devices is highly recommended to navigate slippery sections safely. Despite the cold, the snow-dusted landscape can offer a serene and beautiful hiking experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit