Helen Hunt Falls
A stunning, easily accessible waterfall in North Cheyenne Canyon, offering breathtaking views right from the parking lot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak flow & fewer crowds
Helen Hunt Falls
Best Time
Peak flow & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, easily accessible waterfall in North Cheyenne Canyon, offering breathtaking views right from the parking lot.
"You literally have a great view from the parking lot. It’s great if you have anyone that has mobility issues."
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking fills up fast! Arrive early or be prepared for side road parking.
💧 Waterfall Flow Varies
Flow depends on rain/melt. Spring is often best for dramatic cascades.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Cascade
Parking Lot Viewpoint
Witness the impressive waterfall directly from the parking area – no strenuous hike required!
+1
North Cheyenne Canyon Road
Scenic Drive
Enjoy a breathtaking drive through the canyon, with pull-offs offering stunning views.
Upper Trail Exploration
Beyond the main falls
For those seeking more, a short, steep trail leads to further exploration and views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessibility is Key
+1Timing Your Visit
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking fills up fast! Arrive early or be prepared for side road parking.
💧 Waterfall Flow Varies
Flow depends on rain/melt. Spring is often best for dramatic cascades.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Great for all mobility levels; views are steps from parking.
☀️ Sun & Shade
Bring sunscreen and water, as areas offer both sun and shade.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking fills up fast! Arrive early or be prepared for side road parking.
💧 Waterfall Flow Varies
Flow depends on rain/melt. Spring is often best for dramatic cascades.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Great for all mobility levels; views are steps from parking.
☀️ Sun & Shade
Bring sunscreen and water, as areas offer both sun and shade.
🐶 Dog-Friendly
Leashed dogs are welcome in the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Helen Hunt Falls for its stunning beauty and incredible accessibility, making it a must-see for all. The ease of viewing the waterfall directly from the parking lot is a major highlight, especially for those with mobility concerns. While the waterfall's flow varies, the scenic drive and surrounding nature offer a delightful experience year-round.
"This is a beautiful place to stop on the way to some great trails up the road, or make it you starting point.
The drama varies greatly depending on the recent rain or spring melt.
The best thing is that you literally have a great view from the parking lot. It’s great if you have anyone that has mobility issues since it’s a 30 foot walk from the handicap spaces.
The immediate trail to the top is steep, but it’s short and plenty more to explore beyond the falls."
Dan K (dksirstone)
"We come here once a week and enjoy the beauty of the waterfall and the forest. There are trails to hike and places to pull along side the road to catch a view. The waterfall is at the top with parking and a potty.
A serene place to gather your thoughts and enjoy nature."
Shug Magnolia
"Beautiful area with stunning views. Super clean, family friendly. Waterfall is so pretty! Great place to walk around and enjoy nature."
Christine M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Helen Hunt Falls is located in North Cheyenne Canyon Park, just a short drive from downtown Colorado Springs. Take Cheyenne Canyon Road, and you'll find a parking lot near the falls.
Yes, there is a parking lot directly at Helen Hunt Falls. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! You can drive directly to the parking lot at Helen Hunt Falls, making it very accessible.
The drive up North Cheyenne Canyon Road is scenic and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Yes, Helen Hunt Falls is free to visit. There is no admission fee to access the falls and the surrounding park area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required for Helen Hunt Falls. It's a public park and the waterfall is freely accessible.
Helen Hunt Falls and North Cheyenne Canyon Park are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check local park advisories for any specific closures or changes.
There is no admission fee to visit Helen Hunt Falls. Access to the falls and the park is free for everyone.
Yes, Helen Hunt Falls is highly accessible. The main viewpoint is a short walk from the handicap parking spaces, making it suitable for visitors with mobility issues.
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit Helen Hunt Falls early in the morning, especially on weekdays.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the waterfall views from the parking lot, take photos, and explore the short, steep trail that leads further up the canyon for more exploration.
While you can see the falls from the parking lot, there is a short but steep trail that continues beyond the main cascade for those who want to hike further into the canyon.
The immediate trail from the parking lot is steep but short. Beyond that, there are more trails to explore within North Cheyenne Canyon.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted directly at the waterfall due to safety and conservation reasons. However, you can explore the creek downstream.
Visitors have reported seeing hummingbirds. Keep an eye out for other local wildlife as you explore the canyon.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewpoint offers a great perspective of the falls. You can also find picturesque spots along the creek downstream from the parking area.
Early morning light can be beautiful, and visiting after rain can provide a more dramatic waterfall for photos.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. Consider a tripod if you want to capture long exposures of the water.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks. It's best to check the specific regulations for North Cheyenne Canyon Park before flying a drone.
There is no cost to take photos at Helen Hunt Falls, as it is a free public attraction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there's a short, steep trail for a bit more adventure, the primary attraction is very manageable. Pack snacks and water, and consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds. The scenic drive into the canyon is also an enjoyable part of the experience for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Mobility-Challenged Visitors
📸 Photographers
Visiting in the early morning can provide softer light and fewer people in your shots. For those interested in capturing the movement of water, a tripod and a neutral density filter can be beneficial, particularly during brighter parts of the day. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Waterfall's Flow
Visitors who have been multiple times note significant differences, with some seeing it as a robust waterfall and others as a gentle stream. To ensure you see the falls at their most impressive, planning your visit around periods of higher water flow is recommended. This typically means visiting in the spring or shortly after significant rainfall. Checking local weather patterns and park conditions before your trip can help manage expectations and maximize your viewing experience.
Even when the flow is less dramatic, the surrounding natural beauty of North Cheyenne Canyon remains a significant draw. The accessibility of the falls means it's always a worthwhile stop, regardless of the water volume.
Accessibility and Ease of Visit
+1From the designated handicap parking spaces, it's only a short, 30-foot walk to a great view of the waterfall.
The convenience extends to the scenic drive up North Cheyenne Canyon Road, which itself is an attraction, offering beautiful vistas.
This combination of easy access and scenic beauty makes Helen Hunt Falls a popular and welcoming stop for many visiting the Colorado Springs area. Exploring Beyond the Falls
For more extensive hiking adventures, North Cheyenne Canyon Park boasts numerous other trails. These range in difficulty and length, catering to various fitness levels. Visitors can discover more cascades, diverse flora, and panoramic views of the Pikes Peak region.
Even if you don't plan on a long hike, simply driving along North Cheyenne Canyon Road offers numerous pull-offs where you can stop, admire the scenery, and perhaps find smaller, unnamed cascades or enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere.
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