St. Mary's Falls: A Hidden Cascade in Colorado Springs

St. Mary's Falls is a delightful waterfall tucked away in the rugged terrain of North Cheyenne Cañon Park, just outside Colorado Springs. This natural attraction offers a refreshing escape with its gentle cascade and scenic hiking trail. The 6-mile roundtrip trail to St. Mary's Falls is considered moderate in difficulty, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers. The path begins near Helen Hunt Falls, following the historic Upper Gold Camp Road. This old roadbed gradually ascends, passing over a closed railroad tunnel before narrowing into a traditional trail. Along the way, hikers are treated to the soothing sounds of a creek and views of the surrounding forest. As you approach St. Mary's Falls, the trail becomes steeper and rockier. The falls themselves are not towering, but rather a series of gentle cascades flowing over smooth granite. The water collects in shallow basins, creating a serene and photogenic environment. The area is surrounded by large boulders, coniferous trees, and shrubs, typical of the Colorado foothills. While most hikers turn back at the base of the falls, the trail continues onward and upwards for those seeking a more challenging adventure. This section leads to higher viewpoints and eventually connects to Mount Rosa.