Seven Falls - Colorado Springs, CO

Located in a natural box canyon and open daily year-round, Seven Falls has 181 feet of stunning waterfalls. The Colorado Springs attraction made National Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls, the only one in Colorado to do so.

With a series of 7 cascading waterfalls, in the summer, the waterfalls are lit up at night. Hike along 224 steps to the top or take an in-mountain elevator 14 stories to the Eagles’ Nest Lookout. The evening is a special time to visit the falls, as they are lit up at night. It’s managed by The Broadmoor, a famous 5-star hotel in Colorado Springs, located just 2 miles from the waterfalls.

Waterfalls, Hiking Trails and Lights

With over 224 stairs from the base to the top, the seven falls boast some of the most beautiful scenes in Colorado Springs. After re-opening in late 2015, they made several renovations, including a new restaurant, Restaurant 1858, and zip line called the Broadmoor’s Soaring Adventure. There are separate fees for it, but being located above the falls, it’s well worth the extra money.

Seven Falls has been dubbed

“The grandest mile of scenery in Colorado”, as well as “The most beautiful canyon in the world”.

Seven Falls Colorado Springs — The main entrance to Seven Falls.

In the summer it stays open until 10:30 pm. After the sun sets, lights illuminate the falls in a variety of colors. In the winter, it closes at 4:30 pm.

To reach the top, visitors must climb a staircase of 224 steps. Once at the top, the views are incredible. There are also two additional hiking trails located above the falls.

Helen Hunt Falls is another Springs’ waterfall that you can visit on the same day. It requires a short but uphill, woodsy nature walk. It’s small and free, but nowhere near the attraction that Seven Falls is.

History

Seven Falls Colorado Springs Bottom of Waterfalls — At the bottom of the waterfalls. Photo by: John Fowler

The Broadmoor Seven Falls actually dates all the way back to 1872 when a gentleman by the name of Nathaniel Colby. Mr. Colby sold the land to Colorado Springs Land Company, then sold Seven Falls to James Hull. James transformed the area by building roads through the canyon and a staircase up the falls.

With the help of another man who started charging visitors to view the falls by carriage and horses, Seven Falls in Colorado Springs has flourished into one of the premier attractions in the area. It’s a year-round gem.

The names of each fall are:

Bridal Veil – Name based on its visual representation.
Ramona – Named after Helen Hunt Jackson’s Book.
Hill – Named for the previous owner.
Hull – Named for the owner during the 1800s.
Feather – Name based on its visual representation.
Weimer – Named for the 2nd owner of the falls
Shorty – This fall has the shortest drop out of all seven.

Hiking Trails

Seven Falls Colorado Part Way Up — Part way up Seven Falls, Colorado Springs. Photo by: John Fowler

Throughout the canyon, there are several exhibits, which are part of a guided audio tour to make your adventure fun and memorable.

At the top of the falls is a system of trails that take you to Midnight Falls and then onto Inspiration Point, overlooking Colorado Springs. The trails are open from May to mid-October.

The trail to Midnight Falls is about a thirty-minute round trip, while that to Inspiration Point takes an hour round trip. There’s also a lot of wildlife that is usually seen in the surrounding canyon.

Facilities at Seven Falls

exterior of Restaurant 1858 at Seven Falls in Colorado Springs — Restaurant 1858, Seven Falls.

Ponderosa Cafe – Open year round, serving hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ, snacks, ice cream, and more.
Main Curio Shop – An Old West-themed gift shop.
Bear Cubs Cave – Located at the base of the stairs, features children’s toys and apparel.
Eagle’s Nest Shop – Located at the top of the elevator, this shop features an assortment of rocks and crystals.
Restaurant 1858 – A fine dining restaurant honoring the year the Gold Rush took place in Colorado, first opened in August of 2015.