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Hiking – Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Trip

Hiking – Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Talon Trail Hike - casual hike from rolling meadows, through scrub oak, climbing into pine trees to a rocky cliffside that serves as a great overlook. 8.5 miles out-n-back, 837-foot total elevation gain, 6,857 feet max. $10/vehicle entrance fee.

Contacts

Placeholder Contact Profile
Christie Lee
Primary Leader
  • Sat, May 6, 2023
  • Pikes Peak
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 8.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 837 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,857 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph

Meet in Cheyenne Mountain State Park (410 JL Ranch Heights Colorado Springs, CO, 80926) at 9:00 am in Limekiln Parking Lot
There is a Daily Vehicle Pass fee of $10

Directions:
I-25 exit #135, South Academy, head west on South Academy past Pikes Peak Community College, continue west to Highway 115, turn left (south) on Highway 115.
Turn right at the first stop light, JL Ranch Heights Road (also the light for Fort Carson Gate 1), the park entrance is to the west.
Go west and follow the road into the park. Look for state highway signs directing you to Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
After paying entrance fee -- enter the park and take the left towards the Limekiln Parking Lot and trailhead area for Talon, Zook, and Sundance Trails

Celebrating the PPG's 104th Anniversary!

Hiking Plan
Start at Lime Kiln Parking lot at 9 a.m. and go 2.64 on Talon trail to North Talon Trail and then 1.60 miles to a park high point at 6,843 feet.  If group is feeling strong, we may go a bit more on the Dixon Trail.  Then back to parking lot....hopefully have lunch together.

Rated "Easy" although it is just over the 8-mile cutoff to "moderate"

No dogs allowed on this hike due to trail restrictions.

Contact Christie with any questions at (719) 243-1821

Talon Trail  A 2.64 miles moderate trail with increasing elevation gain, it begins as a prairie hike and traverses through the scrub oak to the montane. Vegetation and views change along the way, so there’s no chance to get bored, only inspired.
Talon North Trail  A 1.60 miles moderate trail of some elevation gain with an amazing overlook. This makes a great “AHA” moment after a nice hike.

More information
Cheyenne Mountain State Park Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/CheyenneMountain/Pages/default.aspx
Trail Map: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/CheyenneMountain/Documents/CMSPTrailMap.pdf
Fees https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/CheyenneMountain/Pages/Fees.aspx
Park Pass Info: https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/ParksPassInfo.aspx
Hiking Project: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7012415/talon
2019 Gazette Article: https://gazette.com/happy-trails-talon-trail-cheyenne-mountain-state-park/article_81351272-cdf0-5416-9c05-e230df73f680.html

Route/Place

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Bring plenty of water for what may be a hot day

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