Every now and then we’ll glance at North Cheyenne Cañon’s trail map and realize how much more there is to explore at this Colorado Springs park we have long explored. Catching our eye at last glance: Spring Creek Trail, easy to overlook on the map of more renowned destinations, such as mounts Cutler and Muscoco, Helen Hunt Falls and St. Mary’s Falls, Seven Bridges and Captain Jacks trails. 

Spring Creek is a modest trail. But however short in distance, it is not short on rewards ー including a legendary tunnel.

The quickest access is from the Mid Columbine trailhead. But to avoid arriving to find parking full at that small pull-off, and to also add mileage and views, we suggest starting from the park’s main entrance by Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center. 

Lower Columbine Trail runs past the building, on to views of rock outcrops and pinnacles. Before a mile, the trail crosses the road to the other side of the canyon, on to Mid Columbine Trail.

Over the next mile, switchbacks steeply climb around a cathedral-like formation and up to more stunning overlooks. Mid Columbine Trail flattens in a forest, soon meeting a trail split beside a braid of water that springs from the ground. Spring Creek Trail is marked to the right. 

The narrow trail gently ascends through tall pines that break for some of the best views we’ve had in all of North Cheyenne Cañon. Our tracker read 2.4 miles at a marker pointing right to continue Spring Creek Trail toward Gold Camp Road. 

The trail ends there by the road, by Tunnel 1 of colorful history and lore. Around here, the map shows the start of Penrose Trail ー one for another adventure. We returned the way we came. 

Trip log: 5.1 miles (out and back), 1,106 feet elevation gain 

Getting there: Parking lot across from Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, 2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Road. 

FYI: Park open 5 a.m.-10 p.m. May-October; until 9 p.m. November-April. Dogs on leash. Trails icy in winter; bring traction.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE