Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
Trailhead: 7510 feet
Hiking time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Season: Spring to fall
Hike type: One way out and back
Near: Helen Hunt Falls, Pike National Park
Direction: Coming south on I-25, take exit 140 and get on Cheyenne Blvd via S Tejon St. Drive all the way until you reach N. Cheyenne Canyon Rd.. Drive all the way through past Helen Hunt falls until you reach parking lot at intersection with Gold Camp Rd.
Description: From the parking lot, walk on the Old Gold Camp Road, which is a 0.75 mile narrow dirt road leading toward the start of the official trail. Unfortunately, taking this route would miss the bridge #1. However, this route leads toward to where the sign is posted, saying “Jones Park – 2.0 miles.” From this spot, go up to the left trail and stay on the left. (The trail on the right is Buckhorn Trail.) The trail then crisscrosses the South Cheyenne Creek over a series of six wooden bridges.
This trail offers a lot of scenery of aspen and coniferous trees and wildflowers. Lots of shade allows you find many nice lunch spots to choose from. The sound of the creek brings a sense of peace and calmness. Families with children and dogs can hike here, just keep an eye out for any passing bicyclists. Since this trail is one of the popular ones, it may best to hike on a weekday to avoid the crowding.
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