Camping Facilities
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is one of the crown jewels of Colorado Springs. It is nestled in the looming shadow of the mountain it’s named after, with rolling hills, avid wildlife, and a dedicated park staff. If you are looking for a little adventure close to Fort Carson or Colorado Springs, this park is a great place to start.
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Information about Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a state park in El Paso County, Colorado, located just south of Colorado Springs. It covers over 2,000 acres and is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a beautiful and well-maintained park that is accessible to all visitors. Whether you’re interested in hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, education events, camping or just enjoying the great outdoors, there is something for you to enjoy at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. There are more than 25 miles of trails that wind through the park and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Related Reading: Parks in Colorado Springs
Access to the Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is open year-round and it is open to the public. Hours of operation vary depending on the season. Summer hours are 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m and winter hours are 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
There is a fee to access the park. The fee for a daily pass is $7 per vehicle for Colorado residents and $9 per vehicle for non-residents. An annual pass is $80 or $120 for a hang tag.
There are several parking areas throughout the park and a large lot is located near the visitor center. From the parking areas, you can access the park’s trails and other facilities on foot. The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground.
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Wildlife at Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species and it’s a great place for wildlife viewing. The park is located within the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Range and is home to a number of threatened and endangered species. It’s a great place for wildlife viewing and nature appreciation. Whether you’re interested in seeing a specific animal or just want to enjoy the beauty of the park’s natural surroundings, there is something for everyone at Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Some of the animals that you may see while visiting the park include mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, turkeys, and a variety of bird species including falcons, warblers and finches. You can click here for a downloadable checklist for bird species. The park is also home to a number of reptiles, including snakes and lizards, as well as amphibians such as the great plains toad or salamander.
Speaking of snakes, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is known for rattlesnake activity in warmer months. Be sure to stay on trails and avoid wearing headphones so you can hear rattle warnings.
In addition to its rich diversity of animal life, Cheyenne Mountain State Park has a variety of plant species, including ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen trees. The park’s varied landscape includes grasslands, forests, and rocky cliffs. This diversity provides habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.
Also be aware that this is active bear and mountain lion country. Stay aware of your surroundings on the trails as well as on your campsites. The visitor center will have resources to educate yourself on safety and what to do in case of an encounter.
Related Reading: Tips for Hiking with Kids in Colorado Springs
Camping at Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park has a variety of camping options for visitors. It’s open seven days a week making it an excellent stop on any road trip across central Colorado. Payment is smooth and easy, and the park has been so masterfully laid out. At night you can see the lights of the distant downtown area of Colorado Springs but you’re far enough away that you won’t hear much except for the chirping crickets and rustle of animals.
The park has both tent and RV campsites. All of the campsites have access to restrooms and showers.
To reserve a campsite at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, you can visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or call the park’s reservation hotline. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. It is recommended that you book your campsite well in advance because the park can fill up quickly during peak season.
There are only very few trails where dogs are allowed and these rules are strictly enforced. You may have your dog at a campsite but leashes are required at all times.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park Visitor Center
In addition to traditional campsites, the park also has cabins for rent. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds, a table and chairs, small kitchenette and a heater. While the cabins are small and rustic structures, they are cozy, sleep up to six people and are equipped with basic creature comforts. Just like the campsites, cabins can be reserved through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or by calling the park’s reservation hotline.
While camping at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, be sure to follow all park rules and regulations. This includes respecting the quiet hours, properly disposing of trash, and using designated fire pits for any fires. Following the rules helps ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable camping experience at the park. Please check fire restrictions before you skewer your smores just in case there is an open fire ban due to drought conditions.
Related Reading: 10 Easy Hiking Trails in Colorado Springs
Hiking and Biking in Cheyenne Mountain State Park
You can drive through the park, but 80% of it is inaccessible by car. Cheyenne Mountain State Park has a winding, twisting labyrinth of gravel-paved trails giving adventurers something to really sink their teeth into. The trails themselves are mixed in difficulty. Some are generally wide and fairly easy to hike or bike and accessible to many abilities. Other trails are rocky, tight and require some skill to traverse and navigate. Stop by the visitor’s center at the main entrance of the park to get a recommendation for your skill level and time.
Other activities include geocaching and a new archery range is under construction. Cheyenne Mountain State Park also hosts two signature trail races for the area. The Cheyenne Mountain Trial Race is usually held every April and has ultra distances. The Cheyenne Mountain Trail Run is held every October and has a 5k, 10k, and a 25k that runs to the top of Cheyenne Mountain.
Additional Resources:
- Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park Trail Map
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground Map
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park Directions
Overall, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a beautiful and diverse place that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the park’s natural beauty, engaging in outdoor activities, or learning about its history and culture, there is something for you to enjoy at Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
