Seven Falls Colorado Springs: The Complete Visitor Guide
Seven Falls is a series of seven cascading waterfalls dropping a total of 181 feet down a granite cliff in South Cheyenne CaƱon, about 15 minutes southwest of downtown Colorado Springs. The Broadmoor luxury resort bought the falls in 2014, closed the old public road in 2015, and now runs the site as a paid attraction reached only by shuttle from the Norris Penrose Event Center.
It is the most photographed waterfall in Colorado Springs and one of the few places in the state where seven distinct cascades stack up on a single cliff face. This guide covers what you'll actually find on the ground: how the ticket and shuttle system works, what the 224-step staircase up the cliff is like, when to go to avoid crowds, and what the free hiking alternative in the next canyon over looks like.
What You'll Learn
- Quick stats at a glance
- Where Seven Falls is and how to get there
- How tickets and the shuttle work
- The seven falls themselves
- The 224-step staircase and Eagle's Nest
- Restaurant 1858 in the canyon
- Best time of day and year to visit
- What to bring
- The free alternative in North Cheyenne CaƱon
- Pairing Seven Falls with other Colorado Springs stops
- Common mistakes visitors make
- Frequently asked questions
Quick stats at a glance
- Adult ticket: $18 to $22 depending on season (2026)
- Child ticket (ages 2-12): About $12
- Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM most of the year, extended evening hours in peak summer
- Address (shuttle pickup): Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
- Drive from downtown: 15 minutes southwest
- Total falls height: 181 feet across seven cascades
- Staircase: 224 steps up the side of the cliff
- Parking: Free at Norris Penrose
- Shuttle: Required, runs every 15 minutes, included in ticket
- Accessibility: Lower canyon viewing area is wheelchair-accessible; staircase and upper trails are not
- Dogs: Service animals only
Where Seven Falls is and how to get there
Seven Falls is at the western end of South Cheyenne CaƱon, the canyon that runs west from the Broadmoor neighborhood up toward Cheyenne Mountain. The falls themselves are about 15 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs by car, but you don't drive to the falls anymore. The road into the canyon past the Broadmoor's gates closed to public traffic in 2015. The only way in for day visitors is the Broadmoor's shuttle from the Norris Penrose Event Center.
From downtown Colorado Springs (15 minutes):
- Head south on Nevada Avenue
- Right on Lake Avenue toward the Broadmoor
- Left on 21st Street
- Right on Lower Gold Camp Road
- Norris Penrose Event Center is half a mile down on the left
From I-25 (10 minutes):
- Exit 140B (Cimarron Street)
- West on Cimarron, which becomes US-24
- Left on 21st Street
- Right on Lower Gold Camp Road
From Garden of the Gods (15 minutes):
- South on 30th Street
- Left on US-24 East
- Right on 21st Street
- Right on Lower Gold Camp Road
Parking at Norris Penrose is free and almost always available. From there, the shuttle handles the rest.
How tickets and the shuttle work
Seven Falls is one of the only major waterfalls in Colorado that requires a paid ticket to view. Tickets cover both shuttle service and admission to the falls themselves.
Ticket prices (2026):
- Adults: $18 in shoulder seasons, $22 in peak summer
- Children (2-12): About $12
- Seniors (65+): A few dollars off the adult price
- Children under 2: Free
- Broadmoor hotel guests: Free
Tickets are sold online at the Broadmoor's Seven Falls site and at the Norris Penrose shuttle station. Online booking is recommended from Memorial Day through Labor Day because peak summer afternoons regularly sell out by mid-morning.
The shuttle: Runs every 15 minutes from Norris Penrose to the falls, about a 5-minute ride each way. The last outbound shuttle from the falls leaves 30 minutes before closing. Plan to spend at least 90 minutes total on site, longer if you want to climb the staircase or eat at Restaurant 1858.
Why the shuttle: The Broadmoor closed the old public road in 2015 to control access, manage crowds, and protect the canyon. There is no way to drive your own car to the falls. There is no walking trail in from Cheyenne Boulevard either. The shuttle is the only entry point.
The seven falls themselves
The seven falls are named, in order from top to bottom: Hill, Ramona, Hull, Weimer, Feather, Bridal Veil, and Shorthouse. Together they drop 181 feet down a notch in the granite cliff at the head of South Cheyenne CaƱon. The water comes from South Cheyenne Creek, which drains the eastern slope of Cheyenne Mountain.
From the base viewing area you see all seven cascades stacked above you at once. The framing is what makes the falls famous: seven distinct drops in a single vertical line, with a thin cliff bracketing each side and dark pines above. There are few photographs in Colorado Springs more recognizable.
The volume of water depends on the season. Late May and June, when high-elevation snow on Cheyenne Mountain melts out, the falls thunder. By late August, the flow drops to a steady ribbon. After hard rain in July or August, the falls swell again for a day or two.
The base viewing area is paved, has benches, and is wheelchair-accessible. Most visitors who don't want to climb the staircase spend their time here.
The 224-step staircase and Eagle's Nest
The signature experience at Seven Falls is the staircase that climbs the side of the cliff next to the falls. It is 224 steps from the canyon floor to the top, with several landings along the way that put you eye-level with individual cascades. The climb takes most people 10 to 20 minutes with stops.
The staircase is narrow, exposed in places, and has a metal handrail along the cliff side. Footing is solid, but it's a workout. Anyone with knee, hip, or cardiac issues should plan to skip it. There is no lower-effort way to the top.
At the top of the stairs you reach a viewing platform and, just beyond it, two short trails:
- Inspiration Point trail (about 1 mile round trip) climbs gradually to a viewpoint over the canyon and out toward Colorado Springs. Note: this is a different Inspiration Point from the one in the next canyon over, which is the free hike described below.
- Midnight Falls trail (about half a mile round trip) drops down to a smaller, lesser-known waterfall above Seven Falls.
Eagle's Nest is a small enclosed viewing platform reached by an elevator built into the cliff on the canyon's south side. It puts you at the level of the third falls from the top with a head-on view of the upper cascades. The elevator is included in the ticket and is the closest thing to an accessible upper view. Lines for the elevator can run 15 to 30 minutes on summer afternoons.
For tougher hikes nearby that include real waterfalls, see our best hikes near Colorado Springs guide.
Restaurant 1858 in the canyon
Restaurant 1858 sits at the base of the falls, built into the rock wall of the canyon. It serves a wood-fired menu (steaks, trout, flatbreads) at Broadmoor prices. Lunch entrees run $20 to $35, dinner entrees $35 to $60. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, especially Friday and Saturday in summer.
The restaurant has both indoor seating and a covered outdoor patio with a head-on view of the falls. Most visitors don't eat here, but for a special occasion meal with one of the more unusual restaurant settings in Colorado, it works. Cocktails on the patio at sunset, with the falls lit, are the move if you don't want a full meal.
Restaurant 1858 has its own evening shuttle schedule that runs later than the regular falls shuttle. Dinner guests get extended access.
Best time of day and year to visit
Spring (May through mid-June): Peak water flow. Snowmelt off Cheyenne Mountain feeds the creek and the falls thunder. The canyon stays cool. Weekday mornings are quiet. This is the strongest time of year to visit.
Summer (mid-June through August): Busiest season. Afternoons get crowded, especially on weekends. The shuttle line can hit 30 minutes at peak times. Online tickets are required. The canyon stays 10 to 15 degrees cooler than downtown Colorado Springs because of the shade and water, which makes it a good summer escape if you time it right. Morning slots (10 AM to noon) and last-shuttle evening slots are the calmest.
Fall (September through October): The least crowded time. Water flow is low but steady. Aspens above the falls turn yellow in late September. Cool temperatures, soft light, short lines. Quiet recommendation for anyone with flexible timing.
Winter (November through February): The falls partially freeze, which is a striking sight. Hours are reduced and some evening features are closed. Check the Broadmoor's site for current schedule. The Christmas season includes special evening lighting events that sell out weeks ahead.
Time of day: First shuttle of the morning (10 AM) is the best light, lowest crowds, and shortest staircase wait. Evening shuttles for dinner at Restaurant 1858 are the most atmospheric.
What to bring
The site is short on distance but the staircase is real exercise. The kit is light but not zero.
Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners. Flip-flops on the staircase are a sprained ankle waiting to happen. Hiking boots are overkill for the base area but make sense if you plan to do the Inspiration Point or Midnight Falls trails up top. See our best hiking boots for Colorado guide for picks.
Water: A small bottle is enough. The site is short and there are water fountains at the base.
Layers: A light jacket or fleece, even in summer. The canyon is shaded and the spray from the falls cools the air at the base. Morning shuttles in May and October are cold.
Sun protection: Sunglasses and a hat for the upper trails at the top of the staircase. The base of the canyon is mostly shaded.
Camera: Phone cameras handle the falls well from the base. For the head-on shot, the bridge directly below the lowest fall is the spot. A polarizer cuts spray glare.
Cash for shuttle tip: Optional but standard.
The free alternative in North Cheyenne CaƱon
If $20 a head for a 90-minute waterfall visit is more than you want to spend, North Cheyenne CaƱon Park sits just one canyon north of Seven Falls and is free.
The headline hike there is Inspiration Point in North Cheyenne CaƱon (a different Inspiration Point from the one above Seven Falls). It is a 2.5-mile round trip with about 800 feet of gain, ending at an overlook above the city. Helen Hunt Falls, a 35-foot single drop, is right at the trailhead and visible from the parking lot without any hiking at all. Silver Cascade Falls is a short walk up from there.
The North Cheyenne CaƱon trails are a workout, especially the climb to Inspiration Point, which is steeper than anything at Seven Falls. The falls are smaller. But the experience is wilder, the parking is free, and there is no ticket booth.
Most Colorado Springs locals do North Cheyenne CaƱon. Most out-of-town visitors do Seven Falls. The right answer depends on whether you want a polished tourist site with restaurants and a shuttle, or a quiet local hike with real woods and no fee.
For more free waterfall options across the state, see our best waterfall hikes in Colorado guide.
Pairing Seven Falls with other Colorado Springs stops
Seven Falls takes 90 minutes to 3 hours total including the shuttle. That leaves plenty of time to stack it with other area highlights.
Morning at Seven Falls, afternoon at Garden of the Gods. The classic pairing. Catch the first shuttle at 10 AM, finish by noon, drive 15 minutes north, and walk Garden of the Gods in the afternoon light. See our Garden of the Gods complete visitor guide for what to do once you get there.
Manitou Incline at sunrise, Seven Falls in the afternoon. For active visitors. Climb the Incline at sunrise, recover with brunch in Manitou Springs, then take a relaxed early afternoon shuttle to the falls. See our hikes near Manitou Springs page for the Incline details.
Seven Falls plus Helen Hunt Falls. Both canyons in one morning. Helen Hunt is 5 minutes away in North Cheyenne CaƱon and is free. Do Seven Falls first while the light is good, then drive over.
Pikes Peak summit drive, then Seven Falls. Drive the Pikes Peak Highway in the morning (down by 11 AM to beat afternoon storms), then Seven Falls in the afternoon. For the long-form alternative, see our Pikes Peak via Barr Trail guide.
Common mistakes visitors make
Driving to the falls. GPS will still show the old Cheyenne Boulevard route into the canyon. That route ends at a locked Broadmoor gate. The only entry is the shuttle from Norris Penrose. Set your GPS to "Norris Penrose Event Center," not "Seven Falls."
Showing up without a ticket on a summer Saturday. Walk-up tickets sell out from June through August. Book online before you leave the house.
Missing the last shuttle. The last outbound shuttle from the falls leaves 30 minutes before posted closing. If you climb the staircase and stop for the view, time it carefully or you'll be hiking out the access road.
Bringing a dog. Service animals only. Pets are not allowed on the shuttle or at the falls.
Underdressing for the canyon. The canyon floor sits 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the parking lot. A summer T-shirt that feels right at Norris Penrose feels cold at the base of the falls.
Skipping the staircase because of the count. 224 steps sounds intimidating but the landings are frequent and the views from each one are part of the appeal. Anyone in normal walking shape can do it with breaks.
Treating it as a half-day visit. Most people are happy with 90 minutes to 2 hours on site. Don't plan a full afternoon unless you're also eating at Restaurant 1858.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Seven Falls cost?
Adult tickets run $18 to $22 in 2026 depending on season, with child tickets around $12. The shuttle from Norris Penrose is included. Broadmoor hotel guests get in free. Senior and military discounts are available.
What are the hours?
10 AM to 5 PM most of the year, with extended evening hours in peak summer (often until 8 or 9 PM). Winter hours are shorter. Always check the Broadmoor's Seven Falls site before going.
Do you have to take the shuttle?
Yes. The road into South Cheyenne CaƱon past the Broadmoor's property line is closed to public vehicles. The only way to reach the falls as a day visitor is the shuttle from Norris Penrose Event Center.
Are dogs allowed at Seven Falls?
No. Service animals are the only exception. Pet dogs are not permitted on the shuttle or at the falls.
Is Seven Falls wheelchair accessible?
The base viewing area is paved and wheelchair-accessible. The shuttle accommodates wheelchairs. The Eagle's Nest elevator gives an upper-level view without stairs. The 224-step staircase and the upper trails are not accessible.
How long is the staircase at Seven Falls?
224 steps from the canyon floor to the top. Most visitors take 10 to 20 minutes with stops on the landings. The stairs have a handrail and solid footing but are narrow in places.
Are the falls running year-round?
Yes, though volume drops in late summer and parts of the falls freeze in winter. Peak flow is mid-May through June from snowmelt.
Is Seven Falls worth it?
If you want a polished, family-friendly waterfall visit with a restaurant on site and don't mind the ticket price, yes. If you'd rather see waterfalls on a free public-land hike, North Cheyenne CaƱon next door has Helen Hunt Falls, Silver Cascade, and the Inspiration Point trail for $0.
Final thoughts
Seven Falls is one of the most photographed natural sites in Colorado Springs for a reason: seven cascades stacked on a single cliff is a rare arrangement, and the canyon framing is dramatic. The Broadmoor's takeover in 2014 turned it into a polished paid attraction, which works for visitors who want a smooth experience and bothers locals who remember the old free road.
For a first visit, book a morning shuttle in May, June, or September. Spend 30 minutes at the base, climb the 224 stairs slowly with breaks for photos at each landing, take the Eagle's Nest elevator on the way down if the line is short, and pair the trip with Garden of the Gods in the afternoon. That fills a strong half-day of Colorado Springs sightseeing.
For visitors who want a wilder waterfall experience, drive 5 minutes north to North Cheyenne CaƱon and hike to Helen Hunt Falls and Inspiration Point. For more waterfall options across the state, see our best waterfall hikes in Colorado guide. For the full Colorado Springs picture, see our best hikes near Colorado Springs guide and Manitou Springs hikes page.
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