Mount Cutler Trail
A popular 1.7-mile moderate hike in Cheyenne Canon, offering stunning panoramic mountain views and a rewarding ascent.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Mount Cutler Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular 1.7-mile moderate hike in Cheyenne Canon, offering stunning panoramic mountain views and a rewarding ascent.
"Breathtaking views make this moderate 1.7-mile hike a must-do in Cheyenne Canon!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The trailhead parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM or consider parking further down the road.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Good grip is essential, especially with potential ice and snow in shaded canyon areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Views
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, including potential glimpses of Mount Rainier on clear days.

Cheyenne Canon Scenery
Throughout the trail
Enjoy the natural beauty of Cheyenne Canon with its rugged terrain and diverse flora.

The 1.7-Mile Out-and-Back
Trailhead to Summit
A rewarding moderate hike offering significant elevation gain for a relatively short distance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the View
Gear Up for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The trailhead parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM or consider parking further down the road.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Good grip is essential, especially with potential ice and snow in shaded canyon areas.
⬆️ Hike Clockwise for Views
Starting clockwise offers a more gradual ascent and keeps dramatic views of the mountains in front of you.
📱 Safety First on the Trail
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions for a safe hiking experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The trailhead parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM or consider parking further down the road.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Good grip is essential, especially with potential ice and snow in shaded canyon areas.
⬆️ Hike Clockwise for Views
Starting clockwise offers a more gradual ascent and keeps dramatic views of the mountains in front of you.
📱 Safety First on the Trail
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions for a safe hiking experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Cutler Trail for its stunning panoramic views and rewarding moderate hike. The trail's accessibility and natural beauty make it a popular choice, though parking can be a significant challenge during peak times. Some find the trail a bit crowded, but the vistas are widely considered worth the effort.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mount Cutler Trail is located in North Cheyenne Canon Park. Parking at the trailhead can be limited, so arriving early is highly recommended. Some suggest parking further down the road if the main lot is full.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Consider arriving before 9 AM or exploring alternative parking options nearby.
While accessible, be aware that ice and snow can linger on the trail, particularly on the interior side of the canyon that receives less sun. Sturdy footwear is crucial during these months.
Many hikers recommend starting the trail clockwise. This approach offers more gradual uphill sections and presents the most dramatic mountain views directly in front of you as you ascend.
The Mount Cutler Trail is considered moderate, with a 1.7-mile length and 472 feet of elevation gain. While manageable for many, it's not the absolute easiest trail in the area, with options like Lower Columbine being flatter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mount Cutler Trail is located within North Cheyenne Canon Park, which generally has free public access. No tickets are typically required for entry.
As an outdoor trail, Mount Cutler is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check with local park authorities for any specific seasonal or temporary closures.
Typically, there is no entrance fee for North Cheyenne Canon Park, making Mount Cutler Trail a free outdoor activity.
Reservations are not usually required for hiking trails like Mount Cutler. However, due to its popularity, arriving early is the best strategy to secure a parking spot.
For general day hiking, permits are not typically required for Mount Cutler Trail. Always check with local park regulations if you plan on any specialized activities.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Mount Cutler Trail is rated as moderate. It's a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail with 472 feet of elevation gain, offering a good workout without being overly strenuous for most hikers.
Most visitors complete the Mount Cutler Trail in about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on their pace and how much time they spend enjoying the views at the summit.
You can expect beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Cheyenne Canon area. On very clear days, some hikers report seeing Mount Rainier.
While specific park rules can vary, many trails in Colorado Springs parks allow dogs on leashes. It's advisable to confirm the current pet policy for North Cheyenne Canon Park.
Bring water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and consider sun protection. If hiking in cooler months, check conditions for potential ice or snow and dress in layers.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most dramatic panoramic shots. The trail itself also provides scenic opportunities with the rugged canyon landscape and mountain backdrops.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
Drone usage in national and state parks often has restrictions. It's crucial to check the specific regulations for North Cheyenne Canon Park regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
The unique geological formations within Cheyenne Canon and the expansive mountain vistas offer distinct photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for Families: Pack plenty of water and snacks. Consider starting early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds, ensuring a more pleasant experience for everyone. Sturdy shoes are a must for little feet to navigate the trail safely.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Maximizing Value: Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices. The stunning natural scenery and the physical challenge of the hike provide a high-value experience without a significant financial outlay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Mount Cutler Trail
Trail Direction and Views: A key piece of advice from experienced hikers is to tackle the trail clockwise. This direction is favored because it leads to more gradual uphill sections and strategically places the most dramatic and expansive views of the surrounding mountains directly in your line of sight as you ascend. This orientation enhances the visual impact of the hike.
Seasonal Considerations: While beautiful year-round, be mindful of seasonal conditions. During winter months, ice and snow can persist, especially on the north-facing slopes of the canyon that receive less direct sunlight. This makes good traction on your footwear essential.
Maximizing Your Mount Cutler Experience
Parking Alternatives: If you arrive and find the main lot full, don't despair. Some visitors have noted that there is additional parking available further down the road, which might require a short walk to the trailhead. This can be a viable option if you're set on hiking the trail.
Safety and Gear: For a safe and comfortable hike, wearing sturdy hiking boots with good grip is highly recommended. This is especially important given the potential for slippery conditions due to ice or snow in shaded areas. Carrying water and being prepared for changing weather conditions are also standard hiking precautions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit