By Trish Ingels
Living in Broadmoor means the mountains start where the sidewalk ends. One of my favorite things about this neighborhood is that you can leave the house after breakfast, spend the whole day outside, and still make it back in time for dinner at the resort. Few places in Colorado Springs put this much wild country within a five-minute drive of your front door.
Key Takeaways
- North Cheyenne Cañon Park and Stratton Open Space sit right on Broadmoor's doorstep with miles of connected trails.
- Broadmoor Seven Falls and the legendary Broadmoor Golf Club anchor the neighborhood's signature outdoor experiences.
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers a bigger, prairie-to-peak day for hikers and bikers who want more mileage.
- Most of these spots are dog-friendly and easy to reach without ever getting on the highway.
Start the Morning in North Cheyenne Cañon Park
This 1,600-acre park is carved more than a thousand feet deep into ancient granite, with North Cheyenne Creek running along the canyon floor. I always send newcomers to the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center at the park entrance first, since the staff there can point you to a trail that matches your energy for the day.
Where to Hike First
- Mt. Cutler Trail: a short, moderate climb that rewards you with wide views over the canyon and back toward the city.
- Mt. Muscoco Trail: a hiking-only spur off the Daniels Pass system that tops out at one of the best summit views in the park.
- Helen Hunt Falls: an easy walk from the upper visitor center, ideal if you want the payoff without a long trek.
Chase Waterfalls at Broadmoor Seven Falls
Seven Falls is the outdoor landmark most tied to the Broadmoor name, tucked into a box canyon walled by the towering Pillars of Hercules that rise more than 1,200 feet. The climb up the 224 steps beside the cascades is a rite of passage, and the trails at the top open onto quieter paths along the streams.
What to Know Before You Go
- You'll park at the Norris Penrose Event Center at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road and ride the complimentary shuttle in, since there's no visitor parking at the canyon itself.
- The falls are dog-friendly, so your leashed pup can make the climb with you.
- Plan a warm-weather trip, as the park closes for winter from December through February, and give yourself two to three hours to explore the falls and the trails above them.
Tee Off at The Broadmoor Golf Club
No day outdoors in this neighborhood feels complete without golf, since Broadmoor grew up around The Broadmoor Golf Club and its two championship courses in the Cheyenne Mountain foothills. Open since 1918 and shaped by Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones Sr., the East and West Courses have hosted the U.S. Women's Open and multiple U.S. Senior Opens, most recently in 2025.
What to Know Before You Play
- The East Course is the more celebrated of the two, with wide, tree-lined fairways and greens where putts famously break away from the mountains.
- The West Course plays tighter and higher at around 6,800 feet, rewarding accurate tee shots with sweeping views over the city.
- Play is reserved for resort guests and guests of members, so it's worth planning your tee time through the club in advance.
- The Golf Shop offers professional instruction, club rentals, and two full practice facilities if you'd like to warm up first.
Explore Stratton Open Space Right in the Neighborhood
Stratton Open Space borders North Cheyenne Cañon and sits practically in Broadmoor's backyard, with roughly 15 miles of trail across 318 acres. What I love is the payoff for so little effort, since even a short loop gives you a clear look at Cheyenne Mountain's granite face and a panorama over the city.
Trails Worth Your Time
- Wildflower Path from the Ridgeway trailhead at 1504 Ridgeway Avenue makes an easy meadow loop that's perfect for a relaxed morning.
- Stratton Springs Trail adds shade and a few footbridges as it climbs toward the ridge.
- Hikers should stick to the multi-use paths, since The Chutes is reserved for downhill mountain bikers only.
- The western trails connect straight into North Cheyenne Cañon, so you can stitch together a much longer day from one parking spot.
Cap It Off with a Bigger Adventure at Cheyenne Mountain State Park
When you want real mileage, Cheyenne Mountain State Park just south of the neighborhood delivers more than 28 miles of trail across a prairie-to-peak landscape. The lower loops roll through open grassland, while the ambitious Dixon Trail climbs well past 9,000 feet for a full-day summit push.
How to Plan Your Visit
- Start from the Limekiln trailhead, the first left past the entrance stations, where most routes begin.
- Try the Talon and Blackmer loops for a moderate few miles with steady views of Cheyenne Mountain.
- The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., so early risers can beat the summer heat and share the trails with bikers and equestrians.
FAQs
What's the best outdoor spot near Broadmoor for families?
I usually point families to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which is celebrating its 100th year in 2026 and sits just west of The Broadmoor at over 6,700 feet. You can hand-feed the giraffe herd and ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride to the summit, then follow it with an easy loop at Stratton Open Space.
Can I hike near Broadmoor with my dog?
Yes, and it's one of the perks of living here. Broadmoor Seven Falls and Stratton Open Space both welcome leashed dogs, and the zoo even hosts select dog-friendly evenings in the summer.
Do I need a guide to explore the trails?
Not at all, since most trails are well marked and easy to follow on your own. If you'd like a local expert along, Broadmoor Outfitters runs guided hikes, rock climbing, and mountain biking trips throughout the area.
Contact Trish Ingels Today
The outdoor lifestyle is one of the biggest reasons people fall for Broadmoor, and it's one of the first things I show buyers when we tour the neighborhood. Whether you're drawn to the canyon trails, the waterfalls, or a round on the East Course, I'd love to help you find a home that puts all of it within reach.
If you're thinking about buying or selling in this corner of Colorado Springs, reach out to me, Trish Ingels, and let's talk about what living here could look like for you.
If you're thinking about buying or selling in this corner of Colorado Springs, reach out to me, Trish Ingels, and let's talk about what living here could look like for you.
