North Cheyenne Cañon | Colorado Springs Adventures Part I

Over the past few weeks, I have explored several new trails throughout the North Cheyenne Cañon region of Colorado Springs. Previously, I wasn’t particularly fond of this area because the views down in the valley areas aren’t anything spectacular. The kids were small enough that traveling up to higher areas weren’t very feasible, so we typically instead chose alternate hikes that offered better views along the entirety of the trail. However, since this part of Colorado Springs happens to be a reasonable distance from my house, I decided I would give it another try. I am very glad that I did!

First, to celebrate my birthday back in early February, I wanted to go for a hike with the kids. I selected a “kid friendly” hike, expecting that we likely wouldn’t make it to the summit. The hike to the top of Mays Peak would be one of my first official mountain top excursions and the reviews regarding the view at the top were undeniable. Early in the morning on February 7th, I packed both kids and the dog and we started our trip.

Shortly after leaving the parking lot, I felt a boost of confidence that we would make it to our destination. The trail was wide and flat and the weather was comfortable and sunny. Orion sat in his backpack on my back and Savannah and Jackson walked along the trail checking out sticks.

Half a mile later, however, Savannah started complaining that she didn’t want to hike anymore. How was I going to make it another mile to the top with a whiney preschooler? The doubts started pouring in again. At one point, she even started sitting down and screaming. Great. I laughed alongside several other passing hikers regarding my current situation. What else was there to do?

Miracles DO happen! I am not sure how, but we made it up the first part before coming to a flat intersection where we selected a narrower trail up to the actual peak. Again, another screaming fit, but luckily a set of kind passing hikers gave me lollipops to use as bribery to get my child all the way to the top. It was a temporary fix, but it got us 3/4 of the way to the top.

I half pulled her up the remaining fourth of the trail and boy was it worth it! The view was incredible. The top of the peak gave us a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains. Some were dusted with snow, some had protruding rocks, some boasted multiple ridge lines, but all were beautiful. I was so happy to be able to spend this moment with my kids.

• 

• 

• 

But how were we going to make it down? Unfortunately, being at the peak meant that we were only half way done with our trail. Yikes!

The top was a bit chilly and windy, so we quickly ate a snack and packed up to start the journey back to the car. Barely even two feet from the peak, Savannah started complaining again, and slipping and falling, and crying; so I carried her. What a sight that must have been: Orion in a backpack on my back, Savannah hanging on my front, and managing somehow to hold on to a leash attached to a 70lb dog.

Once we hit the main trail, I put Savannah down and convinced her to talk about all of her stuffed animals. She happily chatted away about Magenta Dog, Baby Duke, Baby Jackson, Fluffy the llama, among various others. Luckily it was enough distraction to get us back to the car! Success! What a great day to celebrate another year around the sun for me.

Despite some doubts, I was very happy to complete the trail in its entirety with the kids and it definitely made me more interested in checking out other trails in the same area! Stay tuned!