Blackmer Loop and Cougar's Shadow (Cheyenne Mountain) Hiking Guide

Cheyenne Mountain State Park covers 2,701 acres on the south edge of Colorado Springs, with 29 miles of trail. Pairing the Blackmer Loop with Cougar's Shadow makes a well-marked, mid-length circuit through the park's rolling lower slopes, and it is a good introduction to the park's trail network.

permit requiredno dogs
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
3.8 mi
Elevation gain
511 ft
Trailhead
Colorado Springs
rolling loop on the lower slopes of Cheyenne Mountainmix of shade and open viewswildlife including deer and wild turkeys
springfallwintersummer

Permit: Cheyenne Mountain State Park requires a Colorado Parks and Wildlife pass: a daily vehicle pass is listed at $10-$12 for Colorado plates and $15-$17 for out-of-state plates, or $4 per person entering on foot or bike. Annual passes are also accepted.

The Loop

AllTrails measures this combination at 3.8 miles with about 510 feet of gain. Starting from the Falcon Amphitheater parking lot, you head up one side of the Blackmer Loop, branch onto Cougar's Shadow for the higher circuit, and return on the other half of Blackmer. The trails are clearly marked and rise and fall over a series of rolling hills, with a fair amount of shade and views across the park.

Pass and Hours

This is a state park, so a Colorado Parks and Wildlife pass is required. CPW lists the daily vehicle pass at $10 to $12 for Colorado-plated cars and $15 to $17 for out-of-state plates, and an individual pass at $4 for anyone arriving on foot or by bike. The grounds are open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the visitor center and office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entrance is at 410 JL Ranch Heights.

No Dogs on These Trails

Leashed dogs are allowed only on Acorn Alley, Bobcat Way, Raccoon Ridge and the marked portion of the Soaring Kestral Trail. Blackmer and Cougar's Shadow are not on that list, so leave your dog at home or plan a short walk on one of the permitted trails instead. Horses are limited to the Dixon, Talon and part of the Sundance trails, so you won't share this loop with riders.

Wildlife

Watch for mule deer, wild turkeys, squirrels and lizards along the loop. CPW also lists black bears, mountain lions, bobcats and prairie rattlesnakes among the park's residents, so keep children close, look before you step off the tread, and give anything you meet plenty of room. The park asks visitors to report sightings through iNaturalist.

Making a Day of It

The park also has 61 campsites and plenty of trail to extend the day once you know your way around. In summer, start in the morning, before the open stretches heat up and before the afternoon thunderstorms that are common along the Front Range. CPW reported no closures in the park when this guide was checked.

Hiking tips for Blackmer Loop and Cougar's Shadow (Cheyenne Mountain)

  • Buy your CPW pass at the entrance or carry your annual pass.
  • Leave dogs at home; they are not allowed on Blackmer or Cougar's Shadow.
  • Start from the Falcon Amphitheater lot for the standard loop.
  • Watch the trail edges for rattlesnakes on warm days.
  • Hike in the morning in summer to stay ahead of heat and storms.

Nearby trails to explore

  • Mount Cutler Trail
  • Seven Bridges Trail (Colorado Springs)
  • Talon Trail (Cheyenne Mountain State Park)

Hike this trail with TrailMates

Cheyenne Mountain's foothills loops are an easy escape from town on a weekday morning. Use TrailMates to find Colorado Springs hikers heading to Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Download the TrailMates app to connect.