Mount Cutler Trail Hiking Guide
Mount Cutler is the summit you can climb before breakfast. The trail leaves North Cheyenne Cañon Road partway up the canyon and climbs to an overlook just past the top, on a peak named for Henry Cutler, a friend of General Palmer and a supporter of Colorado College. It is short enough for kids and still feels like a real mountain.
Short Climb, Big View
The city describes the trail as about 1.1 miles from the trailhead to an overlook just east of the top of Mount Cutler, climbing from 6,785 to 7,200 feet. AllTrails lists the out-and-back at 2 miles with about 470 feet of gain. Hikers describe it as a steady climb rather than a steep one. Route descriptions on Komoot and Wanderlog say the overlook takes in Stratton Open Space, Seven Falls and a wide view of Colorado Springs.
Finding the Trailhead
Enter North Cheyenne Cañon Park and drive up North Cheyenne Cañon Road; the signed trailhead is on the left. AllTrails notes that it has limited parking, and the city may close the road for a while when the park reaches capacity, so plan around busy weekends. Buses, RVs and oversized vehicles are banned from the road. Gates are locked at closing time every night: 9 p.m. in winter and spring, and an hour later between May 1 and October 31.
Hikers Only, Dogs Leashed
Bikes and horses are not allowed on Mount Cutler; the city marks it hikers only. Dogs are welcome on a leash, as everywhere in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Keep a hand on younger kids at the overlook, and stay on the marked trail.
The Canyon Around You
North Cheyenne Cañon Park covers about 1,600 acres on the city's southwest side, and the creek has cut it 1,000 feet deep into granite the city dates at 1.5 billion years old. Black bears, mountain lions and mule deer all live here. The Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center at the park entrance is open daily in summer and Tuesday through Sunday the rest of the year, and the city's seasonal restrooms close from October through May.
Hiking tips for Mount Cutler Trail
- Get to the small trailhead lot early on weekends.
- Bring a camera for the overlook just past the summit.
- Leave bikes behind; the trail is hikers only.
- Keep kids close at the overlook edge.
- Pair it with Seven Bridges farther up the canyon for a longer day.
Nearby trails to explore
- Seven Bridges Trail (Colorado Springs)
- St. Mary's Falls Trail
- Columbine Trail (North Cheyenne Cañon)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Mount Cutler is the quick summit to share with friends who are new to hiking. Use TrailMates to find Colorado Springs hikers heading to Mount Cutler. Download the TrailMates app to connect.