Segment 18

North Cheyenne Cañon & Red Rocks

  • Distance: 40.2 miles

  • Vertical: +5684', -9258'

  • Highlights:

    • Temple Canyon

    • Several waterfalls

    • Kenmuir Quarry

  • Main Challenges:

    • Long roads with some trucking traffic

    • Water carries

  • Scrambling Grade: All trails / roads

  • Exposure: Minimal

Kenmuir Quarry, Red Rocks

Segment 18 connects Victor to Colorado Springs, the easternmost point of the entire route, via Gold Camp Road and some fun trails in North Cheyenne Cañon and Red Rocks.

The prettiest portion of this segment is Temple Canyon right after entering Pikes National Forest. The route then joins the Ring the Peak Trail before splitting for Saint Marys Falls.

This segment offers several short but worthwhile side quests to waterfalls in North Cheyenne. It then concludes with a tour of Red Rocks and the Kenmuir Quarry before reaching Colorado Springs.

In the future, we might condense Segments 17 & 18 into a single stretch via a cross-country route through Beaver Creek Wilderness Study area. See the map on Segment 17’s page for more info.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any official seasonal closures, but peak summer heat can make this section challenging.

Vindicator Valley Trail

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or fees for this segment.

Ring the Peak Trail

Water

Water carries range from short to moderate along this stretch.

There is no water between Bear Creek and Colorado Springs. Review the map for what worked in 2026.

Saint Marys Falls (low water year)

Camping

Car camping is available along Gold Camp Road once in Pikes National Forest and along the Ring the Peak Trail.

No camping in North Cheyenne or Red Rocks.

Other Considerations

Extreme Heat: This segment can get extremely hot in the summer.

Tunnel Crossing: Gold Camp Road has a tunnel with signage that says no foot traffic. You can either scramble around it or proceed at your own risk.