Situated in Ute Pass, near the base of Pikes Peak, is the little town of Green Mountain Falls. If you enjoy hideaway mountain towns, Green Mountain Falls certainly fits the bill. And for experienced hikers, the small burg is a good starting point for several destinations. Within walking distance you can find a pair of waterfalls, two reservoirs, various rock formations and a mountain valley called the Garden of Eden.
What to See There
Two waterfalls are within easy walking distance of the city center. You can find Crystal Falls due south of the Gazebo Lake, not far from the end of Boulder Street. Catamount Falls is near the end of Hondo Avenue. While the term "waterfall" does technically apply to both, don't expect a huge raging torrent. The flow of water in the streams varies depending on the season and recent precipitation, but most of the time Crystal Falls and Catamount Falls amount to a simple water-flowing-down-rocks.
The Garden of Eden is a small idyllic valley that overlooks Green Mountain Falls and upper Ute Pass. The valley is a grassy area, bounded by granite rock formations and a stream. Continue on Catamount Trail, and you can check out North and South Catamount Reservoirs. From this plateau, you can also enjoy views of Pikes Peak to the south.
Recommended Route
The locals are very strict about where you can park, and if you drive up along Belvidere and Hondo avenues you will see No-Parking and Tow-Away signs around every turn. So park your car at the Gazebo Lake and start your hike from there.
A good route is to walk northwest along Ute Pass Ave from the lake, until you see Hondo Ave on the left. Walk up Hondo Ave until the end. You will eventually see a water treatment plant and beyond that, the Catamount Trail trailhead. Follow the yellow markers up the hill until you reach the face of a cliff. A blue-marked trail will head off to the right. This several-mile trail will take you up the mountain, through the Garden of Eden valley and eventually to the Catamount reservoirs. Return via the same trail.
On your return from the Catamount reservoirs, watch for the junction of the blue and yellow marked trails at the cliff face. Catamount Trail will take you back to Hondo Ave. But Thomas Trail (yellow marked) will connect you to Catamount Falls and Crystal Falls. Take Thomas Trail until you cross a stream. Here you can explore Catamount Falls, but the way up the canyon is very steep, rocky and hazardous. In the spring and early summer the trail may be blocked by impassable ice floes.
Take care checking out the falls, and hike back down to Thomas Trail. Follow the yellow markers of Thomas Trail to the southeast, and you will gradually descend along the face of the mountain. The town of Green Mountain Falls will be off to your left. After about 20 minutes you should arrive at Crystal Falls. Return to the town center and Gazebo Lake from here. Take Boulder Street to Park Ave, then Hotel Street back to Ute Pass Ave.
Difficulty
Area trails can be steep and full of stones, boulders and roots. Catamount Trail is challenging in places and goes through several switchbacks on its way up the mountain. Thomas Trail has dangerous drop-offs on the north side and has many narrow, rocky areas that will require both hands and feet. Experienced hikers only.
How to Get There
Green Mountain Falls is about 12 miles northwest of Colorado Springs on Highway 24. Take Highway 24 west from Interstate 25. Turn left on Chipita Park Road. Continue straight on Chipita Park Road until it becomes Ute Pass Road. You will see the Gazebo Lake on your right as you near the town center.