Not much can compare to the view from a mountain’s peak. It makes you feel so small and so empowered at the same time. The world lies stretched all about you in every direction, and it seems limitless, going far beyond the edge of the horizon into some great unknown. You look down and scan the rolling fields below, try to find where you started, and realize just how far you’ve come. An astonishingly beautiful scene is made into an experience as accomplishment washes over you — a potent energizer for the return journey.
If you’re looking to have this kind of adventure yourself, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is one place to find it. This Colorado destination features miles of hiking trails, stunning natural scenery, chances to spot local wildlife, and a 25 km trek up to the summit of Cheyenne Mountain for a view that no camera can ever capture.
This ultimate guide to RV parks near Cheyenne Mountain State Park contains everything you’ll need to know to have a great trip yourself. We’ll show you the best campgrounds, the best times to visit, and a nice variety of trails with a few tricks up our sleeve to boot.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park Facts
Before you make the journey to this peaceful, wide-open Colorado park, learn a bit more about what you’ll discover with these Cheyenne Mountain State Park camping facts!
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The park was originally a homestead. Ownership was divided between two men, Bert Swisher and Thomas Dixon, between 1922 to 1926.
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The park as it exists now was established in 2006 and stretches across 1,680 acres.
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Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a hiker’s paradise, thanks to over 28 miles of diverse trails.
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The park is a great place for spotting wildlife, like deer, elk, coyotes, foxes, eagles, and wild turkeys.
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This mountain has a secret. A space force defensive bunker is hidden deep within Cheyenne Mountain itself. Because of this, Cheyenne’s 9,570-ft summit was inaccessible to the general public until 2018.
The park has a lot of options for places to stay. We’ve made choosing easy with this handy guide to the best Cheyenne Mountain State Park RV parks!
The Meadows Campground
Amenities: These RV sites in Cheyenne Mountain State Park are a great spot to be social. You’ll be sharing some group areas, like grills and picnic tables. Each space can accommodate RVs up to 70 feet long. So if you have a bigger rig, The Meadows Campground is a great option. You’ll have access to full hookups, coin showers, and a laundry room.
Capacity: 12 RV sites
Price: Unlisted
More information: The Meadows Campground
Raptor Glen
Amenities: Looking for a spot with a view? Look no further than Raptor Glen, which has RV sites at the highest elevation in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. You’ll be treated to a gorgeous view located just above Colorado Springs. All sites have full hookups, and you’ll find toilets nearby too.
Capacity: 10 RV sites
Price: Starting at $41 per night
More information: Raptor Glen
Swift Puma Heights
Amenities: The Swift Puma Heights campground has the most spacious RV site in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. You’ll find a ton of room between each site and concrete pads for pitching tents, grilling, or planting down a few folding chairs. Each site can accommodate an RV up to 50 feet long.
Capacity: 16 RV sites
Price: Unlisted
More information: Swift Puma Heights
Gobbler Grove
Amenities: Gobbler Grove is one of the RV parks near Cheyenne Mountain State Park that offers a great spot for peace and quiet. This small campground has just seven sites placed on a scenic overlook of the plains below. You’ll get full hookups at all sites but no toilets. You’ll have to use your RV or walk down to the park’s amenities center. A lot of the sites here are back-in only but are wide enough to make it a breeze.
Capacity: 7 RV sites
Price: Starting at $41 per night
More information: Gobbler Grove
Golden Eagle Campground
Amenities: Golden Eagle is the closest alternative to the RV campgrounds in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The amenities here will cover all the basics, like the park itself. You’ve got full hookups, a dumping station, free Wi-Fi, restrooms with showers, and a fishing pond. It’s priced affordably and makes a great option if the park is full.
Capacity: 216 RV sites
Price: Starting at $39 per night
More information: Golden Eagle Campground
Best Time To Visit Cheyenne Mountain State Park
A camping trip in Colorado brings with it cool mountain weather in all four seasons. Your experience in any of the RV parks near Cheyenne Mountain State Park will vary depending on when you decide to visit. Our guide below will help you easily choose the best time to go Cheyenne Mountain State Park camping.
Winter
Winters in Colorado can be ice-cold. Nights dip well below freezing and bottom out around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Central Colorado gets very little precipitation in the winter months. But, the light snow glaze adds a stark beauty to the park. If you’d like to try your hand at winter RV camping in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, bundle up!
Spring
Spring in Colorado holds the winter’s chill through most of the season. There’s a huge variation in temperature between day and night. You’ll see as much as a 30-degree drop, with an average range of 35 to 60 degrees throughout the day. A late May trip is the best month for spring RV camping in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. You’ll catch a glimpse of summer while avoiding the high season.
Summer
Summer marks the high season and is the most pleasant time for RV camping in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. You’ll get to enjoy warm days in the mid-80s and brisk nights around the mid-50s. Colorado gets a lot more rain than normal in summer, so pack some light rain gear too. Do book early since the park’s campgrounds are extremely popular!
Fall
For another warm alternative to the high season, fall RV camping in Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a great choice. Visiting in September or October will let you catch the tail end of summer with the lovely weather that comes with it. The rolling plains of Cheyenne take on hues of toasted yellows and oranges for a gorgeous sight wherever you look.
Things To Do In Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Now that planning’s all taken care of, let’s jump into the fun stuff. Hiking is the name of the game! This list of things to do in Cheyenne Mountain State Park will highlight all the best trails for a variety of skill levels.
Sundance Loop. Let’s kick things off nice and easy with this 3.7-mile trek. The ground on this trail is mostly flat, with some great viewpoints in the first half of the hike. Try to walk this trail in spring, when the surrounding area is flush with wildflowers, and you’ll have a high chance to spot birds.
Talon & Sundance Loop. To extend the trail a bit, try diverting to the Talon Loop to make the total trip 6.3 miles around. You’ll see very little elevation gain in spite of the distance, making it a trek suitable for all skill levels. This is also a great route for mountain biking, thanks to the solid ground conditions.
Cougar’s Shadow & Blackmer Loop. This moderate trail is a touch more challenging than the last two. Expect this 3.6-mile trail to take about an hour to an hour and a half to complete. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views of the plains below when the treeline opens up.
Cheyenne Mountain Trail. You can hike to the summit of Cheyenne via the Talon and Dixon trails. This is by far the most popular in the park. The total distance is 15.6 miles with nearly 3,195 feet of elevation gain. Give yourself some time to complete this trail, and bring plenty of water and a few snacks to keep you going. The trail itself is well-maintained with good signage, and the gorgeous views at the top are well worth the climb!
Cheyenne Mountain State Park Archery Range
Cheyenne Mountain State Park's archery range is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering enthusiasts and nature lovers a unique opportunity to connect with both their inner archer and the breathtaking natural beauty of Colorado. Situated just south of Colorado Springs, this state park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and the archery range is a standout feature for those who are passionate about this ancient and skillful sport.
Location and Setting
The archery range at Cheyenne Mountain State Park is strategically located within the park's 2,701 acres of pristine wilderness. Its placement within the park ensures that archers can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Rocky Mountains while perfecting their archery skills. Surrounded by dense pine forests, rolling meadows, and the iconic Cheyenne Mountain itself, the range provides a tranquil and picturesque setting for archers of all levels.
Facilities and Amenities
The archery range is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to cater to both novice and experienced archers. The space offers both a field range and a 3D range and various amenities, such as target stands, bales of hay for arrow stopping, and ample space for archers to practice comfortably. The range features a diverse array of targets at varying distances, allowing archers to practice their aim and precision.
Equestrian Trails at Cheyenne Mountain State Park
All of the trails at Cheyenne Mountain State Park are multi-use for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. If you love to ride horses, the trails at Cheyenne Mountain State Park are a beautiful backdrop to experience.
Tips for Riding the Trails
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Please confine horseback riding to designated trails exclusively. The trail network encompasses around 6 miles in total, making for a round trip spanning slightly less than 10 miles.
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Note that this trail doesn't form a loop; it's strictly an out-and-back route.
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Be aware that the trail's elevation increases, and the terrain becomes steeper and narrower on the North and South Talon sections.
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For safety reasons, horses must maintain a walking pace at all times.
For more equestrian information, visit the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website.
Wildlife in Cheyenne Mountain State Park
This state park is home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts alike. As you explore the park's natural beauty, you may encounter a wide variety of fascinating species, including:
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Mule deer
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Wild turkeys
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Coyotes
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Raptors
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Black bears
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Songbirds
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Chipmunks
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Rattlesnakes
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Salamanders
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And more!
Please keep your distance from any wildlife you may encounter to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Never attempt to feed or touch any wild animals in the park.
Tips on Visiting Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Before you hit the road to Cheyenne Mountain State Park, be prepared to make your journey a smooth one with these final tips!
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Don’t forget to pay the park fee ($10) for each day you stay.
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The trails tend to get muddy from foot traffic, especially after heavy rainfall. Pack some sturdy, slip-resistant hiking boots.
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Colorado has fairly cool weather, but plenty of trail sections don’t have much shade. A day of hiking in the sun can really bring the heat. Don’t forget some gear to offer relief and put on sunblock.
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Give yourself enough time to complete the trails. Rising early is a great way to make sure you get back well before nightfall, avoid the heat, and have the trails all to yourself.
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Colorado temperatures drop sharply at night. Bring some layered clothing you can easily swap on and off to stay comfy.
RV Rental for Cheyenne Mountain State Park
That about does it for our ultimate guide to this Colorado wonder. You’ve got everything you need to know to make some great memories in a beautiful destination. And if you’re looking for an RV rental for Cheyenne Mountain State Park to make the journey, Cruise America’s got you covered.
Check out their lineup of RVs decked out with all the comforts of home, like a fully functional kitchen, toilet and shower, and living space, to make your way to Cheyenne in style. Just choose an RV, pick it up at one of our convenient locations all over the country, and hit the road. It’s that easy.
Make the journey as joyous as the destination. Reserve an RV rental for Cheyenne Mountain State Park today!
