First and Third Mondays. We will notify if the date changes due to weather or other circumstances.
HIKE INFORMATION: We are providing hike length and difficulty so you can judge your comfort level. We stay together as a group and leave no hiker behind.
HIKE NAME: Cougar’s Shadow/Blackmer Loop, Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Date: 12/1/25
HIKE LEADER: Pat. Zeddies
EMAIL: patzeddies@gmail.com
PHONE: 651-748-4989
If you would like to go on this hike please contact the hike leader. Please include your cell phone number and an emergency contact if possible.
TRAILHEAD: Cougar’s Shadow/Blackmer Loop in Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
MEETING PLACE: trailhead; begins off the amphitheater parking lot.
Due to the recent forecast for colder than normal temperatures, we will be starting this hike in the afternoon instead of the morning, so we can take advantage of warmer temperatures.
HIKE STARTS at: 1:00
Please arrive by: 12:45
HIKE DISTANCE: 3.6 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 511 Feet
HIKING TIME (moving time): about 2.5 hours
HIKE DIFFICULTY RANGE: Easy
PACE: Moving along but enjoying the views.
HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is a beautiful hike through a forest of gambel oak.There are a variety of landscapes and you should hear or see wild turkeys. Bear scat has been seen but hopefully bears are in hibernation now. We will have good views of Colorado Springs and Fort Carson. The trail is in good condition. The weather should be quite cool with no precipitation.
Wear layers for comfort.
HIKER EQUIPMENT: Poles are strongly advised. Bring plenty of water. Check the weather.
There is a $10 permit day use fee unless you have a “keep it wild” license plate.
Somewhere along the hike, we will take a short break to have a snack and water.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD: Drive SOUTH on highway 115 about 2 miles past South Academy Boulevard. Turn right into the entrance to Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Drive up the mountain passing several turn offs until you see a sign on the left for Falcon amphitheater. Meet in the parking lot.
RESTROOM: Yes at the trailhead and at the Visitor Center as well as open campsites.
PETS: No