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St Mary's Falls
4.8 ★★★★★ 239 Google reviews · Running trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of St Mary's Falls yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Mostly shady hike with waterfalls passing through a forest of aspens and pines.
What runners say about St Mary's Falls
“The falls are beautiful, however the parking situation can be a little out of control.”
“The trail is clearly marked and easy to navigate.”
“After reaching the falls, I went back down a third of a mile and slung my hammock between two trees and enjoyed the view and the quiet for an hour.”
“Family friendly, free parking, portapotties, and dog friendly trail.”
This is kind of a challenging hike. The entire first half of the hike is a constant gradual uphill. It gets steeper as you get closer to the falls. We had to take many breaks along the way to catch our breath. You basically follow the creek the entire way there.
Incredibly challenging hike if you’re not in super great hiking shape, but it’s a really fun one nonetheless. Bring lots of water and be ready for a crazy steep hike up the mountain.
Moderate trails with marvelous views, intensity of the trails increase as you ascend. Multiple ways to access and see the small creeks before you get to the Falls. Packing water and small snacks was very helpful. Family friendly, free parking, portapotties, and dog friendly trail.
Parking lot at the end of the paved road for Saint Mary’s Falls. Beautifully maintained trail. Porta potties in the parking lot. The last part of the trail is the steepest. Lots of dogs on the trail. Mahalo to those who kept their dogs on leashes.
Trail conditions & character
“After reaching the falls, I went back down a third of a mile and slung my hammock between two trees and enjoyed the view and the quiet for an hour.”
“Make sure to get there early as there are several trails that share one parking lot and it fills up quickly.”
“Some pretty steep steps and a few steep places of loose gravel so perhaps not recommended for kiddos.”
“Good moderate hike along the creek, plenty of places to stop, enjoy the creek, and water the dog.”
“After reaching the falls, I went back down a third of a mile and slung my hammock between two trees and enjoyed the view and the quiet for an hour.”
“There are porta potties at the parking lot but that’s the only restrooms.”
“A great moderate level hike (any time of year) that includes a historic tunnel and a waterfall.”
Plan your run at St Mary's Falls
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Colorado Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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