Cheyenne Mountain via Talon and Dixon Trail

Awesome long distance trek to a very prominent mountain in the south CO Springs area! This is a fantastic training hike for longer, more strenuous days, such as 14ers and multi-day trips. Parking is $9.00 a day (without an annual pass), and is good for 24 hours from the point-of-sale. The parking area(s) are very well kept, offer clean facilities in multiple lots, a visitor & info center, a few pavilion/day-use areas, and accessible parking for horse trailers & ADA patrons. The trails throughout this park are well maintained and marked, even on the summit area / Dragons backbone. This is a very long hike, so if you plan on sight seeing or are training for a better pace, be sure to give yourself more time (AND WATER) than you think you’d need. I’d recommend starting as early as possible, and summitting before the afternoon in the summer time to avoid thunderstorms, as well as in the winter to avoid having to trek back to your car after dark. I’m a very fast hiker and tend to jog on the way down, and it still took me around 6 hours. I’d wager the average person may be looking closer to 8-9 hours, so plan accordingly! Dogs are welcome on this trail, but must be on a leash. Dragons Backbone is a fun little 2nd and 3rd class scramble to a few rock outcroppings/overlooks, that offer incredible 360 degree views of CO Springs, the front range, and even the Sangre’s & Spanish Peaks, out in the distance on a clear day! All in all, if you’re training for more strenuous outings, or just want to push yourself for a rewarding challenge, this is the hike for you!