Blackmer and Soaring Kestrel Loop

This loop is located within Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The park offers easy access from a nearby parking lot, making it convenient to reach the trailhead for your hike.

As the Blackmer and Soaring Kestrel Loop is located within Cheyenne Mountain State Park, a park entrance fee is required. You can typically purchase a daily pass or use an annual Colorado State Parks pass. Check the official Colorado Parks & Wildlife website for current fee information and any specific permit requirements.

Yes, this loop is generally rated as easy to moderate, making it suitable for various fitness levels, including beginners and families with children. The park's trails are designed to be accessible, offering a pleasant outdoor experience without overly challenging terrain.

The Blackmer and Soaring Kestrel Loop is approximately 6.2 kilometers (3.8 miles) long. Most hikers can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on their pace and how often they stop to enjoy the scenery.

The trail offers diverse terrain, winding through shaded pine forests and scrub oak. You'll encounter impressive boulder gardens, and may even spot a pine tree growing directly from a boulder. There are also views of Cheyenne Mountain, Fort Carson, and Colorado Springs. The park provides a 'plains to peaks' experience, transitioning between grasslands and pine areas.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, black bears, bobcats, and wild turkeys. Raptors can often be seen flying overhead. During spring, the landscape is adorned with vibrant wildflower displays, adding to the scenic beauty.

Dogs are generally allowed on trails within Cheyenne Mountain State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help maintain the park's natural beauty.

Spring is an excellent time to visit, as the landscape is vibrant with wildflower displays. However, the trail is enjoyable throughout the year, offering shaded sections that provide relief during warmer months and unique beauty during other seasons. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several notable trails. You'll traverse parts of the Soaring Kestrel Trail, the Boulder Run Trail, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Zook Loop Trail. The Blackmer Loop itself is known for its shaded sections, boulder formations, and educational display boards about the local ecosystem.

Yes, the Blackmer and Soaring Kestrel Loop is part of the extensive trail network within Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The route also passes through sections of the Blackmer Loop, Soaring Kestral, Coyote Run, Bobcat Way, Medicine Wheel, Zook Loop, Boulder Run, Raccoon Ridge, Acorn Alley, Sundance, Talon, and Cougar's Shadow trails, allowing for longer or customized hikes.

The ability to link the Blackmer and Soaring Kestrel trails allows for customization. If you're looking to extend your outing or explore more of the park's diverse environments, consider combining this loop with other nearby trails to create a longer adventure.