Talon Loop

Talon Loop is a moderately challenging hike located in Cheyenne Mountain State park near Colorado Springs. This hike explores the southern part of the park. This lollipop loop is 6.4 miles long and gains 883 feet of elevation.

This hike starts from the Limekiln Trailhead. There are bathrooms and a small playground here. Begin hiking southwest on Zook Loop. After 0.1 miles, you will come to a junction and turn left onto Talon Trail. You will be walking gradually uphill through mostly open terrain. You will be able to see Cheyenne Mountain as you trek along. After 0.2 more miles, you will pass another junction and go left to stay on Talon Trail. Another 0.2 miles will bring you to another junction. Stay left here. Talon Trail gets a bit steeper here as you walk amongst small trees and shrubs. Continue on the trail for another 0.8 miles. You will then pass 2 junctions. Go right at the first and left at the second. 

Continue on Talon Trail as it makes a long switchback up the slope. After 0.9 miles of uphill hiking, you come to a junction. This is the start of the loop. Go right here to take the loop counterclockwise. You will now be hiking on North Talon Trail. The trail continues uphill but is a bit steeper now. 0.9 miles of switchbacks will bring you to the highest point of the trail. From here, continue downhill on North Talon Trail. After 0.6 miles, you will come to a junction and turn left. You will reach another junction after 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Talon Trail. Another 0.2 miles will bring you back to the start of the loop. From here, follow Talon Trail back to the trailhead.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park is open year round from 5am-10pm. There is a daily vehicle fee of $10 to enter the park. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but they must be on a leash at all times.