Cheyenne Mountain Trail Run in Delgany, Colorado offers an invigorating blend of rugged terrain and expansive Rocky Mountain vistas that challenge both the body and the spirit. Stretching approximately 7.5 miles roundtrip, this trail gains just over 1,200 feet in elevation, weaving through a forest of Ponderosas and Douglas firs whose shadows dance with you along every step. The path itself alternates between compact dirt, rocky stretches, and loose gravel underfoot, requiring steady footing and awareness as the trail pushes upward toward the summit.

The mountain doesn’t simply lie in wait; it dares you forward, with the wind often gusting through tree branches as if testing your resolve. The climb rewards your persistence with periodic clearing views over the Colorado plains, and a summit that commands a wide-angle gaze of the surrounding ranges. By mid-route, you’ll notice the forest thinning, the landscape opening to wildflower patches and scattered boulders where wildlife like mule deer and red-tailed hawks might momentarily observe your passage.

Timing your run early in the morning or late afternoon helps avoid the brutal sun and maximizes cooling shadows. Footwear with solid ankle support and good traction is essential to handle the sharper rocky sections safely. Pack at least two liters of water, because the dry mountain air rapidly saps hydration, and there are no reliable water sources past the trailhead.

This trail is a practical test of your stamina and trail-running technique, with steep pitches requiring a balance of aggressive strides and careful steps. Despite the challenge, the Cheyenne Mountain Trail remains accessible for intermediate hikers and runners looking for a fulfilling workout punctuated with natural beauty.

Seasonally, spring offers wildflowers pushing through thawed earth, summer can be hot with frequent afternoon winds, fall brings vibrant aspens at lower elevations, and winter cloaks the mountain in snow demanding layered gear and caution. Regardless of when you go, respect for this mountain as a living force will deepen your experience and connection.

With preparation and respect, the Cheyenne Mountain Trail Run is more than just a hike — it’s an engagement with a landscape that is fiercely itself, an outdoor adventure that is both a challenge and a reward.