Horsethief Falls is a fine destination for an easy family hike. Located between the towns of Divide and Cripple Creek, west of Pikes Peak, the gradual path offers two other destinations via spur trails. These are Horsethief Park and the Pancake Rocks. A late May and early June hike will find the falls with a heavy flow.
From the parking area, proceed to the southeast and follow the clear trail up to a meadow, a creek on the left and a signed fork on the right. Follow the left fork the final half-mile up to a bison-sized rock at the base of Horsethief Falls. A steep trail to the left of the falls rises to the top of the waterfall. Enjoy the cascading water and return by your ascent route or explore the two other options.
Dave Muller, a Denver psychiatrist in private practice, is the author of several hiking guides.
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The details
Hike distance: 1.4 miles each way
Hiking time: Up in 41 minutes. Down in 20 minutes
Starting elevation: 10,050 feet
Highest elevation: 10,650 feet
Elevation gain: 700 feet (includes 50 extra feet each way)
Trail: All the way
Difficulty: Easy
Relevant maps: Trails Illustrated No.137
Cripple Creek North 7 1/2 Minute
Pikes Peak 7 1/2 Minute
Teller County
Pike National Forest
Getting there: From U.S. 24 in Divide (west of Colorado Springs) drive south on Colorado 67 for 9.2 miles and park on the left at the southern end of an abandoned tunnel.
