How High is Too High? THIS High is Too High!

 Y'all know me well, and you know that I'm not fond of heights. Truth be told, you know I'm terrified of really high heights.  You know that we aren't going to go up Pike's Peak, due to this crazy phobia, not even in the bus!  Well, today we went to Seven Falls, which is currently privately owned by the Broadmoor Hotel.  That wasn't always the case....ownership goes all the way back to Nathaniel Colby, who homesteaded 160 acres of the Cheyenne Canyon, including the falls, in 1872.  Nine months later, he sold the property to Colorado Springs Land Company, but in 1882, naturalist James Hull purchased it to prevent logging operations from ruining the scenic value. After Hull's death, the property was turned over a couple of times and improved somewhat, with the staircases and some lighting, and after a significant flood damage in 2013, The Broadmoor purchased it with the intent of reopening the canyon to the public in 2015.  After being owned by one man for 68 years, it was now corporately owned and successfully reopened in mid-August.  Today was our day of exploration of the Canyon and Falls.  We had to drive to a parking lot and catch a shuttle bus up to the mouth of the Canyon, where we paid our admission fee.  We went in as Seniors, which entitled us to a $3 discount from general admission, and a free (and optional) ride up and back on the tram.  Youngsters were required to pony up an additional $2 for the tram ride.  The entire Canyon, shuttles and trams were all dog friendly, which really made it nice.

The Pillars of Hercules.  Hard to believe it, but WATER carved out this canyon.

Here's a little history of the area for you....  CLICK HERE

and lets go for a hike up the hill...

It seems so tame...at this point...

But, then the steps appear.  224 of them.  And they are at quite the angle, you see.  And, speaking of seeing, these are the steps that you can see right down through.  There's a small platform, about halfway up where you can catch your breath.  Or turn around and come back down, if you're not up to the rest of the hike.  You know there was absolutely NO WAY I was going more than one or two steps up, right?  Oh, no, heck no!  

Well, you know Driver is fearless.  And he'd said earlier in the day that he wanted to walk, well, here was his golden opportunity!

And, just in case he was getting cocky and feeling comfortable, they posted all the ways he could get sick and/or die out on the trail.  Yeah.  Comforting thoughts, eh?

This was part of the path he traveled.

A little skimpy in the handrails department.

And don't forget, if lightning strikes, you should high tail it down to the gift shop.  About a half mile plus 224 steps (metal steps, no less, stuck into the side of the rock walls, with metal I-beams) down.

Dedicated to one of the long-time owners of the property.

Colorado Springs, from on high.

Let's see where this trail leads.

 Up at the very top, the water looks so placid and peaceful.  Word is, it's COOOOOLD.

Taking pictures of me taking pictures.  Note Bailey is keeping an eye on us both!

We did spring for a $3 bottle of tepid water, but we didn't buy the $25 T-shirt.  But it sure does look good on him!  I'm proud of him, and I'm so thankful he came back down, safe and sound.  To be honest, he was up at the top about 2 hours, and I was considering asking someone at the restaurant to call someone or send someone up to the top to check on him and make sure he was all right.  I debated with myself for about 15 minutes, and he finally appeared back up at the top of the steps, so I knew he'd be down and safe shortly.  I'm hoping we can tour The Broadmoor Hotel in the coming days.  I've heard it's an amazingly beautiful village-like campus and buildings.  There is also a restaurant onsite, but it's pretty pricey and you must have reservations, even for lunch.  Their Sunday brunch is outstanding, I've heard, but it's also sold out due to the upcoming holiday.  Oh well.  Maybe next time we're in the area.  Or not.  heehee

Hope you enjoyed the hike!  Till next time....