This is a long hike near NORAD with views of the plains and Colorado Springs to the east and Garden of the Gods to the north.
This trail starts out of Limekiln Trailhead in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. This is a large, obvious trailhead with bathrooms and water. From the trailhead follow the Talon trails on flatter terrain for the first 3 or so miles until it starts to steepen and turns to Dixon trail. These first few miles can be great areas for wildlife. Dixon takes you through switchbacks in forested terrain with rugged views to the west eventually and the plains to the east. On the way you will come upon a plane crash from the 1950s that is still somewhat intact. Once you get to the top of Cheyenne Mountain, you can follow a loop of intersecting trails to explore the top. For the more adventurous, you can follow Dragon’s backbone – a rocky scramble on the east side of the mountain. On the west side of the accessible mountain, you can walk by the towers that are visible from much of Colorado Springs. As you make your way back down from the top, you can also pass by an old abandoned cabin.