Where Are We Going Today?

     Today, we are going to visit the Seven Falls. It is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This was one of my favorite places we used to visit when I was growing up. My parents would love to get away from the city, and this was one place we would end up. For the most part, we enjoyed each other’s company. I remember my mother would always pack the best lunches for this road trip. She packed the best “Tortas” (Mexican Sandwiches with ham, avocado and veggies) and a lot of fresh fruit for the long day ahead. My parents were always talking about their plans, what needed to be done around the house, and things to take care of for my grandparents. I learned at a young age that you need to take care of your parents thanks to these conversations. My brother and I were always fighting over some nonsense in the back seat of the car. My mother was always just telling my dad “Mira Los” (look at them), and my dad would say, “We're going back home if you guys don’t behave.” His words would always calm us down because we couldn’t wait to get to the Seven Falls. We loved running up the stairs and enjoying the view.
     The history of Seven Falls in Colorado dates back to 1872, when a man named Nathaniel Colby inhabited the 160 acres that included the present day Seven Falls and South Cheyenne Cañon. He sold the land to the Colorado Springs Land Company for $1000. In 1882 James Hull purchased the property for $1,300. Mr. Hull was an environmentalist who was disturbed to find the scenic splendor of the canyon being threatened by people chopping down the surrounding forest for its lumber. So, he founded Seven Falls in Colorado Springs, and built a stairway along the side of the Falls. He also installed a toll gate at the foot of the canyon and proceeded to do business. Back then, a local entrepreneur paid Hull $500 for the privilege of taking passengers by carriages, burros and horses to the Falls for 25 cents each. Business flourished and Seven Falls in Colorado Springs became a prominent tourist attraction. The Seven Falls cascading water reaches a total height of 181 feet. Visitors can experience it up close and personal via 224 steps on the staircase from the base of the falls to the peak.