Mount Falcon – East Trailhead

One of the great things about Denver is there are lots of parks and open spaces nearby, Mount Falcon being one of them. Mount Falcon is a very popular park and has two entrances. The eastern entrance is off Route 8 south of Morrison, and the western entrance in Indian Hills. The west entrance allows for easy access to the top part of the park without much effort and is the most popular entrance. The east entrance provides access to two trails that provide a good hike up to the top of the park.

The hike from the parking lot to the Summer White House Site is one I use for a combination of exercise and a day hike. It’s a modest hike of 6.75 miles round-trip with about 1600′ elevation gain. The trail is very popular and gets really busy on the weekends. I stick to hiking it during the week. I’m semi-retired, after all, so I can!

You’ll see all kinds of people on the trail ranging from trail runners to families on a stroll. I like it, and do it fairly often. Once I even hiked it with my sons at night…wait, the park closes at nightfall so don’t tell anyone.

The parking lots are normally pretty full but you are allowed to park on the street in the neighboring subdivision. I’m sure they appreciate all the people.

Start to quick views

There are two trail options from the parking lot, Turkey Trot and Castle Trail. Castle Trail allows mountain bikes so I’ll typically go the Turkey Trot route. You catch that trail just after the start by staying to the right at the fork. Don’t worry, you can’t miss the sign.

Within 1/2 to 3/4 miles, you’ll already start to get some views of Red Rocks and the city. This first part of the trail is good to get your heart pumping and know you’re getting some exercise! Keep your eye out for deer if you are hiking in the evening or early morning. You’re most likely to see them at the beginning of the hike.

Depending on the season, there can be lots of wildflowers through various part of the trail. Take the time to stop and smell the flowers, just be careful of the bees. 🙂

Transition to pine forest

The beginning section of the trail can be hot during the summer. Hitting the climb and enduring the heat right out of the parking lot may make you wonder why you decided to do this trail!

After about a mile, you’ll pass by a great view of Red Rocks as the trail heads around to the north and western slope. The trail transitions to a pine forest at this point. Temps are a little cooler here in the summer and the hike becomes more enjoyable. Continue on this forest hike up until the trail joins back with Castle Trail. The rejoining of the trails means you’re about 1.8 miles in. Just past the juncture there are some great views of the city to the east.

Final push to the top

The next mile is pretty rocky and exposed as you come back around to the eastern slope. Usually it is pretty warm again. It’s a higher elevation so it isn’t as hot as the beginning. There is a decent incline so it feels pretty hot when you’re headed up. Still, keep an eye out for different critters and plants. The trail has a wide variety of terrain, flowers, birds and other little animals throughout.

You’ll transition from this exposed, rocky trail to forest again as you approach the top. You are almost there!

You’ll see a picnic area as you round a bend near the top. From here, you can connect to other trails in the park. There is a viewing tower on the summit of Mount Falcon on the southwest side that’s worth a visit.

Walkers Dream to great views

My preference is to continue on the Walkers Dream trail to the right headed up to the Summer White House Site. It’s a short .4 miles and the views are well worth it. This little summit is about 250′ lower than the summit of Mount Falcon for those keeping track.

On the way to the Summer White House Site, make sure to take in the city views from the bench located just off the trail.

I’m sure this is what the city view would look like if the park didn’t close at dusk. Who’d know as the part closes as duck. 🙂

Summary

The Turkey Trot to Castle Trail to Walker’s Dream provides a great hike no matter what the goal. I like to use this as a break in my normal exercise routing. There are some great views as you hike through open spaces that give way to pine forest and finally, amazing views from the Summer White House Site.