Joy on the Trails is a blog series detailing all the incredible hiking trails within an hour of Denver. All the trails featured are accessible to anyone new to hiking, or just wanting to get out without driving for hours into the mountains. I hope you uncover your own joy of hiking and I hope you’re inspired to try a few of my favorite trails. And if you’re so inclined, join me sometime… I’m out there a lot!
Devil’s Elbow at Mount Falcon
Just outside of Morrison, just a quick jaunt up the hill, is an amazing open space called Mount Falcon. I have been hiking here for decades and always explored the same few trails. But I did a different route this time and I’m so happy I found it… Now I have a new favorite trail at this gorgeous park!
Heads up, this is a very popular park, but the fun thing is that Jefferson County Open Space has a live tracker on the number of parking spots available at the lots! Visit Jeffco.us for all kinds of fantastic info.
My daughter and I went in the mid afternoon and didn’t see more than a couple people on the trail the whole time. The scenery is incredible, and right now the Fall colors are lovely! You definitely don’t need to go searching for vast Aspen groves to enjoy the changing colors in Colorado… the scrub oak, the rabbit brush, the kinikinik… all of it turns colors and makes for a real treat in the Fall.
Here’s the route, and it’s easy peasy - about 4 miles and mostly flat. Take the Castle Trail out of the west parking lot. We explored the fire lookout on Tower Trail, but you could keep it super easy and stay on the Meadow Trail. Then connect with the Old Ute and Devil’s Elbow trails and make a figure eight for variety! There are some great lookouts, and if you’re with a friend you can chat the whole way.
When you’re done, have a picnic back at the lot, or at the picnic shelter on Tower Trail. There are spaces with grills and tables so you can really do it up right if you plan ahead!
