Details
Mount Falcon Park is a rewarding gateway from the plains to the mountains, offering panoramas that stretch from snowy peaks to Red Rocks Park to the Denver cityscape. A captivating history tops off the park experience, symbolized by the ruins of a broken dream.
Hikers have 1.7-mile Turkey Trot Trail all to themselves. The remaining 11 park miles are multi-use. The 2,000-foot elevation gain of the Castle Trail, a steep climb from the east, provides a vigorous workout and a 14er training ground.
Picnic tables, shelters and restrooms are accessible from both entry roads. Short trail forays from the west reveal the rags-to-riches-to-rags story of visionary John Brisben Walker. Remnants include stone walls of his early-1900s home and the cornerstone of a would-be summer White House for U.S. Presidents. Later the Kirchhof family built a wooden tower, situated along Tower Trail, which visitors can climb to survey wonders of the landscape that never cease to amaze.
Getting There
West Trailhead: 21004 Mount Falcon Road, Indian Hills
From U.S. Highway 285, take the Indian Hills turn-off, follow Parmalee Gulch Road for 5 miles to Picutis Road, then straight ahead to Mount Falcon Road.
East Trailhead: 3852 Vine Street, Morrison
From State Highway 8, turn west on Forest Avenue and north on Vine Street.