Mount Falcon - Morrison/Indian Hills
Darby's Favorite Reasons to Love this Hike:
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East Trail head connects to hiking only trail-Turkey Trot Trail, a 1.7 mile one way hike. Starts out a bit steep, and turns to switchbacks and long slopes. Connects to the Castlerock Trail-3.8 mile one way goes from east to west entrance. Shorter trails include: Old Ute Trail, Devil's Elbow Trail, Walker's Dream Trail, Two-Dog Trail, Parmalee Trail, Meadow Trail, and Tower Trail. All accessible from the West Entrance.
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West Trail head, friendly to bikers, horses, and hikers, it intersects with other trails, for a 12 mile total hike, if you're looking for a longer day.
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Not far from Denver, views of the city on a clear day. Views of the Red Rocks Amphitheater (built by Walker in 1910) are spectacular. Check out a show at Red Rocks, or spend the day walking and hiking the trails and "run the steps".
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Meander through Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir trees, on your way up to the peak. Great for spring and autumn hiking, low tree coverage until you get about one mile into the hike.
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Rich in cultural history; this piece of land was once owned by landowner and visionary John Brisben Walker. He built a Summer House "castle" for his personal use, and had plans to build a vacation spot for the Presidents of the United States. Sadly, a fire in 1819 took the castle away, and his dreams of the vacation property, but the remains can be accessed along the trail about 2.5 miles from the East or West Parking lot on the Castleock Trail.
Dogs: Yes, on leash only
Bikes and Horses: Yes, on all trails except the Turkey Trot at the East Trailhead.
Elevation Gain: 2000ft, on the Castlerock Trail
Length of Trails: 12.6 miles
Restrooms: Yes, at the parking lots
Picnic Tables: Yes, at the parking lots
Directions: From Denver to the East Trail head (3852 Vine Street): Take E470 to the Morrison Exit, HWY 8. Drive trhough town and turn onto HWY 8. Make a right (west) at Forest Avenue, go 1/8 mile, then a right (north) at Vine Street.
West Trail head: (21004 Mount Falcon Road): From HWY 285, take the Indian Hills turn-off, follow Parmalee Gulch Road for 5 miles to Picutis Road, then straight ahead to Mount Falcon Road.
