mount falcon park

This is a great place to hike in the foothills just outside of Denver. There are trails ranging from relatively easy to moderate difficulty. The difference in difficulty is driven by steepness. We usually use hiking staffs to aid with balance on some of the steeper terrain. The views are magnificent with Denver down below and mountain ranges both visible. There are well marked trails throughout. Most of the trails are shared by hikers, cyclists and occasionally people on horseback. There are restroom facilities as you walk from the upper most parking lot into the park. There are also picnic tables near the park entrance.This park can get very crowded on weekends and holidays. But during the workweek, it can be quite empty. Note that there is wildlife in the area that includes deer, occasionally elk, black bear and mountain lions. When in some of the more remote areas we make sure we make noise, usually by thumping our walking staffs on the ground, so as not to surprise any large animal that may be around the next bend in the trail.Dogs are welcome in the park and there are usually a lot of them just having a great time with their owners. Dogs must stay on leash however to avoid unpleasant encounters.Typically temperatures in the park will be ten to fifteen degrees F cooler than Denver because of the higher elevation. Be aware that the sun can be rather intense on summer afternoons on the trails that are less shaded. Be sure to bring water for you as well as for your dog regardless of temperature...you and your dog will need it. The road into the park is rather circuitous through a small residential area with increasing elevation. If you start to descend, you made a wrong turn. Pay attention to the signs as you go in and you will find it. Coming out, the correct route is more obvious.There are usually park maps available for free at a sign about a hundred yards into the park from the uppermost lot. The map outlines the trails and distances.

We loved the Castle Trail hike from the west entrance. The path is flat and wide, which is perfect for hiking with toddlers. It was even easy to push a jogging stroller on the path! There are plenty of benches to rest along the way, and the view from the Walker Mansion ruins is breathtaking.

There are hiking trails that are a moderate to difficult, there are mountain bike trails. It is best to use the hikers only trails if you are on foot. it has nice new outhouse facilities at the bottom trail. Lovely views of denver when you get up a little higher. The temps will be a little cooler than in Denver. Take a lunch and make a day of it

Morrison is a beautiful town and I took a moderate trail at Mount Falcoln that was scenic and varied enough for me to forget the time! Definitely don't miss the ruins.

This hike was recommended to us by a friend that lives in the area and hikes all the time. It was meant as a gentler hike for those of us that live at sea level. The paths are fairly gentle and all gravel with little climbing. Although you can't escape the altitude when walking up hill most folks could handle this hike, and there are spectacular views.

Adequate parking and bathrooms before accessing well-marked trails that you can combine in different ways for a longer or shorter hike. (Maps available on site as well.) Along the way we saw views of the Rockies, Red Rocks. the city and just generally pretty vistas. We also spotted nice wildflowers and even a little rabbit trail side. A fairly short drive out from the city for a nice experience.

Out-and-back from west parking area to east parking area, about 4 miles each way, 2000-ft elevation change. Not a solitude-type hike as there was trail-sharing with hikers and many mountain bikers but most were courteous, occassionally offering a "thank-you" for us moving to the side in spite of their exertions to ride up the hills.Beautiful view of Red Rocks and distant Denver on mostly-downhill eastbound leg.Parking lot was full by 10:00 so consider making an early start since parked cars stretched way down the road by the time we got back on a Sunday afternoon.Downers: occassional distant roar of drag racing at Bandimere. Bathrooms at each end of the trail are pretty sparse and a lot of people use them, and there was no soap to wash hands with so take care of your business before driving out, or bring hand sanitizer.Take a water bottle and a Clif bar since it's really dry here...our hike took just under 4 hrs including 10-15 minute break at the turnaround. It was time well-spent.

My husband, dog & I went hiking at Mt. Falcon in July 2014. We went early in the morning to try and avoid the hot temps of the afternoon. We started at one end and it was about a 3 mile hike to the castle ruins at the top. The ruins were pretty neat, but I have traveled throughout Europe and nothing beats a European castle. It is definitely a major hike, so don't go if you have health problems. There were a lot of runners, bikers and hikers so be prepared to run into many other people. The views were okay, nothing spectacular- but it's a good spot to get outdoors in Colorado and burn some calories! If I were to go back, I would park in the car park nearest the castle ruins and save a bit of hiking!

We visited on Friday, July 25, 2014. We were staying in Morrison and this wasn't too far away.The road is very winding and actually goes through a residential area as you near the top of the mountain. The views are OK, but nothing like vistas in the national park nearby. The map shows rest room facilities, but we never found them. There were a lots of people with horses using the trails.We don't need to go back for average views.

Easy to get too, usually enough parking, and a good view of the city when you get to that part of the park.Trails are good for hikes as well as lots of mountain biking.

About a 3 hour hike round trip. We took the castle path up, and parked in the west lot. Can consistently see views of denver sky scrapers, red rocks, and all the beautiful sights surrounding. The hike is very mildly sloped, so anyone could participate. I hike a different mountain every weekend and I would say this was among some of the best views in the area.

I never tire of going to Mt Falcon park....the Castle route is a shorter, easier route with the best views.....but keep going! You can hike up to the lookout and the old homestead....or ride your mountain bike or horse here! They are all allowed! Dogs can come, too (on a leash).Take water with you! Bring a picnic as there are plenty of tables...and decent bathroom facilities!Warning...the parking lots fill on weekends by 1030a!! Watch for deer enroute!

After we were snowed out of our first attempt to hike (at Echo Lake on Mount Evans) on Memorial Day weekend we aimed for a lower elevations at Mount Falcon. We started at the "upper" lot and hiked over 9 miles total. We did the observation tower (great views), the ruins (interesting) and the summer White House (kind of impressive to see what was imagined for that site!), and then descended to the lower parking lot, taking the Turkey Trot route down and doing the Castle trail all the way back. The way back was pretty difficult for a Midwesterner like me -- I'd estimate 3 of the 4 miles back to our car was up, and some of it was pretty steep. It was a hot and sunny day and I had one bottle of water, when I needed two (didn't make that mistake again!).The views were great! On one side, pine covered mountains with snowy peaks in the distance, on another side you could see Red Rocks, and yet another you could see the city of Denver and the surrounding suburbs stretching out to the horizon. I joked that we could see Kansas, but my more practical friend said the curvature of the earth meant it was probably beyond the horizon. It was a beautiful hike and, despite returning to the car dehydrated and with blistered feet, my love for hiking was reignited by these trails (so much so that I did 15 miles over the next two days).

We hiked, as a family and with friends on Mother's Day. Beautiful park and hiking. Very family friendly. Easy for small kids.

As you wind the switchbacks to the top, you can walk through the remains of a mansion that used to stand there and the hopes of building a mansion for presidents to stay. Views are amazing.