Mount Falcon Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Mount Falcon Park offers diverse hiking experiences ranging from easy, kid-friendly routes to challenging 8-mile treks, featuring historical ruins, panoramic views of the mountains, Denver, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It's a well-maintained outdoor escape close to Denver, suitable for varying skill levels but can get crowded.
Key Highlights
- ✓Easy 'castle hike' from West Trailhead (Indian Hills) specifically mentioned as suitable for beginners and kids.
- ✓Historical points of interest including the remains of John Walker's house and the foundation for the 'White House of the West' at the top of the trail.
- ✓Panoramic views of the mountains from the Eagle View Shelter on the Tower Trail, of the city along the Old Ute trail, and distant views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
- ✓Well-maintained multi-use trails where hikers and bikers are reported to be respectful of each other.
- ✓Clean and well-maintained restroom facilities near the main parking lot.
- ✓Trails are in good shape and offer options for new hikers or those looking to gain experience.
Standout Features
- ⭐Variety of trail difficulties (though nothing 'super difficult') allowing customization for different family members.
- ⭐Picnic tables available at the Eagle View Shelter and near the parking lot for family meals.
- ⭐Eagle View Shelter on the Tower Trail offers specific amazing mountain views.
- ⭐Historical landmarks at the trail's summit provide an educational aspect.
- ⭐A quiet natural setting where the noise from the city is not audible.
- ⭐Distant views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre from the trails.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Go on a weekday, if possible, to avoid crowds.
- →For an easy, kid-friendly option, start the 'castle hike' from the West Trailhead in Indian Hills.
- →Be prepared for sun exposure, especially on longer trails and during summer months like July.
- →Check trail conditions before visiting; if icy or snowy, bring spikes as many other hikers use them for safety.
- →If starting from the Morrison parking lot, plan for an 8-mile roundtrip hike that takes approximately 3 hours and includes rocky sections.
- →Utilize the designated picnic areas for meals or snacks during your visit.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The Parmalee trail is noted as long and more difficult, potentially not suitable for younger children or those seeking a shorter hike.
- ⚠Only one restroom facility is mentioned near the parking lot, which could be inconvenient on busy days.
- ⚠The park can get crowded, especially on weekends, with a recommendation to visit on a weekday.
- ⚠Trails can be hot in July due to significant sun exposure.
- ⚠Trails can be icy and snowy in colder conditions, requiring specialized gear like spikes for safety.
- ⚠The 8-mile roundtrip hike from the Morrison parking lot includes rocky sections at the top and extensive sun exposure, making it more challenging for some.
Price & Value
No specific pricing is mentioned in the reviews, suggesting it is a free public park. This offers excellent value for a diverse outdoor recreation experience with well-maintained facilities and trails. No hidden costs are reported.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations for special needs are mentioned. Trail difficulties vary, so accessibility would depend on the specific trail chosen, with the 'castle hike' being the easiest.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Picnic tables are explicitly available at the Eagle View Shelter and near the parking lot, strongly implying that outside food is allowed and encouraged for visitors. No restrictions on outside food or drink are mentioned.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking lots are available at multiple trailheads, specifically mentioned are the West Trailhead in Indian Hills and the Morrison parking lot.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Can get crowded, especially on weekends, with a specific recommendation to visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. One reviewer noted it 'wasn't super crowded' at the time of their visit, suggesting variability.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety staff or equipment (like first aid stations) are mentioned. Trail users are described as respectful of each other. The recommendation to bring spikes for icy/snowy conditions indicates an awareness of environmental safety.
- •Trails are multi-use, shared by hikers and bikers.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Visiting on weekends if you prefer to avoid crowds.
- • The Parmalee trail if you have young children or are looking for a short, easy hike.
- • Attempting icy or snowy trails without appropriate gear (spikes) for safety.
- • The 8-mile Morrison route for very young children or those seeking a quick, less strenuous activity, due to its length, rocky terrain, and sun exposure.
Pricing/Package/Events
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Specific Park Regulations are available (referenced as 'Park Regulations' and 'Recreation & Activity Management Guide (PDF)').
- • Visitors are encouraged to provide information on human-wildlife interactions to JCPOS staff (reports are anonymous).
- • Some JCOS Parks have designated-use trails or alternating use days (general reminder for JCOS parks, which includes Mount Falcon Park).
📅Booking Policy
- • Permits and reservations are required for hosting an event or organized activity (details about obtaining not provided in content).
🚗Parking Information
- • Mount Falcon West Trailhead: 21074 Mount Falcon Road, Indian Hills, CO 80454
- • Mount Falcon Morrison Trailhead: 3852 Vine Street, Morrison, CO 80465
- • General parking information for Jeffco Parks & Open Space Parks is available (link referenced but details not provided).
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Shari Mathias
a month agoNice trails of varying difficulties so you can customize your day (although nothing super difficult). The hike to the castle is easy enough for beginners and kids (from the West Trailhead in Indian Hills). Parmalee trail, not so much. That took a long time and was more difficult. Amazing views of the mountains from the Eagle View Shelter on the Tower Trail and of the city along the Old Ute trail. Go on a weekday, if possible, because it can get crowded. Picnic tables are available at the shelter and near the parking lot. Only one restroom facility near the parking lot. Love this place for a way to get outdoors not too far from Denver.
Jo Raby
9 months agoMy husband and I hiked here before going to a concert at red rocks. The multi use trail was well maintained and challenging with the elevation change. All trail users were respectful of each other and it was fun to see red rocks from a distance and then a further distance as we hiked along. Beautiful area, hot in July but totally doable. Had breakfast at the nice picnic area before heading out and bathrooms were some of the cleanest and well maintained that we had encountered.
Quinn F
a year agoI really had a great time here. Trails are in good shape and wasn’t super crowded. We were there about 2 1/2 hours. Has some good trails for those that are looking to gain experience or are new like me. The views are so pretty and you can’t the noise from the city. NOTE: trail was icy and snowy. I’d recommend spikes and most people I encountered in the trail had them on
Jillian Turner (Colorado Realtor)
a month agoThe trails are nice and dry! Great trail run with great views.
Phillip Lucas
a year agoMount Falcon is a very interesting place. Once owned by one of Denver's elite business men. The remains of John Walker's house are at the top of the trail. As well as the start of the foundation to what was supposed to be the White House of the West. Starting at the Morrison parking lot, the trail will become an 8 mile roundtrip out and back hike. Excellent views are afforded all around. To the East is denver and down below to the North is red rocks amphitheater. Once you get high enough, there is a lot of other peaks to see. The trail does get more rocky at the top. Hikers and bikers will be sharing this trail. There is a lot of sun exposure. Very nice trail though for 3 or so hours.