Approaches & MapsRED ROCKS EAST ENTRANCE
Once in the park, stay on this road and follow it up to the Amphitheatre Parking lot. When the road splits, stay right, passing by a parking area on your left, through the tunnel and along a large parking area on your left. Not far beyond the tunnel is a small pull-out on the right. Park here.
A scenic alternative is to stay right at the intersection, then take a sharp right before the tunnel onto a paved road to the Geologic Marker. This turn-out is signed. This spot is popular and parking is limited. Arrive early to beat the inevitable crowds and get a good parking space.
Use either approach for the East Ridge, Spider Canyon or Dome Routes. For the Monocline route, use the Amphitheatre area approach.
RED ROCKS SOUTH ENTRANCE
Park immediately, well off the road just inside the park entrance for a climb of the entire South Ridge Route.
For the Amphitheatre Route, proceed up the road through some switchbacks to a junction with the road coming from the east south entrance. Turn left and follow this road toward the impressive monoliths of the Red Rocks amphitheatre. A large dirt parking area will be on your left. Bypass it to the north end of the lot, where a newly installed paved area is provided and park here. You are southwest of Creation Rock and the Amphitheatre at the start of your hike.
For the Monocline, East Ridge, Spider Canyon or Dome Routes, continue up the road, past the Amphitheatre’s south entrances to just before the Red Rocks Trading Post. Turn left and follow the road north along the east entrance to the Amphitheatre on your left. At the intersection, turn left and then immediately right onto the road to the Geologic Marker parking area. This spot is popular and parking is limited. Arrive early to beat the inevitable crowds and get a good parking space.
MATTHEWS-WINTERS PARK
Ample parking is provided, but the park is popular with bicyclists, picnicking folks, dog walkers and hikers. Arrive early to avoid parking along the narrow entrance road.
BEAR CREEK CANYON
Used for accessing the Southwest Ridge route. Plenty of parking available. Go here for details.
See the maps in this section for an illustration of all the routes described here.
South RidgeRATING: Class 2
From your parked car just north of the park entrance sign, climb west up the south ridge east slopes on a well worn trail. Once on the ridge, follow the trail as it meanders northward to the summit, bypassing Point 6,916 on your left. Bypass an impromptu memorial. The trail has been recently maintained as you approach the final pitch, which is steep and involves scrambling over Class 2 rock. Add .1 mile to the helipad. Return the same route. A nice alternative is to descend the Amphitheater, Monocline, East Ridge or Dome Routes is feasible, but involves walking back to your vehicle through Red Rocks Park.
START 5,877’
MILE .45 Pt. 6,636’
MILE 1.39 Class 2 scramble
MILE 1.63 Summit
GAIN: 1955’
Southwest RidgeRATING: Class 1-5
The Southwest Ridge Route offers secluded climbing, a better chance to see wildlife and lots of scrambling opportunities on solid rock and varying degrees of exposure. Two crags offer excellent technical and top roping opportunities. For full details and map, go here.
Amphitheater CreekRATING: Class 2
Leave the paved parking (located SOUTH of the Amphitheater) lot due north and climb left up the first drainage by a cement well. Water may be present in the spring. Follow this drainage, contouring up either side due west. Occasional scrambling may be required over Class 2 & 3 rock. The drainage widens as you gain the south ridge and intercept the South Ridge Route trail which leads north to the summit. The trail has been recently maintained as you approach the final pitch, which is steep and involves scrambling over Class 2 rock. Add .1 mile to the helipad. Return the same route, or descend the Monocline, East Ridge or Dome Route for a loop trip back through Red Rocks Park.
START: 6,279’
MILE .05 Well
MILE .48 South Ridge
MILE .71 Class 2 scramble
MILE .89 Summit
GAIN: 1,532
MonoclineRATING: Class 2
This is the route once occupied by a cable car trolley that hauled people up the mountain in a very steep and direct path. One car would go up while another was lowered on the same cable. This type of rail system is called a "funicular." A funicular system is currently in use at Colorado's Royal Gorge attraction. Built by John Brisbane Walker, founder of Red Rocks in 1907, the ride was no doubt breathtaking and harrowing. Evidence of the rail bed is still present along the climb, particularly at the summit at a steep angle. Most of the track has long since been removed. The climb is the shortest and most direct assault on the mountain, and the angle does not relent. Look for the remnants of a track bed and follow it up this direct ascent.
A steep and rocky trail starts just west of the round Amphitheater parking lot, which climbs in steep fashion up around a crumbly cliff and gains the old railbed. The trail is covered in loose rock and zig-zags up the railbed. It crosses the ridge, leveling briefly before climbing the steep slopes below the East Ridge. Lots of loose rock is on the trail. A relentless steep climb follows, punctuated by two steep Class 2 sections on solid rock, all the way to the top, intersecting the East Ridge Route. The track bed just below the summit is steep and loose, but can be scrambled. There is better Class 2 scrambling to the right. Can be combined with the East Ridge, Amphitheater Creek, East Face or Dome route for the return.
START: 6,958’ Amphitheater Parking Lot
MILE .45 Track bed
MILE .62 Very steep, summit
GAIN: 1,349’
East RidgeRATING: Class 2-3
This approach encircles a beautiful area. Many people will be present later in the day. Fun and scenic trails that once climbed through the rock formations have been recently closed. A singular trail takes off northwest from the covered picnic facility. Proceed on this wide and worn trail around the scenic red rock formations. The trail then climbs southwest toward the mountain, skirting the rocks on the left. The trail splits a number of times. Keep climbing southwest toward the mountain, sometimes over gravel covered slick rock. Exit west of the rocks on a flat, grassy perch at the base of Morrison’s East Ridge, which rises abruptly at mile .13.
The trail heads to the right toward a draw. Leave the trail, angling left on a lesser trail that climbs the East Ridge, following it directly to the summit. If you scramble up the rocky portions nearby, the route is Class 2 or 3. On your descent, the Dome, East Face or Monocline routes can be taken. The Monocline route intersects with the East Ridge below the summit, and on the return, it's easy to end up on the Monocline Trail, so if your desired descent is the East Ridge, stay on the ridge. If you descend the Monocline, you'll be south of your vehicle about a tenth of a mile (if it is parked just south of the tunnel).
START: 6,507’
MILE .13 Exit red rock formations
MILE .58 Rock scrambling at 7,400’
MILE .76 Summit
GAIN: 1,324’
This route can also be intercepted from a small parking area just south of the tunnel and north of the Amphitheater circular parking area. Angle northwest up an access road to a water facility. Stay to the left of the buildings and take a trail that contours up around them to the right. Continue with the red rocks to your right until you reach the flat, grassy perch and the hiker’s trail at the base of the East Ridge. Then follow the East Ridge route. This route can be combined in a loop with the Dome Route or East Face when hiked from either starting point.The DomeRATING: Class 2-5
This approach encircles a beautiful area. Many people will be present later in the day. Fun and scenic trails that once climbed through the rock formations have been recently closed. A singular trail takes off northwest from the covered picnic facility. Proceed on this wide and worn trail around the scenic red rock formations. The trail then climbs southwest toward the mountain, skirting the rocks on the left. The trail splits a number of times. Keep climbing southwest toward the mountain, sometimes over gravel covered slick rock. Exit west of the rocks on a flat, grassy perch at the base of Morrison’s East Ridge, which rises abruptly at mile .13. The trail heads to the right toward a draw. Stay on the trail, which enters a draw and crosses an old dam. The trail then climbs out of the drainage and gains the ridge leading directly toward some communications towers on the mountain’s summit ridge. The trail will cross through a rock fence barrier. Depart the trail and drop to the drainage on your left and assume the steep ridge climbing directly toward the Dome. Climb around the north side of the Dome to keep the difficulty at Class 2. Climbing routes of 1 pitch or more varying in length and difficulty (Class 3-5) are available in direct assaults on the Dome on granite flakes and ledges. The helipad and summit are not far beyond.
START: 6,507’
MILE .13 Leave red rock formations
MILE .18 Old dam
MILE .34 Ridge top
MILE .57 Dome
MILE .77 Helipad
MILE 1.02 Summit
GAIN: 1,324’
This route can also be intercepted from a small parking area just south of the tunnel and north of the Amphitheater circular parking area. Angle northwest up an access road to a water facility. Stay to the left of the buildings and take a trail that contours up around them to the right. Continue with the red rocks to your right until you reach the flat, grassy perch and the hiker’s trail at the base of the East Ridge. Then follow the Dome route. This route can be combined in a loop with the East Ridge Route or East Face when hiked from either starting point.
    
East Face TrailRATING: Class 2
This approach encircles a beautiful area. Many people will be present later in the day. Fun and scenic trails that once climbed through the rock formations have been recently closed. A singular trail takes off northwest from the covered picnic facility. Proceed on this wide and worn trail around the scenic red rock formations. The trail then climbs southwest toward the mountain, skirting the rocks on the left. The trail splits a number of times. Keep climbing southwest toward the mountain, sometimes over gravel covered slick rock. Exit west of the rocks on a flat, grassy perch at the base of Morrison’s East Ridge, which rises abruptly at mile .13. Follow the trail to the right as it crosses an old dam and then ascends in steep and loose fashion to gain a ridge. The trail follows the ridge west toward the East Face of the mountain.
The trail passes through a rock wall barrier and climbs a minor rib of rock up the East Face, terminating on Mount Morrison's north ridge between the two radio antenna assemblies. Turn south, bypassing the larger antenna building on the right and ascend easy Class 2 terrain to the helipad and the true summit not far beyond.
START: 6,507’
MILE .13 Leave red rock formations
MILE .18 Old dam
MILE .34 Ridge top
MILE .57 North of Dome
MILE .77 Helipad
MILE 1.02 Summit
GAIN: 1,324’
This route can also be intercepted from a small parking area just south of the tunnel and north of the Amphitheater circular parking area. Angle northwest up an access road to a water facility. Stay to the left of the buildings and take a trail that contours up around them to the right. Continue with the red rocks to your right until you reach the flat, grassy perch and the hiker’s trail at the base of the East Ridge and follow the route as described above.
It should be noted that this is the mountain's newest trail and it is still in an "untidy" condition. There is plenty of loose rock and gravel present on this steep and messy trail. Minor scrambling is required. This trail makes a nice loop combination with Spider Canyon, East Ridge, North Ridge Variation or Monocline routes.
Spider CanyonRATING: Class 2-3
Due to sustained bushwacking, this is Mt. Morrison’s most difficult non-technical route. At the Goelogic Marker area, a singular trail takes off northwest from the covered picnic facility. Proceed on this wide and worn trail around the scenic red rock formations. The trail then climbs southwest toward the mountain, exiting west of the rocks on a flat, grassy perch at the base of Morrison’s east ridge, which rises abruptly at mile .13. The trail heads to the right and into a draw. Stay on the trail, which crosses an old dam. Once across the dam, leave the trail and follow the drainage up to Morrison’s summit ridge. Access to the ridge leading up the Dome route can be had from this route as well. Bushwacking is required along with plenty of Class 2 scrambling opportunities near the summit, but you’ll be out of the sun for most of the climb. Your chances of seeing wildlife are very good, along with lots of spiders and their spectacular webs. Not for the squeamish! A downclimb of this route is not desirable. A return via the Dome, East Face or East Ridge route is recommended.
START: 6,507’
MILE .13 Exit red rock formations
MILE .18 Old dam
MILE .69 Helipad
MILE .90 Summit
GAIN: 1,324’
This route can also be intercepted from the Amphitheatre parking area by angling northwest up an access road to a water facility. Continue up the draw with the red rocks to your right until you reach the flat, grassy perch and the hiker’s trail at the base of the East Ridge. Then refer to the route description above.
North RidgeRATING: Class 2
This is the longest route to Mount Morrison’s summit. Follow the wide bicycle trail through Matthews-Winters Park, past the restrooms, over the stream and up the meadow. Please share the trail with the cyclists that will be present. Go past a small cemetery and drop down into Cherry Gulch, which may have running water present. Cross the stream and proceed up the trail as it switchbacks to attain the top of the mesa, known as the Morrison Slide, at the base of Morrison’s north ridge. Stay right at a fork. Once on the mesa, the broad east face of the north ridge will beckon. You can also leave the trail after the 4th switchback climbing directly up a steep clearing and assuming the north ridge directly. Ascend steep open grassland to assume the north ridge and follow it south to Morrison’s north summit, winding through trees and over Class 2 rock. Stay on top of the ridge whenever possible, encountering minor scrambling along the way. Talus and boulder fields on the east side are unstable and should be avoided. Once on the north summit, traverse south east of the communications array. Find a use trail, drop to the access road and find a use trail west of the next communications array. Scramble up another rise (Class 1) to the helipad and continue to the summit. Return the same route, or descend the North Ridge Route Variation and take established trails back to the Matthews-Winters Park parking area.
START 6,336’
MILE .13 Stream & Restrooms
MILE .35 Cemetery
MILE 1.03 Cherry Gulch
MILE 1.47 Mesa top
MILE 1.93 North ridge
MILE 2.32 Pt. 7,742’
MILE 2.4 Helipad
MILE 2.70 Summit
GAIN: 1,622’
North Ridge VariationRATING: Class 2
From the east Red Rocks Park entrance, drive a half mile up the road into the park. The road levels and a parking area will be on the left, directly across from the signed Red Rocks trail departing the road on the right due northwest. Park here, cross the road and take this wide trail, which connects with the network of trails from the Matthews-Winters Park to the north. Popular with runners and cyclists, please share the trail with its many users. Follow it as it leads toward some red rock formations and winds up a valley, switchbacking up the south side of Mount Morrison’s north mesa formation known as the Morrison Slide. At a sign, go left to the mesa top, where you depart from the trail. Strike directly west toward Mount Morrison’s north ridge. Once on the ridge, follow the North Ridge route to the summit. Return the same route.
START: 6,208’
MILE .30 Red rocks, switchbacks
MILE .56 Leave trail at mesa top
MILE .90 North ridge
MILE 1.15 Pt. 7,742’
MILE 1.30 Helipad
MILE 1.56 Summit
Summit, Helipad & Moonlight StrollsThe summit, at 7881’, is NO LONGER fenced in and occupied by a communications structure! From here, impressive views of Pikes Peak and Mt. Evans can be seen.
A good lunch spot and alternate summit choice is the helicopter pad, located to the north of the summit area. From here, a surrounding view would be complete except for the summit itself blocking the view of Pikes Peak. Mt. Evans, Grays and Torreys Peaks, the mountains near Berthoud Pass, including James Peak, the Indian Peaks, Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park, can all be seen. North is Boulder, and the entire eastern half of the view is the Denver Metro Area, including Denver International Airport on the horizon. This sight of sprawling humanity is both inspiring and terrifying.
In the saddle between the helicopter pad and the mountain’s north summit is a building and communications array. Another array stands on the north summit. An access road to these facilities comes up the west side of the mountain from Idledale. These fenced facilities are all obviously private property, but there have never been any problems concerning access to the mountain itself.
Moonlight climbs are a great way to see the mountain and its wildlife in another environment. Be sure to start just before sundown to be certain of exiting Red Rocks before the park closes. The recommended routes for moonlight trips are the shorter options, including Amphitheatre, Monocline, East Ridge and North Ridge Variation. Spider Canyon and the Dome are not recommended moonlight climbs due to visibility concerns. The North and South Ridge routes are not recommended for moonlight climbs due to their length, although they are feasible. Don’t forget your light source! Loop possibilities involving all of the routes are endless.
Essential GearSpring, Summer & Fall: Standard day hike gear will do. Bring a hat and sunscreen. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you think you’ll be out after dark. Bring plenty of water as climbing these routes is akin to desert hiking. No water is available. Hiking boots are mandatory to reduce unpleasant encounters with abundant cactus. Nevertheless, watch your step because cactus needles can penetrate boots.
Winter: Boots and gaiters are recommended. Slopes are steep and slick in the spring. A fall into cactus would be a very unpleasant and prickly affair. Proceed with caution. Warm winter gear is recommended. High winds are common.
If you plan to use rope and rack on the Dome, a small rack of midsized nuts, cams and slings is sufficient, along with a 60m rope. The Dome is reasonably solid granite and offers a sporting variety of routes, 5.0-5.3. Some edges and flakes will crumble but the rock is generally sound. Depending on where you climb, the Dome is 1 to 2 pitches.
Green Mountain & Dinosaur RidgeThese nearby hikes are popular with all types of outdoor enthusiasts and reward the visitor with exceptional views. These outings are ideal if you are visiting Denver and need a quick hiking fix. Getting to and executing these hikes is fast and easily incorporated into a busy schedule. They are also perfect for a warm-up or acclimation on your way to Colorado’s bigger mountains, particularly if your schedule does not allow time to climb Mount Morrison.
DINOSAUR RIDGE 6641’
APPROACHES: To start at the south end, take Alameda Avenue due west from the Denver area. At Kipling Street, the road becomes Colorado State Highway 26. Follow it as it climbs over the southeast shoulder of Green Mountain to a light at Jewell Avenue. Turn right at this light, and follow the highway around Green Mountain’s south side. Cross over C-470, and proceed up the hogback (Dinosaur Ridge). Just before the road cuts through the hogback, the trail starts up the slope on your right. Parking in the immediate vicinity is limited.
For an eastern approach via the Zorro Trail, follow above instructions. After crossing C-470, and just before the road climbs up the hogback, turn right on Rooney Road and proceed due north. Look sharp on the right for a turn-off into a parking lot, probably crowded on weekends, and park.
For the north end, take Interstate 70 west from the Denver Area to the Morrison Exit. Go south on Highway 93 under the bridge and look for the parking area up on your left, which is the first left past the eastbound onramp for I-70. The trail starts near the entrance to the parking area. To get a space near the trailhead, an early start is recommended.
ZORRO TRAIL Class 1
From the parking area, cross Rooney Road, due west to the signed trailhead for the Zorro Trail. Follow the trail as it zig-zags up the east slopes of Dinosaur Ridge. Reach the saddle atop Dinosaur Ridge after 1 mile of easy but gorgeous hiking. Intercepting the Dinosaur Ridge trail, you can proceed north (to the high point of the ridge) or south. Either way offers fun scrambling, top roping possibilities and excellent views. Return the same route.
DINOSAUR RIDGE TRAIL Class 1
The trail runs atop Dinosaur Ridge north to south from the I-70 access to almost where Highway 26 cuts through the ridge. For a steeper climb and better workout, start at the south end. Long ago, there was no trail. Hikers were later followed by bikers, and the trail is now a wide and well developed mountain biking route. Views of Red Rocks, Mount Morrison and the surrounding area are worth the effort.
Round trip mileage is just under 4 miles. The high point is at 6641 feet, near the north end (see map). Gain is 652’ in one direction, which is doubled with your return. The north end starts at 6407’, the south end starts at 6118’. A respectable workout on a hike, a pretty good challenge on a bike, the total execution time is about 90 minutes.
A continuation of the Dinosaur Ridge trail starts at the cut through the Hogback and climbs the east side of the ridge and then drops down the west side of the ridge, crossing Highway 93 to the town of Morrison. On the other side of the road, the route becomes the Red Rocks trail, which leads you into the park, following the road over a bridge briefly. Look for a sign on the north side of the road and take the trail. An eventual split will be encountered. The north fork continues the Red Rocks Trail to the Mount Morrison Plateau and the Matthews-Winters trail network. The right fork leads to a number of trails that wind throughout the park.
Other options include an interpretive trail on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge that parallels the road. The Dinosaur Ridge Visitors Center is found just east of the Rooney Road-Highway 26 intersection. Here you can learn about the dinosaurs that once walked the shores of an inland sea, which later tilted upward and became the Dakota Hogback formation. You can be directed to other activities, including the viewing of dinosaur tracks. Refer to the map in this section.
GREEN MOUNTAIN 6855’
SOUTH SLOPES APPROACH & ROUTE Class 1
Take Alameda Avenue due west from the Denver area. At Kipling Street, the road becomes Colorado State Highway 26. Follow it as it climbs over the southeast shoulder of Green Mountain to a light at Green Mountain Drive. Proceed through this light, and keep an eye out on the right for a large, unpaved parking area. Cars will likely be present along with a porta-pot. Park here and follow the well constructed maintained trail up Green Mountain. Another trail head is further along the road if the first one is full. Unmarked trail alternatives are also available. Once the initial climb of the ridge is complete, it’s a casual stroll northwest to the summit.
ONE WAY MILEAGE: 2.1
GAIN: 762 feet
EAST SLOPES APPROACH & ROUTE Class 1
Take Alameda Avenue due west from the Denver area. At Kipling Street, the road becomes Colorado State Highway 26. Follow it as it climbs up Green Mountain’s shoulder. At the top of this hill, go through the light at Green Mountain Drive, and past some buff colored apartments. Turn right on Foothill Drive. Follow this road as it climbs steeply into the Green Mountain neighborhood. As you drive down the other side of this hill, be on the lookout for an unmarked trailhead on the left. Park on the left side of the road and follow the trail past a chain gate up the draw due west toward Green Mountain. The trail rapidly reduces to a hiker’s trail as it climbs out of the draw by a fenced water facility. Gain the ridge and follow the trail up to a radio tower and join the standard route, heading due northwest to the summit. 90 minutes total execution time.
ONE WAY MILEAGE: 1.6
GAIN: 750 feet
WEST SLOPES APPROACH & ROUTE Class 1
Take Highway 40, otherwise known as Colfax Avenue to Golden. Go past the C-470 and Highway 6 interchanges. A half mile beyond Highway 6, turn south on Rooney Road. Follow Rooney Road almost two miles, passing under I-70 in the process. Turn left to a paved parking area situated between C-470 to the east and the Dinosaur Ridge formation to the west and park. This parking lot can also be reached via Rooney Road from Highway 26 due south, just before the road climbs up Dinosaur Ridge. The paved bike trail starts on the south end of the lot, running along the highway and then over it via a bridge. The route becomes a dirt road, which is used by hikers and bikers for a leisurely outing to the top of Green Mountain. As the route climbs eastward to gain the broad top of the mountain, the summit is visible to the south. The road, popular with mountain bikers, was once a 4WD route, but was later graded and made civil for access to the radio tower on top. 90 minutes or more execution time.
ONE WAY MILEAGE: 1.5 miles
GAIN: 760 feet
GREEN MOUNTAIN SUMMIT
The view is surprisingly good from the inconspicuous, humped top. Mount Evans, the front range and Longs Peak are all visible, along with Pikes Peak and the entire Denver area. Mount Morrison and Red Rocks look impressive as well. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant. Unless you have planned a shuttle outing from one trailhead to another, return the way you came.
See the map in this section for an illustration of all the routes described here.
SP GREEN MOUNTAIN PAGE by SP member Bigwilly.
South Valley
Spectacular red sandstone in South Valley Park
Digital photo by Aaron Johnson
This spectacular park transports you to another planet and time and is a joy to behold. Spires of red rock scrape the blue sky against a backdrop of buff colored cliffs that would have you believe you're in Utah. Once a campground and rendezvous spot for the Ute tribes, the area was later a cattle ranch and eventually purchased by Jefferson County Open Space parks. One of the Front Range's most unique treasures, South Valley's beauty is surprising and striking for being so close to the city. Easily accessed, the trails in the park can be hiked or biked, and it's a great place to get the dog out for some exercise as well.
South Valley can be visited any time of the year, although during the summer days can be hot and buggy. Evening outings are excellent during the summer.
Trails take visitors through another world at South Valley Park
Digital photo by Aaron Johnson
GETTING THERE
NORTH ENTRANCE
From the Denver metro area's C-470 beltway, take the Ken Caryl exit and drive westbound through the Hogbacks into Ken Caryl Valley. Stay in the left lane and turn left at the first light. Proceed through the second light and note the parking area on your left as you drop down the hill. Turn left into the park entrance.
SOUTH ENTRANCE
From the Denver metro area's C-470beltway, take the Kipling exit and head south, turning right (west) onto Ute Avenue. Follow this road toward the Hogback ridge, which turns south and joins Deer Creek Canyon road. At the junction, follow the road to thr right. You'll pass a small pull out for the Cathy Johnson trail on the right. The next pull out on the right is parking for South Valley.
TRAILS
A number of combinations are possible for enjoyable loops and side trips amongst the colorful rock formations of South Valley.
Coyote Song 1.5 miles
Swallow Tail 1.2 miles
Lyon's Back .2 miles (Connects with Cathy Johnson trail)
Valley View 1.2 miles
Grazing Elk Trail Loop 2.5 miles
Rattlesnake Gulch .3 miles (Connects with Deer Creek Canyon Park)
Red denotes for hikers only.
Plymouth Mountain & Deer Creek CanyonDeer Creek Canyon, located south of Mount Morrison, is a great park set aside for hikers and bikers, and is a great spot to get in shape for higher mountains to be climbed later in the summer. Much of the park is for both actvities, but there are three trails designated for hiking only. A variety of trails is available, and crags for scrambling practice are abundant. Picnic and restroom facilities are also available.
The high point is Plymouth Mountain, a tree covered ridge whose high point is a cluster of boulders from which one can barely see a view through the tree tops. A scenic view to the north of the summit is surprisingly good, featuring Mount Falcon, Mount Morrison, Boulder and Bear Peaks, Denver, the plains, Mount Evans and more.
GETTING THERE
From C-470, take the Kipling exit due south, turn right on Ute Avenue, then right on Deer Creek Canyon road. Proceed up the canyon past the Lockheed Martin entrance, turn left on Grizzly Drive. A couple switchbacks later, turn right into the Park.
PLYMOUTH MOUNTAIN
At the trailhead, take the Plymouth Creek Trail 1.5 miles to the Plymouth Mountain Trail. After 1.7 miles, turn right on the Scenic View trail, along which the summit of the mountain, a cluster of boulders, is passed on your left. .4 mile later, arrive at the scenic view. Return the same route or proceed on the Plymouth Mountain trail for a nice loop back to the Plymouth Creek trail.
A shorter alternative is to stay on the Plymouth Creek trail until you encounter the end of the Plymouth Mountain trail, which could then be executed in reverse.
Also, an optional ascent or descent route is the Meadowlark trail, designated for hikers only.
MILEAGE OPTIONS OVERVIEW
Via Plymouth Creek, Mountain Trail Loop & Meadowlark Trail: 6.5 miles
Via Meadowlark ascent & descent (shortest route): 5.8 miles
Via Plymouth Creek ascent & descent (shortest route): 4.8 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,227 feet
TRAIL OPTIONS & LENGTH (One Way)
Meadowlark: 1.6 miles, hiker only
Golden Eagle: .5 mile, hiker only
Plymouth Creek: 2.4 miles, multi-use
Plymouth Mountain: 2.2 miles, multi-use
Scenic View: .4 mile, multi-use
Homesteader: 1 mile, multi-use
Red Mesa Loop: 2.5 miles, multi-use
Rattlesnake Gulch .3 miles (Connects with Deer Creek Canyon Park)
RED denotes trails at the trailhead. All other trails begin from other trails within the park.
North Table MountainSport and trad climing galore can be found on North Table Mountain, just north of the town of Golden.
    
Mount Falcon  
Mount Falcon Park offer 11.3 miles of multiple use trails, ideal for hikers and bikers. The west entrance features easy hiking to most of the park's upper reaches while the east entrance offers a hill climbing challenge to those looking for a good workout. This is a good one for year round activities and staying or getting in shape.
The summit of Mount Falcon is not the rounded summit commonly seen on the skyline just south of Mount Morrison. The summit is an indistinct, tree covered knoll in the south end of the park. Easy trails access the observation shelter erectedthere to afford a nice view, but a more impressive view of Mount Evans and the Front Range of the Rockies can be enjoyed from the Eagle's Eye picnic shelter.
The park is also home to the Walker Mansion, intended as a summer guest house for the nation's presidents. Destroyed by lightning and subsequent fire, the ruins are presently protected. Walker was instrumental in getting the now famous Red Rocks Amphitheater built.
GETTING THERE
From Denver, take Highway 285 to Fairplay, but minutes after entering the foothills, take the Indian Hills exit and follow Parmalee Gulch Road for 5 miles to Picutis Road andturn right. The signs will guide you to the park. From the town of Morrison, drive up Highway 74 to the town of Kittredge, turning left onto Parmalee Gulch. Once in the Indian Hills neighborhood, look sharp for the signs and follow them to the park.
For much faster access to the park and a good hill climb, take Highway 8 south from Morrison. Turn west (right) on Forest Avenue and then north (right) on Vine Avenue. There is ample parking at the end of the road, which is the trailhead as well.
TRAIL OPTIONS(Red indicates hiking only)
OLD UTE .5 miles, 278' gain
DEVIL'S ELBOW 1.1 miles, 740' gain
WALKER'S DREAM .3 miles, 294' gain
TWO DOG .3 miles, 178' gain
TURKEY TROT 1.7 miles, 2,418' gain(To west end of park)
CASTLE 3.8 miles, 2,418' gain
PARMALEE 2 miles, 1,842' gain
MEADOW .8 mile, 312' gain
TOWER .6 mile, 434' gain
Figures include other trails to reach various junctions, or assume completion of the entire trail. Endless loop variations will increase mileage and gain figures.
Trails crossing north facing slopes will be covered in snow and ice during the winter and spring. Plan accordingly.
This park is popular. Arrive early to beat the crowds, otherwise plan on sharing your open space with many people.
Mount GalbraithMount Galbraith state park is located just northwest of Golden along the road to Golden Gate Canyon State Park. A nice Class 1 loop trail traverses steep slopes and occasional rocky ledges and makes for a great early season warm-up. In summer, expect hot temperatures and no water, so it's best to execute this hike early in the morning or toward sundown. A surprising quality and encompassing view can be had from the summit, or the higher unnamed summit to the west.
GETTING THERE
From the junction of Highways 58 and 93 west of Golden, proceed north on 93 1.3 miles and turn left onto the road marked "Golden Gate State Park." Drive west on this road for about 1.4 miles to the signed turn-out on the left for Mount Galbraith State Park and park. Restroom facilities are at the trailhead.
The trail is obvious and easy to follow, traversing steep slopes and occasional ledges. At the loop junction, the route can be executed in either direction. Side trips on use trails to the summit and the unnamed west summit are recommended. Some Class 2-3 scrambling is available on the east side of the west summit.
MILEAGE
.93 Loop trail junction
1.69 Summit Use Trail
2.15 West Summit
2.38 Scrambling on west summit
3.33 Loop trail junction
4.23 Trailhead parking
4.4 miles round trip with summits
1,693 feet gain
Lair of the Bear Open Space ParkA small but delitghtful park along Highway 74 in Bear Creek Canyon, between Morrison and Evergreen, Lair of the Bear is a tiny trail network ideal for short walks, rides or runs. Suitable for summer evening strolls or winter snowshoes (after a significant snow storm), the park also offers handicap access, fine restoom and picnic facilities.
Most of the trails traverse north facing slopes and may be covered in ice during winter and spring. Plan accordingly.
GETTING THERE
From Morrison, drive west on Highway 74 toward Evergreen approximately four miles. The large sign at the park entrance will be on your left. There is plenty of parking.
TRAILS
Creekside Trail 1.7 miles
Creekside Loop .2 miles (Part of this trail is hiker only)
Brittlefern Trail .3 miles
Castor Cutoff .2 miles
Bruin Bluff Trail 1.9 miles
Red denotes hikers only. The rest are multiple use trails.
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Front Range (CO)
