Elk Falls in Colorado’s new Staunton State Park will open to the public May 18th 2013. We are still in the process of creating a detailed trail profile,in the meantime, use these Google Directions to drive to the park.
If you are a fan of waterfall hikes and you live near Denver, you’ll know that it’s kind of slim pickings; most of the best waterfalls in Colorado require driving beyond the Front Range, or into Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk Falls, near Pine and Conifer, Colorado is just 1 hour from Denver. The 3700 acre Staunton State Park offers incredible hiking, rock climbing, and beautiful rock formations – all making for some great Colorado day hikes.
Opening Weekend Information
The Grand Opening will take place on Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th, 2013. The Park hours will be limited and parking will be limited as well. The hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See this Staunton Park page for details on the additional parking and shuttles.
Elk Falls Overlook Hike
Elk Falls are stunning. Check out the video below to see footage of the falls which starts around 3 minutes in. The rest of the video will describe the distinct zones of Staunton State Park.
We’ve been in contact with the Park and it looks like the trail to the Elk Falls Overlook trail will be open, but the Elk Falls trail, that would take you right to the base of the waterfall is still being developed. Still, overlook should provide an amazing view of the waterfall. The hike to get to the Elk Falls overlook will take some work; it’s a 3.6 mile hike one-way (7.2 miles round trip).
Here’s a link to the new Staunton Park Trail Map to help you plan your trip.
Looking at the topography. I’d recommend taking the Scout Line Trail (1.5 mile) to the Bugling Elk Trail (1.1 mile), then take the Lion’s Back Trail (1 mile) to the overlook. The last mile looks like it will give your legs a workout. For a full list of the Staunton State Park trails, check out this link.
Hats off to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the donors who made this happen.
Fees: Because this is a Colorado State Park, there is an entrance fee. See the fees page for details.
More Hikes Near Conifer, Colorado:
- Maxwell Falls Near Conifer, Colorado
- Meyer Ranch Open Space Near Evergreen, Colorado
- Echo Lake Near Mount Evans
Links
- Hike Distance: 3.1 Miles or 2 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 45 min
- Difficulty: Medium+ with Easier Options
- Duration: Approx. 2hr
- Elevation Gain: 1343′
- Activities: Picnic Area, Horseback Riding, Hiking Trails, Climbing No Bikes Allowed
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: Year Round
- Beauty: Front Range Mountain Views, Views of Boulder,
- Wildlife: Mule Deer, Raptors, Foxes, and Coyotes.
- Mt. Sanitas Trail Map Link: Click Here
Mt. Sanitas offers three different hike options, ranging from the more difficult climb up the mountain, to an easy walk through a peaceful valley. Sanitas is Latin for “health”, and this hike may either get you in better shape (the 3.1 mile loop), or restore your sanity (the easier options). If you are visiting Boulder, this is a great Colorado hike.
3 Hike Options at Mt. Sanitas in Boulder, Colorado
- Hike Distance: 2 Miles+
- Denver Drive Time: 1hr 15min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 2hr+
- Activities: Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Late Spring to Fall
- Beauty: Waterfall, Wildflowers, Reservoir, Woodland Canyon
The shade of a wooded canyon, combined with a waterfall, ending at a blue lake, make this hike near Boulder Colorado worthwhile. Though it’s probably 25′ high, the waterfall is not what I’d call spectacular. So, if you are going for this waterfall, I’d recommend going early in the season when the snowmelt is at its peak in May and early June.
The trail winds gently downhill through a canyon, beside a creek, sheltered beneath fir and spruce. In fact, of the hikes we have profiled, this trail may provide more shade than any trail near Denver. You’ll come upon the falls about 1 mile into the hike and the reservoir is just 200 yards further down the trail. In fact, reaching the clear blue water was the highlight for our kids.
We skipped rocks and hiked along the sandy and rock rim so that we could explore more of the lake. With the water levels being so low, and a large tree blocking the shot, I couldn’t get a good photo of the falls. Boulder Resident, Harold Sears, has a couple of the best photos on his site, and a nice trail profile as well.
One important note. The trail is a bit difficult to find just above the waterfall, in fact, if you take the wrong route, it appears to lead you down a rock face – which is not a good idea, especially with kids. The correct route bears to the left of a cedar tree, will lead you up further above and away from the falls, then back down into the canyon floor. I’ve posted a photo below showing the juncture. Even in the photo, it’s hard to see the trail.
Tips:
- If you are coming from Denver, it’s quite a drive. The payoff is that the parking lot was almost empty on memorial day weekend. We recommend making a day of it and spending some time in Boulder before or after the hike.
- The Reservoir is stocked with Kokanee Salmon, and this stretch of it is where they supposedly like to hang out. So, bring your fishing gear. Here is a link to a Dept. of Wildlife PDF with information on the stock on the lake and some links to the fishing regulations for Gross Reservoir.
- The Google Map & Directionss: The trailhead parking lot is new, and really nice (with a restroom), but the parking lot doesn’t show up on the current google satellite map. However, the map should be accurate. One helpful tip is that once you turn off of Magnolia and onto 68, the parking lot is approx. 2 miles down and on your right.
Related Hikes:
- Hike Distance: 6.6 Miles RT
- Denver Drive Time: 1hr 45min
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 4hr
- Activities: Horseback Riding, Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Not Allowed in Park
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Year Round
- Beauty: Waterfall, Meadows, Forest, Creek, Wildlife: Elk, Deer, Birds
- RMNP Map Link: Click Here
Bridal Veil Falls is a gem tucked away in the northern reaches of Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike is about 1hr 45 minutes from the Denver area and features expansive meadows, wildflowers, forest, and a little bit of a rock scramble. Bridal Veil Falls launches from Read More
- Hike Distance: 3.7Miles (RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 30
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 2hrs
- Activities: Hiking, Cylcing, Birdwatching, Pond, Picnic Shelter
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: All Year
- Beauty: Giant Cottonwood Trees, Highline Canal, Wetlands, Waterfowl, Pond at the Fly’n B Park
- Trail Map Link: Click Here (see A6 to A2)
Denver’s Highline Canal was designed as an irrigation stream, but it has become a 66 mile long hiking and biking trail running through the heart of Denver. This particular hiking trail section is in the Littleton & Highlands Ranch area. There are two parking lots from which you can start the hike: the Countyline Road Trailhead, or the Fly’n B Park lot. Round Trip, this segment is about 4 miles. From the Countyline Trailhead, cross over the first footbridge and head South (left). You’ll run into an intersection about 200 yards up. Take a right to continue following the Highline.
Water flows in the highland canal about 90 days a year. Because the canal only drops two feet per mile, the water, even when it is flowing fast, appears calm. This is part of what gives this trail such a pastoral feel, even though it is close to 470. Immense Cottonwood trees arch over the path, and all sorts of birds decorate the bushes and wetlands that have grown up wild along its edges.
The trail is great for a stroller hike and for wheelchairs. After about 2 miles of trail, you’ll walk through a tunnel that goes under 470. You’ll then emerge to find yourself at Fly’n B Park. It looks like it is an old ranch that has been converted into a great park near Highlands Ranch. It features a small pond with boat dock, and a fantastic shelter house. The pond looks like a perfect place to take kids fishing in Denver. We haven’t tried it out yet, so we would love your feedback if you have. The Highlands Ranch Metro District Parks has plans to renovate the home on the property. Outdoor restrooms and some parking is available. However, we recommend parking at the Countyline Road Trailhead for this hike.
Tips:
- A detailed guide to of the Highline Canal Trail can be ordered from Denver Water.
- Take some snacks and extra water. The Highline continues well beyond this section and you’re likely to want to explore more of it.
- From the Countyline Trailhead, you can also go North towards for views of McLellan Reservoir and the Front Range.
Related Hikes:
- Hike Distance: .7 (RT) (see trail options below)
- Denver Drive Time: 50min
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Duration: 30min+
- Activities: Rock Climbing, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Birdwatching, Wildlife Viewing
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash in Most Areas
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back & Loop Options
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Cherry Creek, Waterfall, Interesting Geology, Canyon Views, Ruins
- Fee Required: Visit Colorado State Parks Site
The Homestead Trail in Castlewood Canyonis the first trail you will encounter as you enter the west side of the park. Park at the first lot and you’ll immediately see the ruins of the old Lucas Homestead, an unusual concrete structure built in the late 1800′s.
The trail is less than a mile round trip, but it links up with several other trails which form 2 loops. Read More
- Hike Distance: 3 Miles (RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 55min
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 2.5 hrs+
- Activities: Hiking Trails, Fishing, Backcountry Camping, Visitors Center
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Beauty: Pond, Old Homestead Ruins, Wildlife: Mule Deer, Golden Eagle, Aberts Squirrel, Stellar Jay.
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
- Park Fee Required Click For Info
The Forgotten Valley in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a step back in time. This day hike near Denver takes you 1.5 miles to an old homestead complete with front porch views of the small lake that sits in the bottom of the valley. Read More
- Hike Distance: 5.3 Miles of Trail
- Denver Drive Time: 35 Min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 30 min to 4hrs
- Activities: Hiking, Running, Biking, Birdwatching
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Cottonwoods, Meadows, Wetlands, Wildlife: Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse, Beavers, Migratory Birds.
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
The East Plum Creek Trail winds through the heart of Castle Rock, Colorado, through wetlands, and along the banks of Plum Creek. Starting from the Meadows Parkway lot, Read More
- Hike Distance: 12 miles (RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 1hr
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Duration: 5-7hrs
- Elevation Gain: Approx. 1200′
- Link to Trail Map
- Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Viewing Wildlife
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Summer to Fall
- Beauty: Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk
- Weather for Mt. Evans: Click Here
Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? This 8.5 mile round trip hike takes you to 2 high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Evans Wilderness area. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. We are not into giving long trail descriptions on Dayhikes Near Denver, but we’d suggest you read the basic one below and check out the trail description and pdf link in the links box.
Tips:
- Don’t Miss: 1 – The Upper Lake & 2 – The Cascade between the two lakes
- Check the Weather before heading up. Use the following link to National Weather Service page for Mt. Evans
- Trail Description: Start at Echo Lake Parking lot -> Follow Sign near lot for Chicago Lakes Trail 52 -> follow another sign to Chicago lakes after .5 mile -> Idaho Springs Reservoir Road (about 1mile) -> through large burn area -> lower lake -> upper lake.
- Look over trail descriptions from Deb Stanley & David Day before heading out.
- Finish your hike enjoying a slice of Barbara Day’s famous pie at Echo Lake Lodge
Related Hikes:
- Hike Distance: .8 to 4 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 50
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 45min to 2hr 30min+
- Activities: Picnicking, Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Lower Parking Area – Upper Parking Area
- Trail Type: Out & Back and Loop
- Seasons: Spring thru Fall
- Beauty: Waterfall, Overlooks, Creek, Woodlands
Waterfalls close to Denver, Colorado don’t have a lot of wow-factor, but they make great for great destination hikes. There are 3 ways to hike to Maxwell falls. Our favorite is the Cliff Trail loop because it gives you the falls a reward at the end. The falls are more of a series cascades, but are worth the hike.
You have several options for your hike to Maxwell Falls.
1. The Short Version: Less than 1 mile round trip – Begin at the Upper Trailhead and follow the signs to the falls. It’s just under half a mile, one way.
2. The Cliff Trail Loop: 3 Miles – Start at the upper trailhead lot. The trail will split a couple times and you’ll want to bear left, following the signs that point you down the Cliff Trail. You’ll climb a bit to a rock promontory that gives you beautiful views of the valley below. You will begin a descent to the creek bed, then the trail will turn and head upstream. Follow it until you hear the falls. After the falls, follow the trail back up to the upper lot.
3. Lower Maxwell Falls Hike – 4 Miles Round Trip – Begin at the lower parking area and hike up the valley and along Maxwell Creek for about 2 miles. About 1.7 miles along the trail, you’ll cross to the other side of the creek. Shortly after that, you’ll hear the falls. Return the same way you came.
Happy Colorado Hiking
