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: 1.5 & 4 mile Loop
- Denver Drive Time: 45
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 1hr 30 min or 4hrs
- Activities: Picnic Table, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out and Back & Loop
- Seasons: Spring through Fall
- Beauty: Views of Pike’s Peak, Views of Greenland hills and Buttes, Front Range Views, Rock Formations, views of Eagle Mountain to the North.
- Video: Click For Video
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
Spruce Mountain offers breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, Eagle Mountain, and the rolling hills of Greenland and Larkspur. Most trails close to Denver are pretty exposed to the sun, so we were pleasantly surprised with how much shade the trees provided along the trails. Still, bring sunscreen because the South side is a bit more exposed.
We rated this as medium in difficulty because of the first segment, which climbs about 400′ in the first mile. After that, it’s relatively level. So, we’d put this on the easy side of medium. Because of that, this makes a great family hike close to Denver. But we’d highly recommend getting on the trail by 9am on the weekends (see the tips below).
Two Options:
1 – 1.5+ Mile Hike to the Greenland Overlook - (out and back) Take a left where the trail forks and head up to the overlook (about 3/4 mile). This is a great first option if you have children with you. The views of Pikes Peak may be the best in Douglas County, and you can see how the family is doing and decide whether or not you want to continue on the loop hike.
2 – 4+ Mile Spruce Mountain Loop Trail – Continue west on the trail making a loop around the top of Spruce Mountain. You’ll encounter fantastic views of Eagle Mountain, and the Windy Point overlook. Just a quick note that the service road may look like a shortcut back to the trailhead, but it’s not. It is an option though if you would like to hike the open meadows between Eagle and Spruce mountains.
Tips:
(or 3 reasons to go early)
- Speed Trap? – We haven’t seen the lurking cop car, but their are all the makings of a good old speed trap in Larkspur. So, take it easy. Our guess is that when the Renaissance festival is in full swing that traffic will really back up. The first reason to go early, and to probably allow more than 45 minutes for the drive.
- Trailhead Parking Fills Fast – There is a lot of parking, but the lot was full by 11am on a Saturday. Second reason to go early
- Great For Fido – There were more dogs on this trail than we’ve seen on any other, probably because most of the hike is pretty level and shaded. However, it makes for a bit of a traffic jam at times. Third reason to go early.
- Great Hike For Visiting Friends and Family – This hike has a lot of bang for the buck, and once you are up the first mile it’s smooth sailing. It would be a great place to take out of towners who may be looking for a less demanding hike.
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: 2.4 to 4.8 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 30 Min
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 1hr to 2.5hr
- Activities: Picnic Area, Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash in Most Areas
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loops & Out Back
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Meadows, Overlooks, Wildflowers, Wildlife: Deer & Elk.
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
Meyer Ranch Open Space offers 3 great hiking options only 30 minutes from Denver. They range from easy to moderate in difficulty and 2.4 to 4.8 miles in length. Meyer Ranch has expansive meadows and patches of wildflowers, grazing deer & elk, and trails that take you to Read More
- Hike Distance: 3.7 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 40 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1hr 30 min+
- Activities: Picnic Area, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash in Most Areas
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: All Year
- Beauty: Front Range Views, Denver Views, Fire Tower, Ruins, & Deer.
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
Mount Falcon features several trails. By combining a few, you can create a 3.7 mile loop and take in several historic sites as well as breathtaking views of Denver, Red Rocks, and the Front Range. This is makes it one of the best hikes close to Denver for visiting friends and family. Because it is an easy hike and has a relatively flat and wide trail, you can take the jogging stroller on this one, too.
The Loop: Start at the parking lot and when you come to a fork in the trail, take the Tower Trail to your right. Soon you’ll pass the Eagle Eye Shelter which offers great views towards Mount Evans and the surrounding foothills. Stay on the Tower Trail until you get to the Fire Tower which commands a panoramic view of Denver, Red Rocks, and more of the Front Range of Colorado.
Then continue on the Tower Trail until it intersects with the Meadow Trail. Take the Meadow Trail North/Left for about .3 miles. It will end at the Castle Trail – take a left. The Castle Trail will lead you back to the parking lot, but don’t head back until you stop at the ruins of the old Walker Home. The views from here are beautiful as well. Click here for a link to the Mount Falcon trail map.
Tips:
- Bring a Lunch and stop at the Eagle Eye Shelter for a Picnic
- Go early or late to catch some of the best sunsets along the Colorado’s Front Range
Related Hikes:
- Hike Distance: 2.6 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 40
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1.5 Hrs
- Activities: Hiking, Dog Park Nearby
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Map: Elk Meadow Park Map
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Meadows, Old Barn, Ponderosa Pine, Wildlife: Elk, & Abert’s Squirrel
Elk Meadow Park has just over 13 miles of hiking trails near Denver that wind through it’s lower meadows, through ponderosa forest, and two more strenuous options that lead to the summit of Bergen Peak. This profiles a 2.6 mile loop that begins at the south parking area. To form the loop, 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: .6 & .8 Mile Loops
- Denver Drive Time: 30 Min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 30 Min
- Activities: Picnic Area, Hiking, Nature Center, Picnic Area, Birdwatching
- Dogs: Not Allowed
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: Hours Vary
- Beauty: Front Range Views, Ponderosa Pine, Wildlife: Abert’s Squirrels, and Deer.
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
Lookout Mountain Nature Center has 2 short loop hikes. If you have young children, this is a perfect trip. The trails at Lookout Mountain are short loops: 1- The Meadow Loop (.8 mile) & 2 – Forest Loop Trail (.6 mile). If you are looking for a longer hike on Lookout Mountain, Read More
- Hike Distance: 1.9 or 3.3 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 40 min
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Duration: 1 to 2.5hrs
- Activities: Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, & Trail Running
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Views of the Flatirons, Meadows, Ponderosa Pines, Wildlife: Bobcat, Bear, Mule Deer, Eagles (in winter), & coyote
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
You’ve got options. The Flatiron Vista Loop trail offers 2 loops. One is 3.3 miles and the other is just 1.9 miles. Read More
