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: 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
- Hike Distance: 1.4 Miles+Spurs
- Denver Drive Time: 40
- Difficulty: Medium (can be difficult over rocks)
- Duration: 1hr+
- Activities: Hiking Trails, No bikes or horses are allowd
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Historical Monument, Rock Formations, Front Range Views, Wildlife: Rock squirrels and cliff swallows
- Hike Distance: 1.2 (2.4RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 50 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1hr or less
- Activities: Guided Audio Nature Tour, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Visitors Center
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash in Most Areas
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Interesting Geology, Canyon Views, Interpretive trail, Wildflowers, Birdwatching
- Fee Required: Visit Colorado State Parks Site
One of the best handicap accessible trails near Denver, the Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park is a 1.2 mile interpretive trail. It runs along the western edge of the top of the canyon and weaves through ponderosa pine and a wonderful variety of wildflowers. Read More
This hike near Fort Collins, Colorado ends with a beautiful panoramic view of Lory State Park. You’ll pass through meadows, forest, then end your hike with a scramble to the top of Arthur’s Rock. Dogs are allowed on a leash, just be sure to bring plenty of water as there are not many places to access drinking water.
- Hike Distance: 1.7 Miles (3.4 RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 1hr 30 min
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 1hr 15min
- Activities: Hiker Only Trail, but Park offers Picnic Areas, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Canoeing, & Kayaking
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Beauty: Views of Horsetooth Lake, Views of the Front Range, Forests, and Meadows, Wildlife:
- Hike Distance: 2.3 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 45min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1.5 hrs
- Activities: Hiking, Birdwatching, Visitors’ Center
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: All Year
- Beauty: Red Rock Formations, Meadows, Wildlife: Mule Deer, Eagles, Foxes, Birds.
Roxborough State Park is Denver’s twin sister of Garden of the God’s in Colorado Springs. The beautiful Lyons and Fountain formations climb from the valley floor and create a wonderful space for a quiet hike, birdwatching, and viewing wildlife. Read More
- Hike Distance: 1/4 Mile to 4 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 50 min
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Duration: 1/2hr to 2.5hrs
- Activities: Rock Climbing, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Visitors Center
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back & Loop
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Meadows, Creek, Waterfall, Interesting Geology, Canyon Views, Ruins
- Fee Required: Visit Colorado State Parks Site
Not just a canyon, this Colorado State Park features ruins, a waterfall, and unusual geological formations. The park is riddled with 15 trails, ranging from 1/4 mile to 4 miles, so you have a lot of options. The Canyon View Nature Trail (1.2 miles) is a great example of a handicap accessible trail in Colorado. Read More
- Hike Distance: 4 Trails: .5 mile to 3.5 miles (one way)
- Denver Drive Time: 45 min
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 1-2.5 hrs
- Activities: Picnic Areas, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing
- Fee: Link to Fees Page
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Beauty: Canyon, Waterfalls and Cascades, Cliff Swallows, Cliff-Top Views, Geologic Features
- Video: Click For Video
Eldorado Canyon is an oasis just about 45 minutes from Denver. Kids will love hiking over rocks along the streamside trail, peering into caves, and gazing up at the climbers on the towering canyon walls. The park features one of the best Read More
