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Morrison Trailhead at Mount Falcon Park

Hike through history and nature at Mount Falcon Park, exploring castle ruins and enjoying panoramic Denver views from the Morrison Trailhead.

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Morrison Trailhead provides access to Mount Falcon Park, a scenic open space with hiking trails, historic ruins, and panoramic views of Denver and the surrounding foothills. Explore the remnants of John Brisben Walker's castle and the proposed site for a summer White House.

A brief summary to Morrison Trailhead

  • Monday 5 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-11 pm
  • Friday 5 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Bring plenty of water, especially during summer months, as the trails can be dry and exposed.
  • Check the Jefferson County Open Space website for alerts and seasonal closures.
  • Consider hiking early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat, especially on weekends.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and the surrounding mountains.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From C-470, take the Morrison Road exit and head west on Bear Creek Avenue for approximately 0.7 miles. Turn left onto CO-8 and continue for about 1 mile, then turn right onto Forest Avenue. Finally, turn right onto Vine Street, which leads to the Morrison Trailhead parking lot. Parking is free, but the lot can fill up quickly on weekends, so arrive early or have a backup plan.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are readily available from Denver and surrounding areas. A ride from downtown Denver to the Morrison Trailhead typically costs between $30 and $50, depending on demand and time of day. Be sure to confirm the drop-off location with your driver and arrange for a pickup time in advance, as cell service can be spotty in the park.

Unlock the Best of Morrison Trailhead

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Discover more about Morrison Trailhead

The Morrison Trailhead serves as a popular entry point to Mount Falcon Park, a 2,200-acre open space nestled in the foothills near Morrison, Colorado. The park boasts over 12 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, catering to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. History buffs will appreciate the park's unique historical significance. John Brisben Walker, an entrepreneur and publisher, acquired the land in the late 1800s. Walker envisioned building a grand mansion and even a summer White House for U.S. Presidents on the property. While the mansion was destroyed by fire in 1918, and the Summer White House never came to fruition, the ruins and cornerstone remain as intriguing landmarks. The most popular trail from the Morrison Trailhead is the Castle Trail, a moderately challenging climb that rewards hikers with stunning views and access to the castle ruins. Other trails, like the Turkey Trot Trail (hiker-only) and Meadow Trail, offer varied terrain and scenic vistas. From the tower on top of Mount Falcon, visitors can survey the landscape.

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