This is the best kept secret in Colorado! It is a very short hike, although it is relatively steep, the view along the way and at the very top is well worth it! I highly recommend the spot anybody that wants to go visit something new and incredible in Colorado!
Lauren Z.
Place rating: 4 Aurora, CO
This was a great hike! I’ll warn you that you feel like you are lost as you drive here– bumpy gravel roads with not a lot of signs but you are headed in the right direction. Parking can be a challenge on weekends. We followed a family to their car to get their spot. A decent amount of elevation gain on the hike but most people should be fine. Some great lookout points along the way. The staircase at the top would be scary for anyone with a fear of heights but it’s doable. The guide at the top is super knowledgeable and friendly. You have a great 360 review from the top of all the surrounding peaks.
Greg B.
Place rating: 5 Pompano Beach, FL
The hike, itself, is pretty challenging, but reasonable. Climbing up the trail required us to stop several times to catch our breath. But we made it! Three others and I made it up the fire watch, which highlights the journey. You can’t miss this part. The views are spectacular. Well worth the challenge. Agree with other Unilocalers regarding the long dirt road that gets you there. Hopefully they’ll pave that at some point.
Anna N.
Place rating: 4 Denver, CO
Very popular hike just outside of Sedalia, and 45 min SW of Denver. It isn’t too long– 2.8 miles round trip but the ascent, 940′ elevation does make it a little more challenging. Overall, is moderately challenging and takes about 90 min depending on your speed. We came here 9÷26÷15 to see Fall Aspens; there were a few but I think many were recently damaged by a summer tornado– the majority of trees were evergreen. Even in absence of dynamic fall foliage, this is a great family hike. There are spots along the way with benches to rest and smaller boulders for the kids to climb. At the top, there are steep but easy to navigate steps to the firetower. It is the oldest in Colorado and from the top, you can see a 360 view of the front range. It is beautiful. There are lots of dogs on the hike too so bring your pup! One tip, This is a popular hike so it is crowded– get there early to find a parking spot by the trailhead. If the lot is full, you can park in the neighboring campground for 6 dollar day-use fee.
Megan M.
Place rating: 5 Sunnyvale, CA
This was such a great hike! After reading the other reviews we were really nervous about taking our four year old on on the trail. But he did awesome — with no complaints at all! It was a challenging hike up and we did take several breaks to get up the mountain, but we finished the round trip in under two hours(including stopping for picnic lunch at the top). There are restrooms that are clean at the top and you absolutely have to save energy to make it up the stairs to the lookout tower(highlight of the trip). Toughest part was the 10+ miles on dirt road to the trailhead. We got stuck behind a trailer that wanted to go 10 mph and it took forever! As long as you plan for that to potentially happen and just have major patience, the hike itself is a great family adventure.
Hallie M.
Place rating: 5 Denver, CO
The drive to this hike is a bit rough on the dirt roads, but it is well worth it. Plenty of spots along the hike to stop and take pictures, with the views at the top being the most breathtaking. It was a Monday at the end of September, so there were school children. Not too crowded otherwise.
Justin A.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
For being only 30 minutes outside Denver, this is a pretty good hike. Great scenery and a good place to take some pictures as well. The only downside to this hike is the amount of families. They often clutter the trail and make it hard to maneuver. However, for being such a popular hike, you really don’t see that many families until you reach the top. Families also take a long time to go up too, as the elevation gain is 1,100 ft gain. It took my girlfriend and I with two dogs only 1 hour and 15 minute to hike to the top, go in the cabin, and hike back down. One family we passed was still in the same spot on our way down. Here are some tips: Tip 1: Go in the morning to get some good pictures. To this end, the afternoon can get a bit sketchy with weather, so plan accordingly. Once we were down, it was starting to rain. Tip 2: When driving down Rampart Range Road, keep on going. It takes 20 minutes once turning on the road to get to the parking lot. Tip 3: Once you get to the top, pack some lunch because the view is truly outstanding. Tip 4: There is another trial on the top that makes the total hike 3.75 miles round trip vs 3. This is a cool thing . Tip 5: Extremely dog friendly trail. Bring your furry friend!
