Mt. Evans | Fun Colorado Hikes

Castle Trail and Meadow Trail at Mt. Falcon Park

mt falcon1 trail

Two easy trails from the west entrance of Mt. Falcon Park are Meadow Trail and Castle Trail offering level terrain and views of the mountains as well as the city. One of the best perks of this park is that it is close to Denver just bordering Indian Hills, Colorado (west entry from Hwy 285 to Parmalee Gulch Rd.)

mt falcon park trail

These two trails together offer meadows filled with wildflowers, views of the city and foothills, and plenty of tall Scotch and Ponderosa Pines.

mt falcon park view

The park offers many more trails that are easy to moderate and offer a multitude of views of the mountains and city. See Trail Map.

mt falcon park trails

Castle Trail offers a unique destination of old homestead ruins that once belonged to a wealthy Denverite in the early 1900′s. Kids love to explore the old castle ruins at the end of the hike and enjoy the view of the eastern plains over Denver.

mt falcon trailhead

Our family has visited this park for many years and have always enjoyed its open meadows and pine forests. Pack a picnic and dine at one of the many picnic tables in this mountain setting! Enjoy Your hike or your picnic.

mt falcon picnic pavilion with view

Chief Mountain Trail on Squaw Pass Road

South Park Trail (TR 600) to Square Top Lakes

A beautiful, tundra hike to two glacial lakes. The views and the wildflowers along this trail are some of Colorado’s finest. The trail begins at the west Guanella Pass parking lot and travels south above treeline. The entire trail is without trees which allows you 360 degree views the entire hike.

The trail has a slow and steady incline up toward the two small glacial lakes at the base of Square Top Mountain. The trail is well traveled and it is best to hike early before the afternoon storms roll in. There are a multitude of wild flowers in summer that bloom all along the trail adding to the fantastic surroundings.

Best time of year to hike is mid-summer when all the snow has melted. The trailhead is at the peak of Guanella Pass Rd. Restrooms available at parking area.

For Guanella Pass Road Seasonal Conditions and Closure times click Colorado Dept. of Transport

Other hikes nearby that you may enjoy:
Rosalie Trail
Silver Dollar Lake Trail (#79)
Mt. Bierstadt Trail
Sporting Times Trail

Evergreen Mountain Trail

Evergreen Mountain Trail West offers a pleasant hike through pine forest with great views of the surrounding mountains including Mt. Evans and the town of Evergreen. This trail begins at the Alderfer Three Sisters Park (Jefferson County Open Space). Park at the west lot to begin your hike up Evergreen Mountain. The trail is on the south side of Buffalo Park Rd. (opposite side than the parking lot).

photo courtesy Tony Parker

The trail will take you through the forest on a well maintained and well traveled dirt trail. Stop along the way for views through the trees, and wildlife, or to picnic. The long uphill hike is worth every effort when you reach the rocky summit because the views are fantastic!
Another great hike at Alderfer Three Sisters Open Space Park is: Sisters Trail.

For a more detailed map of the park click here Jefferson County Open Space Alderfer Three Sisters