Is Mount Falcon better than Red Rocks for family hiking? Yes - Mount Falcon offers wider trails, actual shade, multiple parking lots, and historic castle ruins to explore. The 2.5-mile family loop is manageable for kids 5+ and grandparents. Only 15 minutes from Red Rocks but far less crowded.
Last Saturday, made the classic mistake. Showed up at Red Rocks at 10am. Parking lot full. Tour buses everywhere. Trail looked like a parade.
Almost gave up. Then remembered Mount Falcon, 15 minutes away.
Empty parking lot. Better views. Kids actually had space to explore. Now it's our go-to instead of Red Rocks.
Why Mount Falcon Is Better Than Red Rocks
Wide trails, actual space, no crowds
Castle ruins that kids think are ancient (they're from 1918)
Two parking areas so if east is full, try west
Multiple trail options from 30 minutes to all day
Actual shade unlike Red Rocks' exposed paths
Picnic spots with tables, not just rocks
360-degree views from downtown to mountains
And somehow, nobody knows about it.
The Perfect Family Loop (2.5 Miles)
We've done this route five times now. Kids (5 and 8) can handle it. Grandparents too.
Start: West Parking Lot
Bigger lot, easier parking, better facilities.
Castle Trail First (1 mile to ruins)
Bathrooms here are actual buildings, not porta-potties.
Gentle downhill to start. Kids run ahead safely - wide trail, no cliffs.
Castle ruins appear after 20 minutes. Let kids explore while adults rest.
The "castle" was going to be John Brisben Walker's dream home. Lightning burned it down. Kids love the story.
Meadow Trail Back (1.5 miles)
The meadow section in summer is incredible
Loop back through meadows. Gradual uphill but manageable.
Summer = wildflowers everywhere. Fall = golden grasses. Always pretty.
Multiple rest spots with benches. Views get better as you go up.
Optional Tower Trail Addition (+0.7 miles)
If kids have energy, add Tower Trail spur.
Short climb to lookout tower. Denver skyline on clear days.
Worth it for the "we climbed a mountain!" photos.
Why Families Actually Love It
Kids Can Be Kids
Wide trails mean they can run ahead safely. No narrow cliff edges.
Ruins to explore. Rocks to climb. Sticks everywhere.
Other families there but space to spread out.
Parents Can Relax(ish)
Cell service the whole time (rare for hiking).
Multiple bail-out points if meltdowns happen.
Actual shade for breaks. Benches when needed.
It's Actually Achievable
Not too long. Not too steep. Not too crowded.
Feels like "real" hiking without destroying everyone.
30 minutes from Denver. 15 from Red Rocks. Easy.
The Two Parking Lots Strategy
Two lots means you'll almost always find parking
West Lot (Morrison)
- Bigger, easier access from US-285
- Better facilities
- Castle Trail starts here
- Our preferred starting point
East Lot (via Parmalee Gulch Road)
- Smaller, windier road up
- Different trails
- Less crowded usually
- Good backup option
Season by Season Reality
Spring: Muddy but green. Bring extra shoes.
Summer: Wildflowers insane. Start early for heat.
Fall: Perfect everything. Busiest time but still manageable.
Winter: Often hikeable. Icy patches. Microspikes help.
What We Actually Bring
- More water than seems necessary (altitude + kids = thirsty)
- Snacks that aren't messy (granola bars, not chocolate)
- Band-aids (someone always needs one)
- Layers even if it's warm (weather changes fast)
- Phone for castle "history lessons" (making stuff up)
- Trash bag (leave no trace, teach kids right)
The Kid Energy Management
The castle ruins are the perfect halfway rest/play spot
First 20 minutes: They sprint ahead excited
20-40 minutes: "Are we there yet?" phase
At castle: Second wind from exploring
Return trip: Snack bribes required
Last stretch: "Carry me" (don't give in)
Parking lot: Suddenly energized again
Why Locals Keep It Secret
It's not Instagram famous. No iconic red rocks. Just good hiking.
The ruins aren't ancient or particularly impressive. Just interesting.
Views are great but not unique. Denver has lots of viewpoints.
But that's exactly why it works. It's just nice without trying too hard.
Compared to Other Family Hikes
Vs Red Rocks: Less crowded, more shade, actual hiking
Vs Lair O' the Bear: Better views, more variety
Vs Lookout Mountain: Longer trails, less touristy
Vs Chautauqua: Closer to Denver, easier parking
Mount Falcon is the goldilocks option. Just right.
The Lunch Options After
Morrison: The Cow for burgers (5 minutes)
Tiny Town: If kids are young (10 minutes)
Downtown Morrison: Ice cream and wandering
Back to Denver: Plenty of energy left for other stuff
Our Family's Verdict
This is our new monthly tradition
We've done this hike monthly since discovering it. Kids request it.
It's challenging enough they feel accomplished. Easy enough nobody cries.
Views make adults happy. Ruins make kids happy. Shade makes everyone happy.
Red Rocks is beautiful. But Mount Falcon is actually enjoyable with kids.
Sometimes that's the difference that matters.
What's your secret family hike when popular trails are packed? Always looking for backups.
Next: I've Hiked 30+ Denver Trails - These 7 Are Perfect for Beginners - more alternatives to crowded trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Mount Falcon family loop?
The main family loop is 2.5 miles, starting from the West parking lot. The Castle Trail to the ruins is about 1 mile, and the Meadow Trail return is 1.5 miles. Add the optional Tower Trail for another 0.7 miles.
What age can kids do the Mount Falcon hike?
Kids ages 5 and up can handle the 2.5-mile loop comfortably. The trails are wide and safe with no cliff edges. Grandparents do it too. Younger kids might need some carrying on the return uphill.
Which Mount Falcon parking lot is better?
The West lot (Morrison side) is bigger with better facilities and bathrooms. It's easier to access from US-285. The East lot (Parmalee Gulch Road) is smaller but usually less crowded as a backup option.
What are the castle ruins at Mount Falcon?
The ruins are from John Brisben Walker's mansion that was struck by lightning and burned in 1918. Kids love exploring the stone walls and hearing the story. It makes a perfect rest stop halfway through the hike.
Is Mount Falcon hikeable in winter?
Yes, Mount Falcon is often hikeable year-round. Winter can have icy patches, so microspikes help. Spring is muddy, summer has incredible wildflowers, and fall is perfect with golden grasses and fewer crowds.
Is there cell service at Mount Falcon?
Yes, cell service is available throughout the entire hike, which is rare for Colorado trails. This makes it great for families since you can call for help if needed or look up trail info mid-hike.