Mount Falcon Saved Our Family Hike (When Red Rocks Was Too 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

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.

Bathrooms here are actual buildings, not porta-potties.

Castle Trail First (1 mile to ruins)

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)

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

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

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

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.

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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.