Closest street address to Turkey Trot Trail
Turkey Trot Trail
Morrison, CO 80465
Trail coordinates
Lat: 39.64620550000001
Lng: -105.20539730000002
Mount Falcon Park offers over 12 miles of trails for both the novice and experienced hiker. With two entrances, a hiker has a choice of good elevation gain or a more forgiving mountain-top stroll.
Getting to Mount Falcon Park
Arriving at the Morrison east entrance, be ready for a full parking lot. Approaching mid-day, the road into the lot is often clogged with parked vehicles along both sides. Mount Falcon Park is a very popular day hike and bicycle destination. If you find the lot full, join the crowd along the access road. Don’t let the park’s popularity discourage you. It’s worth the effort.
A hiker’s dream is Turkey Trot trail, branching off the main trail a couple of hundred yards beyond the parking lot. It is hiker-only trail and rises steeply from a low point just beyond its beginning. Turkey Trot’s 1.7 mile length takes you behind the mountain at the upper end for a very tranquil walk through quiet forest before re-joining the main trail about ½ way to the top. Always opt for Turkey Trot. Hiker-only trails in Jefferson County Open Space rarely disappoint.
Three miles in, you reach the gazebo near the branch to Walker’s Dream trail. The gazebo is also near Two Dog Trail. Both of these short walks take you out for impressive vistas looking east over Morrison and the Hogback. Plan to stop at the gazebo. Everybody does. It’s an opportunity to say hello to fellow trekkers and have a quiet snack as you bask in the knowledge that the hardest part of your hike is over!
About ½ mile beyond the gazebo is “the castle.” It is the ruin of the home John Walker built in the early 20th century. Walking around the site, it’s easy to tune-in to history and imagine what the area was like 100 years ago. It’s worth the effort to take a look.
Continuing on to the upper parking lot, you will find shelters, restrooms, and picnic tables. At that point you have walked 4.2 miles uphill and are ready to enjoy the stroll back to your car.
Those who are inclined to adventure can also explore the Parmalee, Devils Elbow, Ute, Meadow, and Tower trails. Ute and Devils Elbow can lead you to relative seclusion, while the Tower trail takes you to the very top of Mount Falcon itself. It’s the highest point in the park, and has an observation tower you can climb. Enjoy a snack and the views there!
How to prepare
Come prepared when visiting Mount Falcon park, especially when hiking in from the east parking lot. Much of the first 3 miles can be in open sunshine. Wear a hat, bring sun lotion, and have plenty of water with you. Be sure your hiking footwear is up to the task. The trails to the top are rocky and can be quite steep; approaching from the east parking lot is not tennis shoe terrain.
Additional photos: Mount Falcon Park. I made these over the years enjoying this special place. Click here to see additional photos!