Mt Falcon
Castle ruins, a never-built Summer White House, and big views over Red Rocks and Denver, just above Morrison.
About Mt Falcon
Mount Falcon Park is a Jefferson County Open Space park in the foothills between Morrison and Indian Hills, about a half-hour from downtown Denver. It has two trailheads: the east trailhead in Morrison, which means a steady climb, and the west trailhead off Mount Falcon Road in Indian Hills, which puts you on top with only gentle grades.
The park's trails wind through ponderosa forest and open meadows to the stone ruins of John Brisben Walker's home, the marble cornerstone of a planned Summer White House, a small lookout tower, and overlooks with views east to Red Rocks and the Denver skyline.
It is one of the best history-meets-landscape hikes near the city, and the west side makes an easy family outing.
A 6.7-mile loop near Morrison via the Castle Trail, rated moderate with a real shot at wildlife sightings along the way. Best March through October, dogs welcome on leash — the ruins of the old Walker family castle partway up the trail make for an unusual foreground subject you won't find on a typical foothills hike.
History
The land was owned by John Brisben Walker, a publisher and promoter who built a stone home here in the early 1900s. In 1918 lightning started a fire that destroyed it, leaving the ruins you see today.
In 1911 Walker began promoting a 'Summer White House' for U.S. presidents on a nearby ridge, with renderings by Denver architect J.B. Benedict for a 22-room castle. A cornerstone of Colorado Yule marble, inscribed 1911 and 'The gift of the people of Colorado,' was laid on July 4, 1914. Walker turned to other projects and the building was never built; the cornerstone remains.
Photographing Mt Falcon
Best light: Sunrise from Walker's Dream or the east-facing overlooks puts the sun over the plains with Red Rocks and Denver in silhouette; at sunset the ruins glow warm and the foothills layer into blue haze. Winter snow on the stone walls and the meadows is a beautiful, less-crowded option.
Shots to look for
- The Walker home ruins with empty window openings framing pines or sky, wide angle from inside the walls
- Layered foothills and Red Rocks from the Walker's Dream overlook with a telephoto at sunrise
- The Denver skyline compressed beyond the hogbacks at blue hour from the east-facing viewpoints
- The marble Summer White House cornerstone as a foreground detail with the ridge falling away behind
- Ponderosa pines and meadow grasses backlit by low evening sun along the Meadow Trail
Photo tips
- Both lots fill quickly on nice weekends; arrive early or come on a weekday.
- Start from the west trailhead if you want to carry heavy gear with little climbing.
- Trails are shared with mountain bikers; keep your tripod off the tread.
- Check Jeffco Open Space for any drone restrictions before flying.
Know before you go
- The two trailheads are on opposite sides of the park and are not connected by a short road; pick the right one before you drive.
- From the east trailhead expect a sustained climb with little shade.
- Watch for rattlesnakes in warm months on the lower trails.
- Check Jeffco Open Space for current hours, closures and muddy-trail advisories.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to the Mount Falcon castle ruins?
From the west trailhead the ruins are about 0.7 miles in, and the Castle Trail is about 3 miles round trip. From the east trailhead in Morrison it is about 6 miles round trip with a steady climb.
What is the Summer White House at Mount Falcon?
John Brisben Walker proposed a summer castle for U.S. presidents in 1911. Only the marble cornerstone, laid in 1914, was ever placed.
Which Mount Falcon trailhead is easier?
The west trailhead in Indian Hills, which starts high and has gentle grades to the ruins and overlooks.
Combine it with
Red Rocks Park · Lair o' the Bear Park · Morrison · Dinosaur Ridge
More Colorado spots
Lost Lake · Mount Holy Cross and Halo Ridge · The Decalibron
Sources & further reading: 9news.com · readtheplaque.com · cmc.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.