Morrison Trailhead — Attraction in Morrison

This is one of my 'ol time favs. Started mtn biking this trail back in the 90s, helped build Turkey Trot....those were the days. Many early mornings I would run/walk up to watch the sunrise. One of the best sunrise views ever.

It's been 10yrs since I last hiked/jogged/mtn biked this trail. Today was like I never left. It is still as challenging as ever...Castle Trail kicks my butt, still and after all these years.

I was sad to notice how much foot traffic was cutting the trail. I asked a couple guys why they did this, one guy did bc we saw the other guys do it (whom, I also asked). I asked and said kindly, please don't cut the trails...it creates erosion where there should be no erosion. Really nice young guys who listened graciously to this ol ladies stories of past years on the trail.

One more thing, too much dog poo left on the side of the trail. Please pick up after your dog. Just make that extra effort to keep the trail enjoyable for everyone. Ps...thanks to the guy with the GSD for picking up...

Great trail, it’s a little over 3 miles to get to the “castle ruins.” It’s all uphill, so beware if you’re new to the area and think “oh, this will be a nice and easy little jaunt!” Wrong. You’ll be out of breath real quick. The trails are a bit rocky in places, so if you roll your ankles easily this may not be the trail for you. It’s clean and well maintained however, and very easy to go around the noobs who overestimated the elevation and had to pull over. (I say this because I was with someone who had to stop a lot more than me, it’s absolutely not a dig on anyone!) FYI, it’s about a 1500 foot change if you only go to the ruins. There’s an option to go even higher, but I didn’t go that way so I’m not sure of the elevation. The views are spectacular. It does get a bit windy and dirt will absolutely make a home on your face if your sunscreen is greasy. Bikers do ride on this trail as well but they’re all very respectful. My only complaint is that there may not be enough parking if you get there midday...

I have visited the Mount Falcon Park West Trailhead several times and thoroughly enjoyed it. This was my first trip to the East Trailhead. Truth be told, I have been lazy and avoided it because there is a 2000 foot gain in elevation approaching from this side. I should not have let it delay my adventure.

I headed up the Turkey Trot Trail for a clockwise trip to the intersection with Castle Trail and back to the parking lot. It was a 3.49 mile excursion with about 810 feet of total elevation gain. The first part (eastern face) is fairly exposed and can get hot but there are some stunning vistas to take in. Denver pokes its head up from between to mesas looking east with great views of Red Rocks Amphitheater to the north.

A nicely shaded trail is your reward for wending around the other side of the mountain. The elevation gain was not overwhelming and I found myself wishing I had tried this...