+ 89
Castle Trail and Turkey Trot Loop
Hiking Trail
Hard
3.26 mi
841 ft
Mountainside hike next to Red Rocks Park with wide-open views over the Amphitheater and downtown Denver.
Mount Falcon Park has some intimidating trails that climb high into the hills, but Turkey Trot is the friendliest of them. It takes a more gradual and shaded route to the same views as its neighbor Castle Trail. Also, Turkey Trot is a hiker-only trail, meaning it’s not shared with mountain bikers. You can hike an out-and-back on Turkey Trot or the loop with Castle Trail, mapped here. Either way, you’ll earn elevated views over Red Rocks Amphitheater, the town of Morrison, and beyond to downtown Denver.
Beginning at Castle Trailhead East, the path is wide and smooth for some distance but gets tougher as it heads uphill. When Turkey Trot and Castle Trail diverge, follow Turkey Trot for an easier ascent. It’s shadier and climbs more gradually than Castle. Save Castle Trail for the trip downhill, and you’ll enjoy constant views unfolding before you from the mountain’s open slopes.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Mount Falcon Park has some intimidating trails that climb high into the hills, but Turkey Trot is the friendliest of them. It takes a more gradual and shaded route to the same views as its neighbor Castle Trail. Also, Turkey Trot is a hiker-only trail, meaning it’s not shared with mountain bikers. You can hike an out-and-back on Turkey Trot or the loop with Castle Trail, mapped here. Either way, you’ll earn elevated views over Red Rocks Amphitheater, the town of Morrison, and beyond to downtown Denver.
Beginning at Castle Trailhead East, the path is wide and smooth for some distance but gets tougher as it heads uphill. When Turkey Trot and Castle Trail diverge, follow Turkey Trot for an easier ascent. It’s shadier and climbs more gradually than Castle. Save Castle Trail for the trip downhill, and you’ll enjoy constant views unfolding before you from the mountain’s open slopes.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Trot | 1.80 mi | 761 ft | 7.8% |
| Up Turkey down Castle | 3.21 mi | -794 ft | -0.0% |
| Bear Creek Rd Climb | 0.83 mi | 551 ft | 12.5% |
| Turkey Trot Trail Climb | 0.27 mi | 161 ft | 11.3% |
| Castle Trail Climb | 0.47 mi | 194 ft | 7.7% |
| Caste Trail - Turkey Trot Junction to East Parking Lot | 1.37 mi | -751 ft | -10.3% |