Colorado Hikes near Denver: Elk Falls Lookout and Elk Falls Pond (Staunton State Park)
Living in Denver, Colorado, offers many perks, including hiking trails in state parks within 60 minutes. Here’s the first of a series of Staunton State Park hikes I’ve recently recommended to my personal training clients in Denver.
Staunton State Park offers impeccable views from its trail within 60 minutes of our personal training studio in Denver.
Time of Year: Late July.
Weather: 60 degrees and sunny at 8:49 am, 71 degrees and cloudy at 12:56 pm.
Cover: Sparse trees on the Scout Line trail and more exposed on Marmot Passage and Chimney Rock Trails. Completely exposed around Elk Falls Pond.
Time: 8:49 am - 12:56 pm.
Distance: 10.9 Miles total (Scout Line to Marmot Passage to Elk Falls Pond to Chimney Rock to Elk Falls Overlook. Return: Lion's Back to Elk Falls Pond again. Marmot Passage to Scout Line to the parking lot).
Traffic: Light to moderate (a mix of bikers and hikers on Marmot Passage to Elk Falls Pond).
Parking: Lazy V parking lot (2 miles passed the visitor center). 60% full at the beginning and end of the hike.
Equipment: Hiking boots.
Terrain: A well-marked dirt and rock path that connects to many routes. The accent on Scout Line and the first part of Marmot Passage had more rocky terrain overall.
Experience: Absolutely love Staunton State Park! The staff are friendly, and the trails and picnic areas are well-maintained. The ascent on Scout Line Trail and the first part of Marmot Passage Trail offered incredible sweeping views of surrounding mountains (all within 2 miles of the hike). Most of the hike was scenic, and I saw a deer just 15 feet off the trail. The pond is charming, and the Elk Falls Overlook provides beautiful 270-degree views. I passed the Elk Falls Trail on the way up and chose Lion's Back on the way down to the pond to save time. Although this route is out-and-back, you can create a loop with their extensive trail system. Can't wait to bring other hikers! Note: I bypassed a few miles by hiking in the Lazy V lot.
Cost: A state park day or annual pass must be purchased to access the trail.
Difficulty: Easy, but the initial hike-up may require a cardio baseline.
Denver Personal Trainer Notes: I loved this trail and can’t wait to return! The trek up and down twice on the way out to Elk Falls Overlook was challenging and fun. The out-and-back route provides the same fitness pleasure upon returning to the lot. Although the 11-mile trek might be a haul for personal training clients with less endurance, you’ll be satisfied hiking 2.5 miles out and returning (plenty of stunning views right off the bat).
The views were endless on the first 2.5 miles on the trail in Staunton State Park (but you’ll need to earn them). A nice workout for my personal training clients.
Only 50 minutes away from the Denver personal training studio in LoHi!
Elk Falls Pond was well worth 11 mile hike out and back.
Elks Falls Lookout trail offers a mix of rock and dirt. Terrain fair enough for biking or trail running.
Another stunning view of Staunton State Park. Happy to meet my personal training clients here any day!
Your view to and from Elk Falls Lookout. At the Lookout, you’ll find a 270 degree unobstructed view looking away from the east (Denver).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
