Parmalee and Devil's Elbow Trails Hiking Guide
ABSTRACT
Discover the picturesque Parmalee and Devil's Elbow Trails near Denver with this comprehensive trail review. Hike through stunning landscapes, moderate terrain, and varying elevations, offering breathtaking views. Find out about trail conditions, equipment recommendations, and personal trainer insights for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
KEYWORDS
Parmalee Trail
Devil's Elbow Trail
Denver trails
Mount Falcon Park
Colorado hiking
Castle Trail
Olde Ute Trail
Mount Falcon Park is only 39 minutes from my personal training studio in Denver.
Time of Year: Sunday, February 17th, 2024.
Weather: 16 degrees and sunny at 8:45 am and 55 degrees and partly sunny at 11:19 pm.
Cover: 75% exposed.
Time: 8:45 am - 1:19 pm.
Distance: 6.95 miles total.
Cost: None.
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.
Difficulty: Moderate level 2 for altitude (7768 feet), elevation gain (1293 feet), and length (6.95 miles). Not technical. The elevation gain at the end of the hike increased the overall difficulty.
Route: Out and back (Castle Trail, Parmalee Trail, Olde Ute Trail, Devil’s Elbow Trail)
Traffic: Light/Moderate.
Parking: 75% full with an additional lot nearby. By 11:30 am, both lots were nearly full.
Equipment: Hiking boots, microspikes.
Terrain: A dirt and gravel path with quite a bit of sun exposure for most of Parmalee Trail. While there was much-packed snow along the route, the sun burned off most of the moisture for 50% of the trail. Late March and April could be muddy depending on the snow melt.
Experience: Once again, another west trailhead (Mount Falcon Park) has proven to be more scenic than its east counterpart. Parmalee Trail offers beautiful views west, south, and east, while the Devil’s Elbow Trail offers a final glimpse of the east and southeast. The varying elevation gain of the trail sneakily increases your elevation gain by about 1000 feet.
Personal Trainer Notes: My personal training clients love the Mount Falcon and Mount Galbraith trails, and I see why. You can quickly check off the length and decent elevation gain on these trails (each within 40 minutes of Denver). I pivoted from my downloaded for an out-and-back route on Parmalee Trail. For a shorter route with less elevation gain, you can complete a loop by heading back on Meadow Trail to Castle Trail.
This trail is a great workout for my personal training clients.
Parmalee Trail in Colorado
View of the High Plains
Deer on a Colorado Trail
Beautiful views from Parmalee Trail near Golden, Colorado.
My final climb of the Decalibron was Mount Democrat, a Colorado 14er.
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!
