Devil’s Head Fire Lookout, Colorado
Total Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 974 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
The Hike: The trail up to Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Tower takes hikers high into Colorado’s front range mountains, and offers views of Denver, Pike’s Peak, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The trail up is winding and mostly smooth, making this a great hike for the whole family.
Once at the top, and steep staircase will bring you to the top of the boulder that houses the fire tower. If a ranger is present, then visitor’s are welcome to go inside, look through the binoculars, and learn about how rangers protect the dry Colorado mountains from fire danger. The views from the lookout tower are dramatic and sweeping – hikers can basically view the entire surrounding area with unobstructed views for miles.
The Details: Park at the Devil’s Head parking area along Rampart Range Road. Traveling to this location requires several miles down a dirt road – the road is smooth and most vehicles should be fine. The area is owned by the USDA, who requires a $7 day use fee to park and hike in the area.
After starting up the trail, follow signs towards Devil’s Head until you see a house at the top of the mountain. From there, walk up the staircase and up to the tower. Backtrack down to your car once finished at the top.
Gear: For this hike, we recommend bringing along either the Winter or Summer Day Hike Essentials, depending on the season. Micro-spikes or Snowshoes are strongly advised in the winter.
*The information in this article is for planning purposes only. Actual trail conditions may vary depending on environmental factors. It is always advised to get the latest trail information from a park office or ranger before you begin your hike.