OverviewA large JCOS park that is popular with bikers and hikers. Several easier, flat trails, especially from the west lot. This park also has a few HUGE climbs, and the park is renown for the climbing (Castle, Parmalee). There is also a hiker only trail. The east lot is easily accessible, and is usually quite full. The west lot is significantly bigger, and both THs have bathroom and water facilities.
Trail DescriptionFrom JCOS:
Old Ute Trail Trail junction w/ Meadow Trail 0 .5 mi +165' / -113' Pleasant, forested loop.
Devil's Elbow Trail Trail junction w/ Old Ute Trail 1.1 mi +289 / -351' Forested, with nice view of U.S. Hwy. 285 corridor.
Walker's Dream Trail Trail junction w/ Castle Trail 0.3 mi +185 / -109' Short trail to the Summer
White House ruins.
Two-Dog Trail Trail junction w/ Castle Trail 0.3 mi +102' / -76' Short but steep trail.
Turkey Trot Trail East parking lot 1.7 mi Hiker-only trail.
Castle Trail West parking lot 3.8 mi +323' / -2095' Long, steep trail goes from east towest parking lot.
Parmalee Trail Trail junction w/ Castle Trail 2 mi +862' / -980' Forested and steep at times.
Meadow Trail Trail junction w/ Castle Trail 0.8 mi +225' / -87' Open meadow trail.
Tower Trail Trail junction w/ Castle Trail 0.6 mi +176' / -258' Passes through the Eagle's Eye shelter and the old fire watch tower.
From me:
Parmalee is best done, IMHO, from west to east. It is nice to finish on a downhill on the Castle Trail, but only if you park in the east lot. Nice singletrack.
Devil's Elbow is best done, IMHO, counter clockwise, then following up with a counter-clockwise on Old Ute trail. One of my favorite trails in the area. Makes the whole place worth the trip.
Two-Dog Trail is a good out-and-back with a stiff climb, enjoyable and not to be neglected! Nice singletrack.
The Castle Trail is almost 100% double-track and/or fire-road, so it isn't all that pleasant, and it is a wide dirt track. You can make some serious speed, but the track itself isn't great. Also, beware to keep your speed "within control" (per JCOS).Getting ThereFrom JCOS:
To access the park, take the Indian Hills turn-off from U.S. Highway 285, follow Parmalee Gulch Road for 5 miles to Picutis Road, then follow the signs to the west parking area. East access is available from Colorado Highway 8 south of Morrison. Turn west on Forest Avenue and north on Vine Avenue.
When to BikeUsually all year. Sometimes during heavy snow years, many of the trails in the trees hold snow and ice. This park gets lots of use by evening and weekend warriors, so expect heavy traffic. Castle trail can be very hot and is exposed to the sun most of the day. Links & Other infoMt Falcon OSP
Park Map
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