Turkey Trot Trail

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Though we aren’t sure how the trail got its name, we love it. The Turkey Trot Trail is an epic day hike near Denver, Colorado. Located in Mount Falcon Park, this stunning adventure guides hikers through the arid terrain and up to a scenic overlook of the Red Rocks and barren plains. This hike is definitely worth adding to your Denver itinerary!

Route Description for Turkey Trot Trail

Perhaps you are supposed to venture this trail after a big turkey dinner to work off the feast? Either way, we love this path no matter if we’ve eaten a turkey dinner or not! The Turkey Trot Trail is a lovely adventure in the Mount Falcon Park. This path does travel through some tree shade, but the majority of the trail is exposed, so prepare accordingly! The arid terrain is also very invited to rattlesnakes, so keep an eye and ear out for them as you hike! This is also a very popular area, so if you hope to avoid the crowds, we should suggest an early morning adventure!

The Turkey Trot Trail is an undeniably scenic adventure. Short and sweet, it does pack a punch. The elevation gain is squeezed into a short hike, so there is no denying your legs will be burning, but don’t worry, the epic scenery will motivate you! As we mentioned, this is a popular area because if you continue further into the wilderness, you will meet the remnants of the castle and Mount Falcon, but the Turkey Trot Trail is a great option for those seeking a nature walk. Additionally, half this adventure travels on foot traffic on trail, so if you wish to avoid the possibility of sharing the trail with bikers, simply return on the Turkey Trot Trail instead of looping back on the Castle Trail!

Begin your adventure along the Turkey Trot Trail from the Castle Trailhead. From here, track west along the Castle Trail. Shortly after your departure from the trailhead, you will confront an intersection, keep right and you will be diverted onto the Turkey Trot Trail. This path is only for foot traffic which is a hiker’s dream. Travel up the path, heading west along the meadowed terrain, enjoying sights of the Red Rocks. Soon you will confront a set of switchbacks Navigate the switchbacks and enjoy the stunning views from exposed terrain before the path guides you below the low pine forest. Ascend the now sparsely forested terrain to the intersection.

At the junction, you can choose to turn around and retrace your footing down the path to the trailhead or return on the Castle Trail for fresh views. If you don’t mind sharing the trail with bikers, then we suggest looping back on the Castle Trail. Take the path and head east. This trail is almost entirely exposed, so it reveals epic views of Mount Glennon and the Denver cityscape. Descend the arid terrain, navigating a few sets of switchbacks down to the trailhead, marking the end of your journey.

Trail Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed on the Turkey Trot Trail?

Yes, dogs on-leash are permitted on the Turkey Trot Trail.

How long does it take to hike the Turkey Trot Trail?

The Turkey Trot Trail can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Insider Hints for Turkey Trot Trail

The trail can be extremely muddy in the wet season, consider gaiters or an older pair of sneakers you don’t mind getting dirty
Bring plenty of water, the short trail packs elevation gain, so your legs will be burning
If you plan to venture the trail in the spring or winter months, consider microspikes to help navigate potentially icy terrain