Elk Falls Pond Hike

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3.5-5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
15.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
366 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Be the first to add a review!
Directions to Trailhead

Leave the stressors of the city in the rear-view mirror and escape into the wilderness. The Elk Falls Pond Hike is a great excuse to head out into the wilderness and reconnect with nature. Experience all the best terrain that Colorado has to offer as you trek the Elk Falls Pond Trail.

Guide-book quality info for over 8,000 trails

View Elk Falls Pond Hike on Map

View Map

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Elk Falls Pond Hike

The Elk Falls Pond Hike is a stunning day hike through Staunton State Park that the whole family will enjoy. Travel through vast meadows, along rocky ridges, and under the coverage of a mixed pine and aspen forest. Though this trek offers outdoor activities for every season, we would recommend completing this trail in the autumn. The autumn offers a picturesque adventure through vibrant yellow and orange aspen groves. The Elk Falls Pond is sure to impress its adventurers, just note it is a popular outdoor excursion. If you hope you avoid the crowds, consider a weekday adventure to the Elk Falls Pond. Note that visitors are required to pay a $10USD pass to access the park.

Embark on your expedition to Elk Falls Pond from the Staunton Ranch Trailhead. From the trailhead, track northwest along the Staunton Ranch Trail. This path will guide you through meadowlands and along the base of the craggy cliffs often dotted with intrepid climbers. Continue along the Staunton Ranch Trail until it merges onto a service road. Track the service road through the aspen groves until it merges onto the Bugling Elk Trail. The Bugling Elk Trail will curve you south along granite outcroppings to the Elk Falls Pond. Enjoy the shimmering waters from the pond and take a break along the shore’s edge.

Rest and refuel, and when you are ready, retrace your steps along the routes back to the trailhead. If you want a change of scenery, loop back along the Marmot Passage and Scout Line Trails to get back to the trailhead.

Getting to the Elk Falls Pond Hike Trailhead

The Elk Falls Pond Trail is located within the Staunton State Park off S Elk Creek Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    Year-round

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Good

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Elk Falls Pond Hike Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Elk Falls Pond Hike Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs