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Hike Devils Head Fire Lookout

Sedalia, Colorado

4.7/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

2.8 miles

Elevation Gain

951 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Alyssa Aaron

Beautiful hike that leads to the last remaining fire lookout on the front range that is still in service. On a clear day you can easily spot Pikes Peak and Mount Evans, and enjoy views as far as 100 miles away!

This is one of my favorite hikes near Denver and the lookout itself is over 100 years old! On the road to the trailhead there are many spots for camping and other activities.

From Sedalia, CO head down Highway 67 for about 10 miles. Turn south onto Rampart Range Rd and continue for about 9.5 miles. You will then be going left towards Devils Head Campground. Rampart Range Road is a gravel road that sometimes requires slow speeds due to washboard conditions.

Once you get to the parking area make sure you fill out a parking permit. The trail starts at the concrete stairs. You will initially be hiking through some very tall aspens and there are some pretty interesting rock formations on the way up as well. The trail itself is very well marked with plenty of benches along the way to stop for a break. There's even a sign to let you know the that you are at the halfway mark!

You will get to a break in the trees towards the end of the trail that opens to a meadow. Here you will see the ranger's cabin, a picnic area, the fire lookout, and the infamous 143 step staircase to get to the lookout. I suggest bringing a picnic and resting in the meadow before taking on the 143 steps.

Once you've tackled the stairs you will be greeted by the friendliest ranger there is, Bill (he's there May-September). He was great and is happy to answer any and all questions. Before you head out to the balcony be sure to explore the building itself which offers some history, old maps, pictures, and tips on keeping the trails beautiful. Now get out on the balcony and enjoy the 360 degree panorama view!

TIPS:
  • In the summer get there early as it is a very popular trail.
  • Be cautious of bad weather and lightning as this is the highest point in the area.
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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildflowers

Hike Devils Head Fire Lookout Reviews

Great 360 degree views of Pike National Forest. There were a lot of people on this trail for being so remote but an awesome day hike. Definitely spend some time in the tower with Billy who's been tending to the tower for 33 years, he's a legend.

This is a really great hike with incredible views of Pikes peak. If you're in the area be sure to check it out!

We hiked this and arrived back home in Highlands Ranch just about exactly four hours after we left. It was my second time and just as good as I remembered. The views are nice all the way up and there are plenty of rest stops to have a snack or catch your breath. The lookout itself is wonderful to get some views and use to add even more interest in the foreground of your photos. I'd suggest going early or late to avoid crowds, especially on the weekend. We went on a weekday morning and even then we saw around 20 other hikers over the course of our 2 hours on the trail.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Fish Cheeseman Canyon

Dispersed Camp at the Buffalo Creek Area in Pike National Forest

Little Scraggy Peak Loop

Hike the South Rim Trail at Roxborough State Park

Walk the Willow Creek Loop

Hike to Carpenter Peak