Devil's Head
Climb to Colorado's last active fire lookout tower for breathtaking 100-mile views after a moderate hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Devil's Head
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb to Colorado's last active fire lookout tower for breathtaking 100-mile views after a moderate hike.
"Absolutely beautiful! Some stunning views! Visit! I will definitely be back!"
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The road to the trailhead is gravel and can be bumpy. Most vehicles can handle it, but be prepared.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear comfortable hiking shoes for the trail and the 143 stairs to the lookout.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Devil's Head Fire Lookout Tower
Summit
Climb 143 stairs to the historic tower for breathtaking 100-mile views. Still an active lookout!
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Various lookout points
Experience stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding Pike National Forest and beyond.
Historic Fire Lookout
Summit
Explore the last remaining full-time lookout tower in Colorado, built in 1912.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Prepare for the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The road to the trailhead is gravel and can be bumpy. Most vehicles can handle it, but be prepared.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear comfortable hiking shoes for the trail and the 143 stairs to the lookout.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes. The hike is moderate but can be strenuous.
🧥 Pack Layers
Weather can change quickly. Bring layers to adjust to temperature fluctuations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The road to the trailhead is gravel and can be bumpy. Most vehicles can handle it, but be prepared.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear comfortable hiking shoes for the trail and the 143 stairs to the lookout.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes. The hike is moderate but can be strenuous.
🧥 Pack Layers
Weather can change quickly. Bring layers to adjust to temperature fluctuations.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Devil's Head Lookout trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely beautiful and stunning views from Devil's Head, calling it a wonderful place to spend the morning. The well-maintained trails and the unique experience of the historic fire lookout tower are frequently praised. Some note that it can get crowded and that certain areas, like an upper waterfall, might not be worth the walk.
"Absolutely beautiful! Some stunning views! Chimney Rock is not the same since Helene. But, seeing sights like this, reminds me of the beauty that is still there! Visit! I will definitely be back!"
Hannah Olmeda Hernandez
"Beautiful views, can be a bit crowded at times. This has become quite the tourist attraction. Good hikes of your into climbing a few steps."
Dj Randol
"A wonderful place to spend the morning despite it was raining. The fog and cloud made the place even more mystical. The trails are well maintained and easy. Soooo many 🍄"
Maria Zeee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Devil's Head trailhead is located in Pike National Forest, near Castle Rock, Colorado. The road leading to the trailhead is a gravel road that can be bumpy and narrow, but is generally manageable for most vehicles. 
Public transport options to Devil's Head are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Devil's Head is approximately an hour's drive from Denver, making it a popular day trip destination.
Yes, there is a campground located right next to the Devil's Head trailhead, offering convenient overnight stays.
While most vehicles can navigate the gravel road, an SUV or a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended due to the bumpy and narrow conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required to access the Devil's Head hike or lookout tower. However, a recreation pass may be required for parking in some areas of Pike National Forest.
The trail is generally accessible year-round, but the fire lookout tower itself is typically open from May to November.
While there isn't a direct entrance fee for the hike, be aware that parking areas within Pike National Forest may require a recreation pass.
The road to the trailhead typically closes in December due to winter conditions, with access resuming in May.
While the trail may be accessible in winter, the road to the trailhead closes, and the fire lookout tower is not operational. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing might be possible depending on conditions.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Devil's Head hike is considered moderate. It's a 2.8-mile out-and-back trail with about 900 feet of elevation gain, culminating in 143 stairs to the lookout tower.
The hike typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views at the top.
The views from the lookout tower are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas that can extend up to 100 miles in every direction on a clear day.
The trail can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Visiting on a weekday morning is recommended for a less crowded experience.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the trailhead, which is convenient for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Clear days offer the most expansive landscape shots.
You can capture stunning panoramic landscape photos from the lookout tower, close-ups of the historic tower, and scenic shots of the surrounding forest and rock formations.
While the main attraction is the lookout tower, the surrounding rock formations offer interesting photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national forests and near historic structures. It's best to check current regulations with the U.S. Forest Service before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Pack snacks and water: Essential for keeping energy levels up.
* Explain the history: Talk about the fire lookout's role to make it more engaging for kids.
* Go on a weekday: Reduces crowds and makes the experience more relaxed.
* Leashed pets welcome: If your family pet enjoys hiking, they can join the fun too!
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
+1Tips for nature lovers:
* Visit during shoulder seasons: Spring and fall can offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
* Explore the surrounding forest: Take time to appreciate the flora and fauna along the trail.
* Check weather conditions: Be prepared for changing mountain weather.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips:
* Wide-angle lens: Essential for capturing the vast panoramas.
* Golden hour: Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
* Capture the details: Don't forget to photograph the architectural elements of the historic tower.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Devil's Head Fire Lookout Tower
Reaching the tower involves a final ascent of 143 stairs, which can be a bit of a workout but is well worth the effort. From the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that can stretch for up to 100 miles in every direction on a clear day. This makes it a prime spot for photography and simply soaking in the natural beauty of the region. The experience of standing in a place that has served such a vital purpose for over a century is truly special.
It's important to note that the lookout tower is typically open from May to November. Outside of these months, the road to the trailhead may also be closed due to winter conditions. Planning your visit within this window ensures you can experience the tower and its incredible vistas.
Hiking the Devil's Head Trail
+1Many visitors describe the hike as enjoyable and manageable, with the reward of stunning scenery along the way. The trail is also noted as being dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their canine companions along for the adventure, provided they are kept on a leash.
The proximity of a campground to the trailhead also makes it a convenient destination for those looking to extend their visit. To make the most of your hike, it's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can become limited. Bringing plenty of water and wearing layers are also key tips, as the altitude can affect temperature and exertion levels.
The combination of a rewarding hike and the historical significance of the lookout makes Devil's Head a memorable destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit