Looking for a short and easy Colorado hike that feels like a mini adventure? Devil’s Head Lookout is an iconic Colorado hike located in Pike National Forest, halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs. It offers 360° views, a short and scenic trail, and a historic fire lookout tower at the summit. It’s also the last active fire lookout in Colorado and one of just three towers originally built along the Front Range in 1912.
Quick Stats: Devil’s Head Lookout Trail
HIKE TO: Devil's Head Fire Lookout Tower
Trailhead: Devil's Head Trailhead (Rampart Range Rd, Sedalia, CO)
MILES: 2.8 miles out-and-back (my Gaia tracker was 3.14 miles)
TIME: 1.5-2 hrs
DATE I WENT: 7/25/2025
BEST TIME: Late spring through fall (road access is seasonal)
DIFFICULTY: easy-moderate
ELEVATION: 9,735 ft
ELEVATION GAIN: 864 feet (my Gaia tracker was 902 ft)
HIKE PERMIT: no
PARKING FEE: no
LOCATION: Pike-San Isabel National Forest near Sedalia, CO (front range)
If you’re looking for a quick half-day hike near Denver or Colorado Springs, Devil’s Head Lookout makes a great pick. The trail is about 3 miles round-trip with moderate elevation gain until you get to the stairs at the end, making it approachable for most hikers—including kids and visiting friends.
The highlight? A wooden staircase climb to a historic fire tower perched on a granite outcrop with wide-open views of the Front Range, Pike National Forest, and even downtown Denver on a clear day.
While the Devil’s Head Lookout Tower is the only one of the original three still in active use, it’s also the most accessible—tucked in the Rampart Range and reachable via a seasonal dirt road. This hike feels more like a mini adventure than a major trek, especially with the mix of forest trail, historical significance, and that final stair climb to the summit.
Other lookout towers:
—Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout (Formerly Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout) near Mount Blue Sky and you can sleep in this one
—Twin Sisters Near Estes Park
Trailhead & Getting There
The trailhead is located off Rampart Range Road (FS 300), about 45 minutes from Castle Rock and an hour from Denver. This is a seasonal dirt road that’s closed in winter (typically reopens late Spring) and can get washboarded and rough in spots when wet. High-clearance isn’t required, but it always helps. I wouldn’t take your low-clearance rental Prius, but anything with regular clearance and AWD should be fine in dry conditions.
There’s a good-sized parking area, vault toilets, and usually a handful of other cars already there unless you show up super early. This is a popular trail, especially on weekends, so parking does fill up quickly. There’s also an overflow parking lot back down the road a bit.
At the end of the dirt road, you’ll hit a final junction—left leads to the paid Devils Head Campground, right takes you to the trailhead parking lot. We arrived around 11 a.m. on a summer Friday and had to park a bit down the road, but by the time we left around 1:30 p.m., plenty of spots had opened up.
Trail Overview: What to Expect
The hike starts off mellow—just a few steps up before transitioning to a well-maintained dirt trail that winds through shaded pine forest. You’ll gain steady elevation, but nothing too gnarly, making this a great hike for kids, out-of-town friends, or anyone looking for a short and rewarding adventure.
About halfway up, the trees start to thin and the views begin to open up.
At 1.48 miles, you cross over to the other side and see some structures of what looks to be a campsite of some sort, but isn’t. The base of the massive granite outcrop where the Devils Head fire lookout tower sits is just around the corner.
From here, it’s 143 stairs to the top (yep, I counted).
The steps were shorter than I expected but it still got me winded. Once you reach the top of the steps, you’re just a short walk along the ridge (lined with rails) to the lookout tower itself.
The lookout tower itself is old-school charming—You’re rewarded with panoramic views of Pike National Forest, the Front Range, and on a clear day, you can even spot downtown Denver way out in the distance.
My Experience
We did this hike on a weekday morning, hoping to dodge the crowds, but it was still very busy. It took us about 45 mins to reach the top with kids in tow, and we actually lucked out and had the fire lookout mostly to ourselves. After soaking in the views and a quick little break, we went back down the same way.
Overall, it was the perfect quick half-day outing from Denver. The mix of shaded forest, big boulders, and that final tower climb makes it feel more like a mini adventure than just another out-and-back.
The stairs at the end? They’ll get your heart rate up, but it’s over fast. It’s shorter than I expected.
And a fun surprise: there were so many ladybugs swarming around the top near the lookout tower. I read that they often gather at high altitudes during summer to find sunny shelter and prep for winter hibernation. Apparently, Devils Head Lookout is one of their favorite spots to do just that—even in July!
Tips for Hiking Devils Head Lookout
- Go early or midweek if you want solitude. This is not a hidden gem.
- Bring layers—this is just a good habit for high altitude hiking, even if it’s a short hike. It’s exposed up there and can get windy at the top, even on warm days.
- Watch for road closures. Rampart Range Road is typically open May through November, but always double-check before you go.
- Chat with the ranger if they’re around! They’ve got great info and fun stories.
- Please don’t bring drones. This is a protected area and drones aren’t allowed (and kinda kill the vibe anyway).
What to Pack
- Small day pack—I recommend Pingora’s 20L (It sounds big, but it’s not. It’s actually the perfect size)
- Insulated water bottle—it gets warm, especially in the summer.
- Windbreaker—it’s exposed and can get windy up there
- Sturdy Hiking Shoes—Merrell Moab Speed 2 is light with great grip
- Lightweight Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Nearby Adventures to Pair With This Hike
If you’re coming from Denver or Castle Rock, it’s easy to turn this into a full day:
- Pikes Peak COG Railway & Garden of the Gods Tour – click here to check availability
- Hike the famous Manitou Incline
- Visit Roxborough State Park – A totally different landscape, but also epic for hiking and photography.
FAQs about Devils Head Lookout Trail
How long is the hike to Devils Head Lookout?
The hike is approximately 3 miles round trip.
How hard is the hike to Devils Head Lookout trail?
It’s considered moderate—short and steady uphill with a final stair climb. Good for most ability levels.
How many stairs are at Devils Head Lookout?
There are 143 man-made steps leading to the top of the lookout tower.
How long is the Devil’s Head hike?
Again, about 2.8 miles total, depending on your GPS tracker and how many photo stops you make.
Final Thoughts
Devils Head Lookout is one of those bucket-list Colorado hikes that’s actually worth the detour. It’s quick, accessible, and super scenic with a quirky historical twist. Whether you’re breaking in new hiking boots or just chasing views for the gram, this trail’s a solid win.
Where to Stay Near Devils Head Lookout
If you’re driving in from out of town and want to stay close to the trailhead, Castle Rock is your best bet. It’s only about a 45-minute drive from the Devils Head Lookout trailhead and has a bunch of solid hotel options with easy access to food, gas, and I-25.
💤 Recommended Stay:
📍 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Denver South – Castle Rock
A clean, comfortable option with free breakfast, easy parking, and quick highway access—perfect for an early trail start or post-hike crash. It’s not fancy, but it’s consistent, quiet, and way more convenient than dealing with Denver traffic.
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
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