Devil's Head Firetower - October 5, 2014
Boots on the move, seeking fall color ... NOT!
This hike could have been disappointing. Our leaf peeping anticipation was thwarted by weekends of waiting for rain, and more rain to let up. At least we are not suffering from drought here in Colorado in 2014. Oh the frustration (!) of having only one day off in a weeks time to hike together and be rained out on those very days. Ouch.
The good news was, this hike had plenty to offer in views, Views, VIEWS!! This was a laid-back trek compared to other hikes we've done earlier this 2014 season: 5.4 miles - 1465 feet elevation gain. A good piece of exercise without being too tiring. We slept in, took our time getting to the trailhead. A nice treat after some of the early AM wake-ups we've done this year.
We were surprised and a bit taken aback by how many cars were parked at the main road leading to the trailhead. There were indeed a good number of hikers on the trail but all were pleasant and pleased to be out enjoying the beautiful day. On reaching the firetower we peeled off the main event, and enjoyed a refreshing lunch off by ourselves. The surrounding trees and rock formations blocked all sounds of the semi-throng. By the time we returned to the firetower the number of visitors had cleared up wonderfully. Lovely timing.
It was a good thing we waited for clear weather to do this hike. We learned only from signage AT THE TRAILHEAD that Devil's Head trail closes when lightning storms are expected. We may have well attempted this hike earlier only to find ourselves locked out and our time getting there wasted. As for getting to the Devil's Head Firetower trailhead, your drive will take you through an area known for good dual sport motorcycle riding. We were interested to see that the riding looked great. We plan to return soon to partake before the 2014 season is over.
Take a virtual tour and enjoy the offerings of hiking Devil's Head Trail #611.
Read MoreThis hike could have been disappointing. Our leaf peeping anticipation was thwarted by weekends of waiting for rain, and more rain to let up. At least we are not suffering from drought here in Colorado in 2014. Oh the frustration (!) of having only one day off in a weeks time to hike together and be rained out on those very days. Ouch.
The good news was, this hike had plenty to offer in views, Views, VIEWS!! This was a laid-back trek compared to other hikes we've done earlier this 2014 season: 5.4 miles - 1465 feet elevation gain. A good piece of exercise without being too tiring. We slept in, took our time getting to the trailhead. A nice treat after some of the early AM wake-ups we've done this year.
We were surprised and a bit taken aback by how many cars were parked at the main road leading to the trailhead. There were indeed a good number of hikers on the trail but all were pleasant and pleased to be out enjoying the beautiful day. On reaching the firetower we peeled off the main event, and enjoyed a refreshing lunch off by ourselves. The surrounding trees and rock formations blocked all sounds of the semi-throng. By the time we returned to the firetower the number of visitors had cleared up wonderfully. Lovely timing.
It was a good thing we waited for clear weather to do this hike. We learned only from signage AT THE TRAILHEAD that Devil's Head trail closes when lightning storms are expected. We may have well attempted this hike earlier only to find ourselves locked out and our time getting there wasted. As for getting to the Devil's Head Firetower trailhead, your drive will take you through an area known for good dual sport motorcycle riding. We were interested to see that the riding looked great. We plan to return soon to partake before the 2014 season is over.
Take a virtual tour and enjoy the offerings of hiking Devil's Head Trail #611.
