Over twelve miles of trail wind through Mount Falcon Park in the foothills west of Denver. Managed by Jefferson County Open Space parks, this area encompasses over 2,200 acres and is a great spot for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Much of the land was owned by entrepreneur and magazine publisher John Brisben Walker.
In 1906, Walker moved to Colorado to develop land he had previously acquired in the area. On nearby Mount Morrison, he envisioned a music venue surrounded by magnificent red rocks which created a natural amphitheater. The first concert at his “Garden of the Titans” took place on May 31, 1906. The world famous venue, now known as Red Rocks Amphitheater, still holds concerts to this day and is a spectacular location—both for the acoustics and the view—well deserving of its renown.
In 1911, Walker completed construction of a large stone mansion resembling a castle high on the slopes of Mount Falcon. The mansion served as a home for Walker and his family until a lightning strike in 1918 burned it to the ground. Stone fireplaces and walls stand today as a shadow of this magnificent estate.
The Summer White House that Never Was
In 1910, Walker proposed a plan to construct a summer dwelling for presidents of the United States to escape the heat in Washington. Denver architect Jacques Benedict drafted a plan for a 5-story mansion resembling the castles of Europe. The location would provide magnificent views of the mountains and famous red rocks west of Denver. The project never received the funding and support required and all that remains of the effort is a foundation and a cornerstone of white Colorado Yule Marble.
The cornerstone reads: “Summer Home for the Presidents of the United States. The Gift of Colorado. 1911.”
From Hikes to Climbs
Walker championed the creation of the Denver mountain parks system and it is fitting that much of his land is now part of the county parks system. Mount Falcon Park is a great area for both novice and more adventurous hikers. The west trailhead (21074 Mount Falcon Road, Indian Hills, CO 80454) provides easy access to the Walker Castle Ruins, the Summer White House, and an observation tower at the summit of Mount Falcon. Starting from the east trailhead (3852 Vine Street, Morrison, CO 80465), a more strenuous 4 mile trail with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain provides a great workout for those looking for a greater challenge.
With stunning views, local history, and numerous wildlife encounters, Mount Falcon is an excellent location for outdoor adventure.
Source: Jefferson County Open Space Parks, Historical Marker
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