Devil’s Head Lookout in the Colorado Front Range: A Short Trip to Humility

Have you seen the land mass that seems to watch over the Front Range of Colorado just southwest of Castle Rock? The landmark’s unique features have been popular for generations, and many long-time Douglas County residents are well aware of it. The U.S. Forest Service calls this formation Devil’s Head Lookout because of the resemblance to a devil’s horn.

Previously, this landmark was also known as Sleeping Indian, resembling an individual sleeping on top of the Rampart Range. This name changed out of respect for Indigenous Peoples. This formation may look far away, but in reality, it’s only about 43 miles southwest of Denver and a local favorite hiking spot.

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Hiking to Devil’s Head Lookout

The Devil’s Head Trail is relatively short, 1.4 miles (2.2 km) up the mountain, 2.8 miles (4.5 km) round trip. The fitness aspect of the hike is the steep incline. The hike gains 940 feet (286.5 m) of elevation and concludes with a 143-stair climb to the one remaining operating fire lookouts on the Front Range, according to Firelookout.org.  If you’re looking for endurance, this may not be your hike of choice. But, if you take a fast pace and long stride, this can be a killer hamstring and quadricep workout.

The way up to the top of the lookout is beautiful and informative. The trail base takes you through shady groves of Aspen and Ponderosa Pines. As the incline steeps the trail is accented with awesome rock formations. It looks as if God was playing marbles with boulders as they are sometimes in inconceivable positions. There are several spots where these formations lend themselves to a view and photo opportunity. These sandstone boulders have an adhesive quality that makes them easy to climb for an improved vantage point. Be sure that these climb spots are on your path, it is never a good idea to stray far from the trail.

In fact, Devil’s Head Trail and Fire Lookout are also historic Colorado landmarks. There are several trail markers throughout the hike that share the rich Pike National Forest history. Devil’s Head Lookout, built in 1912, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The first woman Fire Ranger, Helen Rowe, worked there from 1919-1921 and reported 16 fires, according to a park volunteer who spoke to a group of Boy Scouts when we were there.

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Keep In Mind

One thing to be mindful of when on this hike is people. Because this trail is relatively close to Metro Denver, and because of its easy-to-moderate terrain, it is very popular. My hiking buddy and I went on a Saturday and we had to fight for parking. We also passed at least 25 people along the trail, not including the Castle Rock Boy Scout troop we saw at the top.

This is definitely a family- and dog-friendly trail. However, some dogs do not appreciate the rickety stairs to the top of the lookout. However, if your pup is brave and too large to fit through the stairs then he should have no problem.

The stairs to the top of the lookout are steep and if you have a fear of heights they can be intimidating. The view from the top is well worth the anxiety, however. Atop the Lookout Tower is a 100-mile (161 km) panoramic view in every direction. To the south, you see the awesome jaunt of Pikes Peak. To the west, you can see the Continental Divide and peaks near Leadville. Then, to the north, you can see the Boulder Flatirons and Rocky Mountain National Park. And to the east, you can see Eagle Mountain, Larkspur, and beyond. Of course, you can see why this is still a prime fire lookout.

It’s also a popular overnight spot because of its spectacular scenery and close proximity to urban areas. Devil’s Head has a campground area and several other good hikes and camping spots in the near vicinity.

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To Get There

Devil’s Head is located just off Colorado Highway 67 on Rampart Range Road. To get there from Denver you take Highway 85 south to Colorado 67, take a right onto 67 for around 10 miles, take a left on Rampart Range, a washboard dirt road, and follow that for around nine miles. Make sure that you follow the signs for Devil’s Head; generally veer left during the nine-mile trek up Rampart Range Road. When you get to the top the campground is on the left, the lookout trail is on the right. The trailhead is visibly marked and has a picnic area.

This article was first published on July 23, 2012, and was most recently updated on August 17, 2023. 

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