The hike to Devil’s Head Fire Lookout is one of Colorado’s most popular and rewarding hikes, offering phenomenal views of the Front Range and Rocky Mountains.

This relatively short trail leads to one of the state's last active fire lookout towers, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping, unobstructed mountain views in every direction.

For most of the hike, you'll wind through a the peaceful Pike National Forest filled with towering trees and plenty of shade. The adventure really begins when you reach the famous staircase leading up to the lookout tower.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before tackling this hike, including parking information, trail details, what to expect on the trail, and what to bring.

Trail Details

Length: 3 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 869 feet
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Where Is the Trailhead Located?

One of the reasons this hike is so popular is its convenient location.

The Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Trail is located in the Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado, roughly halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs.

It took us just over an hour to reach the trailhead from Denver.

Be aware that the final stretch of the drive includes approximately 10 miles of dirt road. While the road can be bumpy in places, you do not need a high-clearance vehicle or SUV to reach the parking area. Most passenger cars can make the drive without any issues—just take your time and watch for potholes.

Note: The road is typically closed during the winter and early spring due to snow and weather conditions. Be sure to check current road conditions before making the trip.

Getting There & Parking

There are two parking options available for this trail.

The main parking lot is located directly next to the trailhead. While it is moderately sized, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak summer months.

If the main lot is full, don't worry—there is an overflow parking lot located approximately half a mile down the road. Parking there will add about one mile round-trip to your hike, but it's a great backup option and saves you from having to leave altogether.

Be sure to follow all posted parking signs and avoid parking along the roadside, as vehicles parked illegally may receive citations.

My Hiking Review

This is easily one of the coolest short hikes I've completed in Colorado.

The payoff is incredible for a hike that is relatively short and accessible to most hikers. I especially loved that much of the trail winds through the forest, providing plenty of shade and relief from the sun during warmer months.

The elevation gain is steady but manageable, making the climb feel challenging without being overly strenuous.

The staircase near the end will definitely get your heart pumping, but the views from the top are more than worth the effort.

Once you reach the lookout tower, you can climb all the way to the top for stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rock formations. On a clear day, the scenery seems to stretch endlessly across the Front Range.

If you're looking for a hike with a unique destination, incredible views, and a relatively short mileage, Devil’s Head Fire Lookout should be at the top of your Colorado hiking list.

What to Bring on the Trail

Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
Plenty of water
Snacks
Sunscreen
A hat and sunglasses
A light jacket, as it can be windy at the top