Hiking

Mount Falcon Park. This park is a great way to explore the true foothills of the Front Range, and the comparatively low elevation makes it a good warm-up for higher ventures. Early in the morning mule deer can be seen grazing on the adjacent slopes. Take the Turkey Trot Trail from the east parking lot in the Morrison Town Park marked with a "hikers only" sign. The trail winds 1¾ miles up the east face of Mount Falcon through brushy slopes before curving behind the mountain up a forested draw to top out at around 7,000 feet. The trail loops back around and connects to the Castle Trail for a 1¼-mile easy return to the parking lot. Allow about 90 minutes. Stay on the path to avoid critters, including rattlesnakes, that lie in the grass. Jefferson County Open Space, start at east parking lot, Golden, Colorado, 80465. www.jeffco.us/parks.