Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by foxintheforest
Staunton State Park is a beautiful landscape of meadows, forests, and granite cliffs just about an hour southwest of Denver. Staunton State Park hikes range from short but sweet hikes through the trees to a full day hike to a gorgeous waterfall.
If you’re looking for high-quality hiking recommendations in Staunton State Park from a local, then you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve called Colorado home for nearly 15 years and since I live right near Staunton State Park, I’m always exploring the local trails here.
As a local hiking expert, I am here to help you explore the best Staunton State Park hikes like a local, not a tourist.
About this Guide to Staunton State Park Hikes
Inside this local guide to Staunton State Park hikes, you’ll find expert info about:
- Why visit Staunton State Park
- Logistical info for Staunton State Park
- The best Staunton State Park hikes, broken down by difficulty
- Additional Colorado hiking resources
Why You Should Visit Staunton State Park
The Staunton State Park trails are an excellent reason to visit, but there’s much more to Staunton State Park, Colorado, making it one of the top state parks in Colorado and a great day trip from Denver.
Staunton has 25 beautiful walk-in campsites, all within 180-799 yards from the parking lot. Plus, the rock walls at Staunton make it an amazing place for Colorado rock climbing.
Is Staunton State Park Free?
No. A daily vehicle pass to enter Staunton State Park costs $10. You can also get a Colorado State Parks annual pass for $80 (affixed to one vehicle) or $120 (for a hang tag for all cars in a household).
Starting in 2023, Colorado residents will have the option to add a state parks pass to their car registration for $29.
Does Staunton State Park Allow Dogs?
Yes, dogs are welcome in Staunton State Park, which offers some of the best hikes near Denver for dogs.
You can take your dog on any of the Staunton State Park trails as long as they are on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times. You must properly dispose of any dog waste.
What is the Best Hike at Staunton State Park?
While it’s difficult to choose from all the great Staunton State Park hikes, Elk Falls is one of the many gorgeous waterfalls in Colorado and certainly a top contender for one of the best hikes in Staunton State Park.
The Best Easy Hikes in Staunton State Park
Staunton is a great place to enjoy some of the best easy hikes near Denver.
1. Davis Ponds Trail
A lovely loop trail that passes by a pond, Davis Ponds Trail is a great intro to Staunton State Park hikes.
The wide trail is also made accessible to more users via a Track-Chair, an all-terrain powered wheelchair, which can be reserved from the park for free.
Distance: 2.3 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 236 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 45 min-1 hour
2. Bugling Elk Trail
This is a connector trail between Staunton Ranch Trail and Twin Elk Lake. It offers beautiful meadow scenery and is worth adding to your hike.
Distance: 1.1 miles point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 225 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 30-45 mins
The Best Moderate Hikes in Staunton State Park
For hiking in Colorado, it’s hard to beat the moderate hikes in Staunton State Park.
3. Staunton Ranch Trail
One of the most popular trails in the park, Staunton Ranch Trail connects to many other trails so you can choose your own adventure of Staunton State Park hikes.
It might not have the best views you’ll find in the park, but it will take you to the trails that do.
Distance: 3.6 miles point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 845 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 1.5-2 hours
4. Scout Line Trail
One connection you can make from Staunton Ranch Trail is Scout Line Trail, which will take you over to Marmot Passage Trail. You’ll get a nice view of the park on this trail.
Distance: 1.5 miles point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 666 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 1 hour
5. Staunton Rocks Overlook
The hike to Staunton Rocks Overlook starts on Staunton Ranch Trail and continues on the Old Mill Trail to Borderline Trail.
Borderline Trail takes you to the top of the hill where you’ll see Staunton Rocks Overlook and take in the expansive views with Pikes Peak in the distance.
Distance: 7.5 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,160 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
6. Pikes Peak & Eagle Cliffs Overlook Loop
This loop hits three of Staunton’s high points – Catamount Overlook, Pikes Peak Overlook, and Eagle Cliffs Overlook – for some of the most impressive views in the park.
Distance: 7.6-mile lollipop loop
Elevation Gain: 1,403 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
7. Mason Creek Trail
Mason Creek Trail is an excellent moderate trail to explore a lot of terrain in Staunton State Park. The trail goes through an aspen grove, so it’s a great fall hike in Colorado.
Distance: 8.1 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,858 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3.5-4.5 hours
The Best Challenging Hikes in Staunton State Park
Enjoy some of the prettiest places in Colorado on these challenging hikes in Staunton State Park.
8. Elk Falls Pond
Hike to Elk Falls Pond for a picnic lunch on the banks before heading back. You can also fish in the pond or scramble some nearby rocks.
Distance: 9.4 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
9. Elk Falls and Chimney Rock Trail
For the ultimate in Staunton State Park hikes, take the recently constructed Elk Falls and Chimney Rocks Trails all the way to Elk Falls. The beauty of the 75-foot waterfall is definitely worth the fairly long hike.
Distance: 14.5 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 2,398 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Estimated Time: 6.5-7.5 hours
What to Pack
Stay cozy and safe with these Colorado hiking essentials – perfect for Staunton State Park!
What to wear:
- Sunshirt
- Noncotton socks
- Hiking footwear with good traction that you are comfortable wearing all day.
- Non-cotton shorts for hiking
- Or non-cotton, pants for hiking. Convertible pants are great too!
- Non-cotton shirt for hiking
What to pack:
- Hiking day pack. I love the REI Flash 22 for an affordable day pack.
- Water and snacks for the car – it’s always nice to have a treat at the end!
- Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- First Aid Kit
- Electrolyte powder – optional but nice to have!
- A water bladder capable of carrying at least 2 liters of water.
- Camera
- Camera clip to strap to your back
- Beanie
- Glove liners
- Fleece layer
- Puffy layer
- Hiking poles (optional)
- A toilet kit: shovel, WAG Bag (if you plan to travel above treeline), hand sanitizer, TP/baby wipes, a small plastic baggy to pack out TP and sanitary items
- Pee funnel – optional
- Pee rag – optional.
- Headlamp
- GPS navigation
- emergency communication device
- Wind/rain layer
- Pocket knife
Additional Local Colorado Hiking Resources
Looking for nearby hikes? Check out these locally-curated resources:
