Hiking Devil’s Head: A Hike on the List, Experience in My 40s

Sometimes you have an experience so magical, so unexpectedly moving, that it lingers with you long after it’s over. That’s exactly what happened last weekend on a hike that had been sitting on my bucket list for a few years: Devil’s Head Fire Lookout.

A few friends had done this hike and spoken highly of it. With summer here and weekends already filling up fast, I recently set a personal goal—try a new hike (not one we’ve already done) any weekend we’re free. It felt like the perfect challenge to pair with my mission to stay active and healthy in my 40s.

A New Adventure: Devil’s Head Fire Lookout

Located just about an hour from Denver, Devil’s Head seemed like an ideal way to keep with this new hiking goal. It’s rated as moderately challenging, which made me a little nervous—but the views and the history more than made up for every step and every breathless moment.

The hike is a 2.8-mile round-trip with an elevation gain of about 865 feet. The trail winds through shaded forests of pine and aspen, with rugged granite outcrops all along the way. Cleared switchbacks make the uphill climb “easier” (though still challenging!), and I was truly inspired to see older hikers—some likely in their late 60s—tackling the trail with walking sticks and steady determination. Maybe Colorado natives who are familiar with hiking these types of trails. It gave me a renewed sense of hope that I, too, can continue exploring the outdoors for decades to come.

What’s in a Name?

The lookout itself sits atop a jagged granite outcrop at 9,748 feet—the highest point in the Rampart Range. That dramatic jagged crest is how the trail got its name: Devil’s Head.

From the trailhead to the top, you’ll walk through beautifully forested terrain before reaching the final climb: a long, narrow staircase of red metal steps leading up to the historic fire tower. If lightning is present, the gates to the stairs are closed for safety, so check the weather before you go.

Even though I’m not usually afraid of heights, ascending those exposed metal steps definitely got my heart racing. But once I took a deep breath of that crisp mountain air and stepped onto the narrow wrap-around deck, everything melted away. The views were unforgettable—snowcapped peaks in the distance, the flat plains to the east, and dramatic cloud formations hinting at an approaching summer storm.

Even my teenage daughter, who usually prefers to be with her friends on a weekend, was captivated. She pulled out her phone, snapping panoramas and smiling into the breeze. It was one of those rare, beautiful parenting wins.

Thunderstorms and Gratitude

The hike back down felt much faster—at least for the grownups! I told my youngest, “Going down is easier than going up, right?” She disagreed. “Just as hard,” she said, and I had to admire her resilience on her 7-year-old legs.

As we descended, we felt a few sprinkles and heard the distant rumble of thunder. The cool rain was refreshing after the physical effort, and the scent of pine and wet earth was grounding and lovely. That said, I was more than ready to be off the mountain—lightning and elevation don’t mix! Thankfully, it passed quickly and didn’t turn into a full storm.

A Hike with History

Devil’s Head is more than just a scenic trail—it’s a piece of Colorado history. The U.S. Forest Service was established in 1905, and by 1907, nine fire lookout towers were planned along the Front Range from Wyoming to New Mexico. Devil’s Head was one of four that were built (three in Colorado, one in Wyoming), and it has been in continuous operation since 1912, making it the last full-time fire lookout in the state and one of the few remaining in the nation.

In 2003, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and today it welcomes about 15,000 visitors a year between mid-May and mid-September.

Why It Mattered

As someone in her 40s on a mission to stay healthy and fully live this chapter of life, hikes like these hit a little differently. It wasn’t just a workout—it was a reminder of what our bodies are capable of, how powerful nature is in grounding us, and how much wonder still waits out there for us to discover.

If you’re looking for a hike that combines nature, history, and breathtaking views, Devil’s Head deserves a spot on your list.

Learn more about its history:

Colorado Encyclopedia – Devil’s Head Lookout

Plan your visit:

USDA Forest Service – Devil’s Head Lookout Tower