Devil's Head Lookout

Devil's Head is the highest point of the Rampart Range south of Sedalia, and the fire lookout on its granite summit, built in 1919 and still staffed each summer, is the last of its kind in the Front Range. The trail is 1.4 miles and about 900 feet of gain through ponderosa and boulders to the base of the rock, then 143 steel stairs to the tower, with a view from the plains to Pikes Peak and the Continental Divide.

From the trailhead lot on Rampart Range Road, the trail climbs steadily through ponderosa pine and granite outcrops, with benches at the switchbacks and the grade steady rather than steep. Big boulders line the trail and kids climb on them. At about 1.3 miles the trail reaches the lookout's cabin and a picnic area at the base of the summit rock.

The stairs climb the rock in flights with railings, 143 steps to the lookout platform at 9,748 feet. The lookout is staffed in summer and the staff welcome visitors to the catwalk when the tower is not busy; the view covers Pikes Peak to the south, the Divide to the west, and Denver to the northeast. Return the same way.

From Sedalia, take Colorado 67 southwest 10 miles to Rampart Range Road (Forest Road 300) and turn left; the Devil's Head trailhead is about 8.5 miles south on the gravel road, which passenger cars manage in dry conditions. The lot holds about 40 cars and fills by 9 AM on summer weekends; the overflow area is at the junction with Rampart Range Road, and the Forest Service limits parking and trail use to one hour before sunrise through one hour after sunset. No fee or permit. Toilets at the trailhead and a small campground beside it.

Dogs are allowed on leash, and they are not allowed up the stairs. The trail is a family favorite: short, boulders to climb, and a tower at the top; the stairs have railings and the platform has a fence. Carry water; there is none on the trail. The rock around the summit is popular with climbers. Sedalia has a gas station; Castle Rock and Littleton are 40 minutes. The Littleton hikes page has Roxborough and the other south-metro trails, and the Castle Rock hikes page has Castlewood Canyon.