DIRECTIONS: From I-70 exit the Morrison/Park and Ride Exit. Head south on 93 past Matthews Winters Park and turn right into Entrance #2 of Red Rocks Amphitheater and Park. The trailhead and parking area is just after the entrance sign on the left.
The Mount Vernon Creek Trail and the Will Call Trail are two of the newest trails in Red Rocks Park. While these trails lack the superlative red rock formations found on the Trading Post Loop or the Geologic Overlook Trails, this loop provides an easy ramble along the colorful hillsides and lush washes at the base of the foothills leading up to the famous amphitheater.
From the Mount Vernon Creek Trailhead, the trial meanders just uphill of the lush greenbelt of Mount Vernon Creek, in fact, actually seeing the creek is virtually impossible. However, the steep cliffs of the Dakota Hogback and the rolling foothills provide a peaceful valley for the first portion of the hike. After about half a mile you'll come to the junction with the Will Call Trail but stay straight to complete the Mount Vernon Creek Trail. After .9 miles, the Mount Vernon Creek Trail comes to an end at the Lower South Parking Lot 2. Cross the parking lot to the far side and start following the paved sidewalk north. Cross the street to Lower South Lot 1 and continue following the sidewalk west towards the amphitheater. When you reach the Trading Post, cross the street at the Will Call sign and covered picnic table. Descend a staircase into a narrow slot canyon, with great views back towards the amphitheater. When the trail becomes natural surface again continue heading downhill. Soon you'll cross the street and begin the Will Call trail. The Will Call Trail heads back down towards Mount Vernon Creek, following a deep ravine with a narrow seasonal creek at the bottom. Before long, you'll cross the creek in one of the only shady spots on the entire trail. Leave the creek bed and rejoin the Mount Vernon Creek Trail to complete the loop. The Mount Vernon Creek Loop has beautiful views of Red Rocks Park, the Dakota Hogback, Mount Glennon, and the valley heading south. What the trail lacks in red rock formations, it more than makes up for in peace and solitude. The trail is great for kids and the lush greenbelt provides wonderful early season wildflowers to add to the serenity. |
- HOME
- ABOUT
-
HIKES BY REGION
-
NATIONAL PARK HIKES
- BENT'S OLD FORT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
- BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK
- COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT
- CURECANTI NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
- DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT
- FLORISSANT FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT
- MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK
- ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
- GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
- HOVENWEEP NATIONAL MONUMENT
- SAND CREEK MASSACRE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
- YUCCA HOUSE NATIONAL MONUMENT
- HIKES BY CATEGORY
- NEWS
- WEBCAMS
- $UPPORT GHC
- INTERACTIVE MAP
Mount Vernon Creek & Will Call Trail Loop
Red Rocks Park
Date Hiked: July 3, 2017
Distance: 2.2 mi (RT)
Elevation Gain: 340 ft
Elevation Min/Max: 5,933 to 6,150 ft
Trailhead Lat/Long: 39º 40' 15" N; 105º 11' 42" W
Managing Agency: Denver Mountain Parks
Fee: None