Completed the Mt. Morrison South Ridge Trail Hike, located in Morrison, Colorado, mid November of 2019. At just under 2 mile one way to the summit of Mt. Morrison, with an elevation gain of over 1,900′, this hike is a butt burner, especially in the snow.
Parked at the Red Rocks entrance #4 right behind the gate, as entrance #4 to Red Rocks was closed this time of the year. If everyone parks decently, you can fit about 8 cars or so in the little lot next to the gate.
Head north from the gate, and the trail head is pretty evident off to the west. The first part of the hike you will be encountering some steep elevation gain, while following a power line up. At the time of this hike the power line was knocked down in some parts, and there was a point where you had to literally step over the power line, which is kind of sketchy.
Once you get past that the trail levels out for a little bit, where you can take in some great views of Red Rocks Amphitheater. The trail is pretty well marked even in the snow. Snow shoes were not needed on this day but micro-spikes came in handy, especially on the way down.
After a little hiking on leveled off trail, it once again starts to get steep again as you make your way up to the summit. There is some moderate climbing to be done here, maybe class 2-3 until you reach the summit. There’s not really a marked trail on the way up but there are several ways that you can take.
The views at the top of the summit are some of the best that you can find on the front range of Colorado, with the summit of Mt. Morrison at 7,880′.
Overall this is one of my favorite hikes on the front range of Colorado. It’s close proximity to Denver, has a little bit of scrambling at the top, and pretty challenging for a low elevation hike that’s not deep in the mountains.
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