Devils Head Lookout Trail Review: A Hike That Feels Like Coming Home
Date Hiked: August 22, 2026
Location: Pike National Forest, near Sedalia, Colorado
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 3.09 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (but beginner-friendly)
Why I Hiked This Trail
Some hikes are beautiful. Some hikes are challenging. And then there are the hikes that feel like coming home.
Devils Head Lookout Trail is one of those places for me. I grew up hiking this trail and camping and the campground nearby with my family, just around the corner from the trailhead. Some of my favorite childhood memories in the outdoors were made here, and looking back, this trail played a huge role in shaping my love and appreciation for nature and being active in nature.
Driving to the hike, I kept thinking back to the memories and how this trail has shaped my love and appreciation for the outdoors. Being able to return as an adult and share it with my boyfriend made the experience even more special.
Devils Head lookout tower is in Pike National Forest outside of Sedalia, Colorado. It is a relatively short 3-mile out-and-back hike that leads to one of the most iconic fire lookout towers in Colorado. My boyfriend and I were wanting to hike together for a while, but yet we did not want to drive too far. The incredible views, history, short drive from the Denver and Palmer lake areas and personal nostalgia from this hike made picking this hike easy.
Trail at a Glance
Start Time
8:41 AM
Finish Time
10:10 AM
Total Time
1.5 hours
Distance
3.09 miles
Elevation Gain
922 feet
Average Pace
30 min/mile
Weather
Clear skies, beautiful conditions
Temperature
Approximately 70-80°F
Trail Conditions
Dry and excellent
Breaks Taken
A few informational sign stops
Dog Friendly
Yes (leashes required)
Cell Service
Spotty, better near the tower
Permit Required
No
Parking Fee
Free
Restrooms
Vault toilet bathrooms at trailhead
Dog Friendly Notes
Dogs are allowed to come with you on this hike, BUT they must remain leashed. They are also not allowed up the lookout tower stairs. And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE follow these rules. They are in place to keep the environment and your doggos safe. Since we brought our girls along, my boyfriend and I took turns going up to the look out tower while the other stayed below with the the girls. Now, if your main goal is enjoying the tower experience together as a group, you may want to leave your pup(s) at home for this one.
Location
Devils Head Lookout Trail is in Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado. This area is one of my favorite areas to go and explore in Colorado. Now, yes there are more places that have more drastic views and beauty that I really love to go and explore. But there is something about the simplicity of this area that brings me calm and peace. It almost feels like my outdoor home away from home. I feel like I know this area so well from how many times I came up here so often growing up.
Parking
When you get to the trail head, you also arrive at the parking lot. And the parking lot is a giant lollipop. There's a long approach road with parking along the sides, and then the main circular lot area at the end. It is a fairly tight parking lot, so do not rush getting in or out of this lot.
We arrived around 8:30 AM and the lot was already quite full. Thankfully, we hit that sweet spot when early hikers were finishing and later hikers hadn't yet arrived. We found parking without much trouble, but I would strongly recommend arriving early, especially on summer and fall weekends.
Trailhead Facilities
The trailhead includes:
Vault toilet restrooms (one men's and one women's)
A vaulted restroom is exactly as it sounds. It pretty much is a bring building that had a toilet seat in it with a hole dug into the ground below it that you use to go to the bathroom. Now PLEASE do not put dog poop, female products or anything that could make it harder for the park ranger to clean out. Because it is a park ranger that would clean this out when needed. And I personally do not want to add anything more to their load than I have to. These bathrooms were stocked with toilet paper, but if you want to wash your hands, please bring extra water or hand sanitizer.
Informational signs at the trailhead
The sign at the trailhead didn’t really have a lot on it when we went, but that can change through the year based on what is going on.
There are really cool signs throughout the hike that have really cool facts.
A water spigot (though I did not test it)
I honestly did not need to use this or test it as I had plenty of water. But i could have so i had information to give you. But I totally did not think about that. I am sure in general it would be off in the winter and POSSIBLY on in the summer.
First Impressions
Pulling into the trailhead brought back a flood of memories. It's rare to revisit a place from childhood and feel the same excitement you felt back then, but that's exactly what happened here. I couldn't wait to experience it again and introduce my boyfriend to a trail that means so much to me.
What the Trail Is Actually Like
The trail itself is well maintained and surprisingly approachable.
For about 85-90% of the route, the trail is wide enough for hikers traveling in both directions to comfortably pass one another. There are occasional narrow sections where hikers heading downhill should step aside and yield to those climbing uphill, but nothing ever feels dangerous or overly cramped.
The trail contains:
Roots
Rocks
A few rocky sections requiring careful footing
However, I would not consider Devils Head a technical hike. There are occasional areas where you'll want to slow down and watch your feet, but most hikers should have no issues navigating the trail.
Although AllTrails classifies it as a moderate hike, I think it serves as a fantastic stepping-stone hike for beginners who want to challenge themselves a little more. At only three miles round trip, it offers enough elevation gain to get your heart pumping without being overwhelming.
For experienced hikers, my boyfriend perfectly described it as a "lunch hike." It's long enough to feel rewarding but short enough that you can knock it out in a morning and still have plenty of day left.
One feature I absolutely love is the informational signs scattered throughout the trail. They provide interesting facts about the area and make great stopping points to catch your breath while learning something new.
The Tornado Recovery Area
Early in the hike you'll pass sections filled with downed trees. What I learned from one of the trail signs is that a tornado swept through the area in 2015, causing significant damage.
What struck me most wasn't the destruction itself but the regrowth.
Young trees and fresh vegetation are reclaiming the landscape. Standing there, it felt like a reminder that even after loss or change, something beautiful can grow again.
The Highlight: Devils Head Lookout Tower
For me, the lookout tower is absolutely the star of the show.
After climbing the famous 143 stairs leading to the tower, you'll see stunning 360-degree views stretching for miles. Thats not to say the rest of the hike is not stunning in itself. Theres just something about standing on the deck of the tower feeling like you can see for miles to the next state over. There is a feeling of humbling and confidence in feeling like you are standing on top of the world.
On one side, mountain ranges extend toward the horizon. On the other, you can see far out across the plains. And both have a beauty that truly stands out in different ways.
Even though I had seen this view before as a child, seeing it again as an adult was completely different. This time I was able to truly appreciate the scale, beauty, and history of what I was looking at. I was able to get all meta about it and allow the feeling of ‘what is the meaning of life” ish on myself. It definitely sparked the need and desire to explore more of what was out there beyond what the eye could see.
One thing I remember vividly from visiting as a kid is the ladybugs. Late spring and early summer, thousands of ladybugs cover the rocks near the tower. There are so many that you can’t even see a speak of the rock underneath them. It is quite a site to see. I remember having to be super careful not to touch or nock any of them off and be careful where I stepped so as to not step on any of them. Unfortunately, we were a little late in the season and didn't see them this time, but it's one of the coolest memories I have from this hike.
Landscape
One of my favorite things to take in on a hike is the scenery. Being able to look around, take in the different ecosystems, plants, animals and how they all just work together in harmony and just flow. And this hike was no different. The scenery constantly changes as you climb. And the pockets where you can look out between the trees and see beautiful mountains in the distance. It was breath taking.
While you are hiking to the Devils Head Lookout tower you will see, dense forests, mountain views, massive granite rock formations, open overlooks. I loved walking past and sometimes practically underneath the huge rock formations. And as you make your way closer to the tower, the rock formations become larger and more dramatic, creating an almost otherworldly feel. There have been so many times where I thought to myself how much fun it would be to climb up some of the rock formations.
Wildlife
While we were on this hike we didn’t really see a whole lot in relation to wildlife. But we did see a couple of Pheasants and a bunch of Squirrels. Granted my dogs saw them before we did. But they were definitely there. Now, please understand that just because we did not see anything else dow not mean they were not there. Given the popularity of the trail, I’m sure that many animals stay hidden while hikers are on the trail. I am sure that when the hike is much less crowded, and cooler, so really in the morning at dawn and in the late afternoon/early evening at dusk you might see more.
Plants
As anyone does on a hike, I got to see so many different plants and trees. There were the typical aspen trees, various pine species, and numerous shrubs and bushes. And there were also other plants that I didn’t know that I actually wish I had brought one of my plant/foraging books because it would have been a lot of fun to be able to look them up as we hiked.
Best Views
If anyone is like me, a good view is always top notch. And on this hike did not fall short of views. And a view could be anything form just the beauty of the trail, to an overlook. Throughout this hike there were small informational signs, and they seemed to be strategically placed near excellent viewpoints. And I honestly appreciate that. I loved the signs teaching me something new and the fact that I got read, then got to enjoy an outstanding view. My favorite view, however, was easily from the tower itself. Walking around the observation deck gives you true 360-degree panoramas that seem to stretch forever.
History of Devils Head
While thinking about this blog post, and how I wanted to outline it and what I wanted to include, I thought it would be fun to include a little bit of history. Devils Head Lookout is one of the oldest continuously operating fire lookout towers in the United States.
The original lookout station was established in 1912, helping protect the surrounding forests from wildfires. The structure standing today was later recognized for its historic significance and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
One face that I found super interesting was Helen Dowe. Helen Dowe served at the lookout from 1919 to 1921. She became one of the earliest female fire lookouts in the United States, helping pave the way for women in forestry and conservation roles.
My Personal Experience
This hike ended up being exactly what I needed. Before starting, I was feeling emotionally drained and all over the place. Part of it was nostalgia from revisiting a childhood favorite, and part of it was simply one of those difficult days where emotions felt heavier than usual.
As we climbed, something shifted.
I am not sure if it was the movement, the fresh mountain air, or the familiar surroundings or even just a combination of all of it. This hike helped me release a lot of what I had been carrying mentally and emotionally. Being outside has always had a way of grounding me, and this hike reminded me why I love nature so much.
One small highlight for me was seeing a couple of pheasants. It wasn't a rare wildlife siting or anything dramatic, but it added a little bit of joy to the morning.
When we finally reached the lookout tower, I was reminded why this trail has stayed with me for so many years. The views were breathtaking. Not in the exaggerated Instagram sense, but in the genuine, stop-you-in-your-tracks kind of way. Which is just as “instagram worthy” as exaggerated views.
This hike reminded me that I don't always need an epic adventure to feel restored. Sometimes a short hike, a familiar place, and a few hours outdoors can do exactly what your mind and body need.
Something I Would Do Differently
I do want to take a moment to just chat about what I would want to do differently next time. And one thing I would do differently is that I would start earlier. I honestly think that it would be so cool to do the hike while the sun is rising, or get to the to before sun rise and watch sun rise from the tower. I think that would be just so beautiful.
Who Is This Trail For?
If you haven’t heard it enough through this post, but this hike is absolutely stunning. And I personally would recommendthis trail to, beginner hikers looking to level up, families with hiking experience, intermediate and experienced hikers who wants a quick outing to nature, photographers, and sunrise and sunset seekers. It really is a good hike for anyone who just wants to get out and enjoy nature.
This trail though might not be a good fit for people looking for complete solitude, or hikers who dislike seeing other people on the trail
Physical Demand
I would personally rate this as easy to moderate all depending on your ability level. I don't think it's one of those hikes that you can’t do if you aren’t in the best shape. It is totally doable for people who are new to hiking, or from out of town, or from sea level. I just suggest that you take your time. Expect your heart rate to climb on the way up and then enjoy a much easier descent back to the trailhead.
What to Bring
Since this hike is fairly easy, I wouldn’t suggest you bring to much or as much as you would on a longer hike or more intense hike, or even a hike that you are out in the back country. But I would suggest that you still bring the basics.
Water
Snacks
First aid kit
Rain jacket or extra layer
Sunscreen
Camera
Final Reflection
Overall Impression: Incredible.
Would I Hike It Again? Absolutely.
Would I Recommend It? 10,000%.
Rating: ★★★★★
The thing I'll remember most isn't just the tower or even the incredible views. It's the feeling of returning to a place that helped shape who I am. Standing on that tower brought together memories from childhood, appreciation for the present, and excitement for all the hikes still ahead.
Devils Head reminded me that some trails never lose their magic. They simply mean something different each time you return.
If you're looking for a Colorado hike that offers history, stunning scenery, moderate challenge, and an unforgettable destination, Devils Head Lookout deserves a spot on your hiking list. And if you're lucky enough to catch the ladybug season, consider yourself even luckier.
Sources
USDA Forest Service: Devils Head Lookout Tower
Colorado Encyclopedia: Devils Head Lookout
Atlas Obscura: Devils Head Lookout Tower
Intermountain Histories: Devils Head Lookout
Personal GPS and hike tracking data from August 22, 2026 hike
