CPW_HPST_3/17
Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado
through Colorado Lottery proceeds.
cpw.state.co.us
cpw.state.co.us
12102 S. Elk Creek Road • Pine, Colorado 80470
(303) 816-0912 • E-mail: staunton.park@state.co.us
Staunton State Park
Help Protect Your Park
Directions
Frances H. Staunton asks you, as her beneficiary,
to enjoy this land—and protect it. Please:
• Stay on marked trails and share the
multi-use trail.
• Keep your pets on a leash no longer than
6 feet and clean up after them.
• Grill and cook in designated areas only. Be
sure your fire is out before you leave.
• Climb without bolting or fixed protection.
• Carry out all trash and food. Left behind,
it can be harmful to wildlife.
•R
eport problems or hazards to a park ranger.
A copy of full park regulations is available at
the entrance station.
From Denver: Take US Highway 285 south
to Shaffers Crossing, about 6 miles west of
Conifer. Turn north on Elk Creek Road and
follow the signs 1.5 miles to the park entrance.
Golden Banner
ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS
Shaffers Crossing
Conifer
Staunton
State Park
E-470
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
S
taunton State Park is the legacy of Frances
H. Staunton. As her beneficiaries, present
and future generations are entrusted with
this land—to enjoy, protect,
and treasure as she did.
Frances H. Staunton’s parents homesteaded
this site around the turn of the 20th century,
established Staunton Ranch, and gradually
expanded it from 160 to 1,720 acres. Frances
cherished the land, maintaining it in its nearpristine condition throughout her life. Before
her death in 1989, she donated it to future
generations as a state park. She required in her
will that the land “…be preserved, in perpetuity,
for public benefit, as a natural wilderness-type
park...typifying Colorado’s most beautiful
mountain forest and meadow region.”
The park is a
mosaic of low
grasslands, rocky
foothills, soaring
granite cliffs,
and lush stream
corridors.
Staunton Cabin
Dramatic Elk
Falls drops nearly 100 feet into North Elk
Creek and spectacular Lions Head stands tall
as the park’s rocky sentry. The park’s history of
human uses includes ranching, the Staunton
family retreat, a turn-of-the-20th century saw
mill, and a sportsman’s club.
The Staunton Ranch is the heart of the park.
Later acquisitions expanded the park to
approximately 3,908 acres. These include the
historic Elk Falls, Davis Ranches, property
owned by former Colorado State Senator Alan
Dines and by Mary Coyle Chase, Colorado’s
first Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and
author of “Harvey.” The park will be developed
in phases over the next few years, so visit often
to see more natural wonders and enjoy more
recreational opportunities.
Staunton
State Park
Co Rd 73
Evergreen
Denver
70
Golden
70
Location Map
Trails
Habitat Variety
From high grassy meadows at 8,100 feet,
to soaring granite cliffs over 10,000 feet,
the park’s geology, soils, water features, and
climate create a rich variety of habitats—and
make Staunton State Park an excellent outdoor
classroom. Mixed conifer forests and riparian
areas support the
highest levels of
tree, plant, and
wildlife diversity.
Grazing elk
favor the aspen
and conifer/
aspen forests.
Montane grasslands are a tapestry of native
wildflowers and grasses (and their pollinators).
Wet meadow systems support abundant plant
and wildlife communities and contribute to
the health of the watershed. Depending on the
season, sharp-eyed visitors may see yellowbellied marmots, tufted-ear Abert’s squirrels,
coyotes, or wild turkeys. Check the website for
scheduled programs about the park’s natural
resources and history.
Recreation Resources
Staunton is a day-use only park. Recreation
opportunities abound year-round for visitors
of all ages and abilities,
including picnicking,
birdwatching, wildlife
viewing, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country
skiing, biking, horseback riding, and rock
climbing. Overnight
camping is planned
in later phases of park
development.
There’s a trail suitable
for every visitor who
wants to experience
the park up close and
personal—on foot, by
bike, or on horseback.
Trails take you to every
part of the park. Take
a family nature walk
to Davis Ponds. Ride
your bike or horse to
the Old Mill Site or Elk
Falls Overlook. Check
with the park for trail
conditions and seasonal closures.
Share the Trail
Staunton State Park trails,
hiking only and multi-use,
are clearly marked, so it’s easy
to find the right trail type for
you. Share the trail and respect
other users by:
• Staying on the trail. Shortcutting
destroys vegetation and increases erosion.
• Moving to the uphill side of the trail to let others
pass.
• Alerting other users
before you pass them.
• Admiring wildflowers
and rocks, but leaving
them for others to
enjoy.
• Keeping your pets on a
leash at all times.
CR
elev. 9150 ft.
elev. 9450 ft.
1.1 miles
2.5 miles
0.7 miles
0.9 miles
2.15 miles
0.35 miles
1.0 miles
4.5 miles
2.5 miles
0.9 miles
1.5 miles
3.3 miles
2.0 miles
Bugling Elk Trail
Border Line Trail
Chase Meadow
Chimney Rock Trail
Climbing Access Trail
Davis Ponds Trail
Elk Falls Trail
Lion’s Back Trail
Mason Creek Trail
Marmot Passage Trail
Old Mill Trail
Scout Line Trail
Staunton Ranch Trail
West Meadow Trail
BE
BL
CM
CR
CA
DP
EF
LB
MC
MP
OM
SL
SR
WM
1.5 miles
2.32 miles
Bear Paw Trail
BP
94
93
20
EF
Elk Falls
MP
0.5 mi
.35 mi
2.0 mi
MP
80
0
92
8
Staunton Cabin District
Hiking, Biking, &
Horseback Riding
Hiking Trail Only
Restroom
Parking Area
BL
Segment Marker
Scenic Overlook
Closed to Public Access
40 ft Contour Interval
Park Boundary
Service Roads
Roads
0
9320
0
CA
DP
8200
Davis
Ponds
OM
0.125 0.25
elev. 9410 ft.
(no park access)
SL
92 4
0
90 8
0
89 2
0
87 6
0
1.2 mi
92 0
Staunton Rocks
Residential Area
SR
BL
0
1.0 mi
0
1.5 mi
9.99 Segment Distance
Legend
Group Picnic Area
Entrance Station
Climbing Area
0.6 mi
Elk Falls
Overlook
0.9 mi
9120
9240
9000
Lions Head
LB
Trail Key (mileage is one way)
elev. 8846 ft.
Elk Falls Pond
BE
BE
90 4
WM
80
94
0.5
0
83 6
DP
CM
0.7 mi
85 20
SR
k
El
0
86 4
Ro
ad
0.75
k
Cr
ee
1
Miles
elev. 8215 ft.
MC
0.6 mi
0.3 mi
elev. 9402 ft.
MC
Catamount
Overlook
94 00
0.5 mi
SR
1.8 mi
elev. 9509 ft.
BP
2.3 mi
Pikes Peak
Overlook
elev. 9579 ft.
95 20
Eagle Cliffs
Overlook
Old Mill Site
88 8
Staunton State Park
0
0
920
92 4
94
00
0
90 8
MC
• Share the rocks
with the raptors
that call these
rocks home.
Watch for and
abide by all
posted seasonal
closures for
nesting raptors.
• Climb without
bolting or fixed
protection.
• Minimize your impact every time you climb.
Choose routes that do not disturb vegetation.
• Stay on designated trails as you approach
Staunton Rocks.
Staunton Rocks are spectacular rocky
outcroppings in the park—and the ones that
are closest to the park entrance for climbing.
Be a steward
of the park’s
natural
resources
by following
these
guidelines
for safe and
responsible
climbing:
Climbing
• Cell phone service in the park is limited.
In case of an emergency call 911. First Aid
assistance is available from park rangers.
• Mountain weather can change quickly.
Dress in layers and carry rain gear.
• The park ranges in elevation from 8,100 to
over 10,000 feet, so bring water, sunscreen,
and a hat to protect against dehydration
and sunburn.
Staunton State
Park offers you
the best in a
Colorado mountain
experience. But
keep in mind:
Enjoy Your
Park Safely
