Mount Zion M Trail
A steep, rewarding climb up nearly 300 stone steps to panoramic views of Denver and Clear Creek Canyon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Mount Zion M Trail
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A steep, rewarding climb up nearly 300 stone steps to panoramic views of Denver and Clear Creek Canyon.
"A brand new, awesome little stair climb. A burner of a 5-10 minute ascent brings you to sweeping views."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is all stairs, so good grip and support are essential for a safe climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Even for a short hike, the climb can be strenuous. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stone Stairway
Ascent to the 'M'
Nearly 300 massive stone steps create a challenging, rewarding climb to the summit.
Panoramic Summit Views
Top of the 'M'
Sweeping vistas of Clear Creek Canyon, Golden, Denver, and distant snowy peaks.
Sunrise Spectacle
Top of the 'M'
An epic spot to witness the sunrise over Denver and the surrounding Front Range.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Climb
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is all stairs, so good grip and support are essential for a safe climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Even for a short hike, the climb can be strenuous. Stay hydrated!
🌅 Aim for Sunrise
The views are incredible, especially as the sun rises over Denver.
🚗 Check Parking Options
Windy Saddle has restrooms, but consider Chimney Gulch or other lots if needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is all stairs, so good grip and support are essential for a safe climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Even for a short hike, the climb can be strenuous. Stay hydrated!
🌅 Aim for Sunrise
The views are incredible, especially as the sun rises over Denver.
🚗 Check Parking Options
Windy Saddle has restrooms, but consider Chimney Gulch or other lots if needed.
⚠️ Be Aware of Car Break-ins
One report of a broken car window at a Moval trail parking lot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Mount Zion M Trail for its challenging yet rewarding stone stair climb and the spectacular panoramic views from the summit, which include Denver and the surrounding mountains. It's noted as a quick, intense workout with beautiful sunrise potential. Some users mention limited parking and a past report of car break-ins.
"Approximately 293 large stone stair “Steps” (give or take a few), leading up to a lovely small observation area with a few stone blocks to sit/stand on at the top. Plenty of landings between stair section to rest. Zero accessibility up this stairway for the mobility-challenged but there are still lovely views and scenery from the parking area that does have 2 bathrooms. The observation area at the top of the stone stairway path would be an epic sunrise spot, with Denver off in the distance to the east and views well into the canyons and some snowy peaks visible off in the distance, all in different directions. I’m a 50yo 300lb man in decent health and I made it up and back down without much more than heavy breathing and only stopped 2 times briefly on my way up. The leg workout was kinda nice."
Rich Pugh
"A brand new, awesome little stair climb. A burner of a 5-10 minute ascent brings you to sweeping views over Clear Creek Canyon, Golden, and various other areas of the front range. Being brand new, some vegetation still hasn't fully recovered from the construction, but it will only get more beautiful with time. Super cool that they brought in these giant stone for the steps. A nice quick challenge.
Small parking area at the bottom of Windy Saddle with restrooms."
Brett Stakelin
"Great little hike for almost any weather. Amazing views of mountains and Denver! Do more that there are a a LOT of steps."
EJ Newcomb
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main access point is the Windy Saddle trailhead, which has a small parking area and restrooms. Some users suggest looking into the Chimney Gulch trail or other parking lots on the west side of HWY93 for alternative access to Lookout Mountain.
Yes, there is a small parking area at the bottom of Windy Saddle. However, be aware of a report of car break-ins at a Moval trail parking lot.
Yes, the M Trail is located near Golden, Colorado. You can access it via the Windy Saddle trailhead or potentially through trails like Chimney Gulch.
The most direct route is typically to the Windy Saddle trailhead. For alternative routes or if the main lot is full, exploring trails like Chimney Gulch might be an option.
Yes, restrooms are available at the Windy Saddle parking area at the bottom of the trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Mount Zion M Trail is a public hiking trail and does not require a ticket or admission fee for entry.
As an outdoor trail, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to visit during safe daylight conditions, especially for the summit views.
There is no entrance fee to hike the Mount Zion M Trail. It's a free public access trail.
While technically possible, hiking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting on the trail. Sunrise hikes are popular for the views.
No permits are required for the Mount Zion M Trail. It's a straightforward hike accessible to the public.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The ascent is a quick, intense climb, typically taking about 5-10 minutes to reach the top due to the steep stone stairs. The descent is also quick.
The trail is considered strenuous due to the steep, approximately 293 stone steps. It's a significant leg workout in a short distance.
You'll get sweeping panoramic views of Clear Creek Canyon, the town of Golden, the Denver metropolitan area, and potentially distant snowy peaks.
No, the trail is not accessible for the mobility-challenged due to the steep stone stairway. However, there are views from the parking area.
The summit offers fantastic photo opportunities with the expansive views. The stone steps themselves also make for dramatic shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food or dining facilities directly at the Mount Zion M Trail. You'll need to visit nearby Golden or Denver for dining options.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. It's highly recommended to bring water, especially for the strenuous climb.
The town of Golden is nearby and offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and breweries.
While there aren't designated picnic areas directly on the trail, the Windy Saddle parking area might offer some space. More established picnic spots can be found in nearby parks in Golden.
You can bring snacks to enjoy at the summit, but it's a small observation area. It's best to be mindful of others and pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers spectacular light for photos of Denver and the Front Range. Mid-day provides clear views, but can be harsh. Golden hour before sunset is also beautiful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A sturdy tripod can be useful for sunrise shots.
The summit itself is the primary photo spot, offering unobstructed views. The stone steps also create unique photographic opportunities on the way up.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
Include a person in the frame to show the size of the stone steps. Shooting from a lower angle can also emphasize their height.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is up for a quick, intense workout, the M Trail can be a fun challenge for older kids who enjoy a physical activity. The short duration of the climb means it won't take up too much of your day, and the reward of the summit views is significant. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and supervise children closely on the stairs.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
For an even greater challenge, consider running the stairs or incorporating them into a longer training session that includes other nearby trails. The summit views serve as a fantastic reward for your efforts, making the exertion feel truly worthwhile. It's a great way to get a significant workout in with minimal time commitment.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles on the stairs to emphasize their scale and the effort of the climb. The summit provides a great vantage point for landscape photography, capturing both natural beauty and the urban landscape. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards to capture all the breathtaking moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Stone Stairway
While the climb is intense, it's relatively quick, often taking between 5 to 10 minutes to reach the summit. The effort is rewarded with stunning views, making the stair climb a worthwhile endeavor for fitness enthusiasts and view-seekers alike. The sheer scale of the stone steps is a testament to the engineering and effort involved in creating this trail.
Summit Vistas and Surroundings
The observation area at the top is described as a 'lovely small observation area with a few stone blocks to sit/stand on.' It's an ideal spot to rest, take in the scenery, and appreciate the vastness of the Colorado landscape. The 360-degree views ensure that no matter where you look, there's something impressive to behold. The combination of natural beauty and urban sprawl visible from this vantage point is truly captivating.
Access and Trailhead Considerations
It's important to be aware of potential safety concerns. One user reported a car break-in at a 'M' Mountain trail parking lot in Moval, highlighting the need for vigilance and securing valuables. While this specific incident occurred in Moval, it serves as a reminder to be cautious when leaving vehicles unattended at trailheads. Always check for the most current conditions and advisement before your visit.
Social
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