Living in Denver offers many perks, including beautiful hiking trails in state parks for a Colorado elopement wedding within 60 minutes. Here’s the first of a series of Staunton State Park hikes that I’ve recently recommended to my wedding couples in Colorado as options for a wedding ceremony elopement. I’ve included a review from a past visit and my notes.
Staunton State Park offers impeccable views from its trail for a beautiful elopement wedding in Colorado.
Time of Year: Late July.
Weather: 60 degrees and sunny at 8:49 am, 71 degrees and cloudy at 12:56 pm.
Cover: Sparse trees on the Scout Line trail and more exposed on Marmot Passage and Chimney Rock Trails. Completely exposed around Elk Falls Pond.
Time: 8:49 am - 12:56 pm.
Distance: 10.9 Miles total (Scout Line to Marmot Passage to Elk Falls Pond to Chimney Rock to Elk Falls Overlook. Return: Lion's Back to Elk Falls Pond again. Marmot Passage to Scout Line to the parking lot).
Traffic: Light to moderate (a mix of bikers and hikers on Marmot Passage to Elk Falls Pond).
Parking: Lazy V parking lot (2 miles passed the visitor center). 60% full at the beginning and end of the hike.
Equipment: Hiking boots.
Terrain: A well-marked dirt and rock path that connects to many routes. The accent on Scout Line and the first part of Marmot Passage had more rocky terrain overall.
Experience: Absolutely love Staunton State Park! All of the staff are friendly, and the trails and picnic areas are well-maintained. The ascent on Scout Line Trail and the first part of Marmot Passage Trail offered incredible sweeping views of surrounding mountains (all within 2 miles of the hike). Most of the hike was scenic, and I saw a deer just 15 feet off the trail. The pond is charming, and the Elk Falls Overlook provides beautiful 270-degree views. I passed the Elk Falls Trail on the way up and chose Lion's Back on the way down to the pond to save time. Although this route is out-and-back, you can create a loop with their extensive trail system. Can't wait to bring other hikers! Note: I bypassed a few miles by choosing to start my hike in the Lazy V lot.
Cost: A state park day or annual pass must be purchased for access to the trail.
Difficulty: Easy, but the initial hike up may require a cardio baseline.
Colorado Wedding Officiant Notes: I loved this trail and can’t wait to return! Although the 11-mile trek might be a haul for wedding couples with less endurance, you’ll be plenty satisfied hiking within the first 2.5 miles with plenty of stunning views right off the bat. Many areas offer rock platforms large enough for additional guests as well. No doubt, there are many options on this trail for a Colorado Wedding Elopement. You may also take other trails for photos or a wedding ceremony at Elk Falls Pond or Elk Falls Lookout. Being so close to the front range of Colorado, the winter season will offer a snow-covered option without as many road closures. It also serves as a cooler option than the front range during the summer. Fall would be an absolutely beautiful, dry option, while the early spring may be muddy depending on the snowmelt.
Staunton State Park offers endless options for elopement ceremonies. A state park pass Is required, though.
The sweeping panoramic views is a perfect backdrop for a wedding elopement in Colorado.
You don’t need to hike 11 miles for a Colorado elopement wedding ceremony in this state park. You’ll find the perfect location in the first 2.5 miles (even in the first .5 mile).
The terrain aren’t ideal for high heels but they aren’t bad for a bride in hiking boots!
The interesting rock formations in Staunton State Park offer an interesting backdrop for your elopement ceremony.
Although it might be a bit of a hike up, the Elk Falls Overlook offers a 270-degree view from a rock platform (perfect for a ceremony with Colorado ordained minister).
A perfect location for an elopement ceremony. Only a 25 minute hike up to this point.
