Elk Falls (Staunton State Park)

90' Elk Falls is called out as the highest waterfall near Denver that was mostly unknown until the park opened in 2013. https://dayhikesneardenver.com/elk-falls-best-waterfall-near-denver-opens-to-the-public/ Cut the time of the 10.5mile out and back by riding a mountain bike for the approach. Elk Falls is also ice climbed in winter: https://www.mountainproject.com/route/110006634/elk-falls

Staunton State Park is well known and well-trailed for hiking, climbing and mountain biking. Ride the very easy Staunton Ranch (SR) Trail to the Bugling Elk (BE) Trail to Elk Falls Pond. Then take the connector Chimney Rock (CR) Trail to a dismount area near the Elk Falls (hiker only) Trail. Mountain Bike Project has a good map and details on this and other riding in the park: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/922946/staunton-state-park-full-clockwise-loop

Walk clockwise around Chimney Rock where the Elk Falls Trail begins to descend into switchbacks. Several rock climbing routes are bolted as you negotiate rocks above the marsh and get into the rocky creek bed. Fixing a 120' rope to a pine tree on Canyon Left, will provide good access for this single 90' waterfall. Beware any hikers below. Except for the distance, this could be suitable for beginners with supervision. The Canyon Left Pine tree anchor places the rappel line just to Rappeler's Right of the main flow.