Funicular Route

The Funicular Route is a straight line shot to the top of Morrison. From the road, it is an obvious gash up the side of the mountain. It is the bed of the old funicular railway. The route heads up a ridge for several hundred feet, crosses a relatively flat area, then heads up the steep, east-facing slope to a rock band. Make your way through the rock band at a gunsight notch, where you will encounter some 3rd class scrambling. More loose stuff gets you to a shoulder and the last steep ramp (The Homestretch) takes you to a false summit. A few more feet of gain and you are at the top.

The Funicular Route starts at the top circle parking lot above the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. From the parking lot, look due west. There is a deep gully (actually a valley) near the entrance to the lot. The trail starts to the right of the deep gully. It is somewhat hard to find. There are some small boulders near the trailhead, and a loose triangle shaped cliff to the right of the trail. There is also an old foundation near the start. Avoid the spider web of trails that lie to the south of the gully. Although they will eventually take you to the top, it is a less interesting and roundabout way.

No pro necessary.