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Family hiking Colorado!
There are so many choices when family hiking Colorado -- your family should be able to find anything which suits their fancy. We have explored much of the central mountains of Colorado and enjoyed the family bonding activities of hiking and camping throughout. Below are many trails we've tried, along with some pictures and suggestions for appropriate ages and things of interest. Click on the pictures to go to the informational pages/websites for each place.
Evergreen Lake: This hike is a fairly easy one, though it might be a little long for short legs. However, it goes all the way around the lake (you have to go down behind the dam on the east side); if your kiddos are smaller, you can always just wander around on the west side, along the wooden bridge. For those who don't have a lot of time, this is a great family hike Colorado. Ages: babies through elementary.Green Mountain: There are a number of ways you can get onto Green Mountain -- and this is a good kids activity if you only have an hour or so to spend. It's part of Jefferson County Open Space, and the hike is easy enough for small legs -- as long as you're willing to move slowly. My husband and I have also done this with kids in backpacks. You might notice trail runners out, as well, which makes this a good hiking area for all ages.
Matthews Winters Open Space: This hike is great for recreation outdoors any time of the year. Because it's low in altitude, we often go in the winter, as well as the warmer times of the year. It's easy to begin with and gets tougher, so it's another family hike Colorado which can be used with kids of all ages. Again, you might notice trail runners (and mountain bikers) along the trail.
White Ranch Open Space: White Ranch offers family recreation from two different directions -- the lower lot, which is on the east side of the space; and the upper lot, which is on the west side. Our kids have enjoyed both, and there are numerous trails from either parking lot. The upper lot also has picnic tables, so we like to utilize that one more in the summer. This family hike is also good for all ages.
Golden Gate State Park: This is very near White Ranch, and can be reached from the same road (you simply continue along the road past the White Ranch turn-off). The park itself requires a day pass if you want to park and hike, though you can simply drive through it for free. There are many stopping areas for viewing and picnicking, and we like to hike and then eat at some of the higher spots. Sidenote: This is also the park in which we were married. Some of the hikes are strenuous, though if you stay on the south end (near the entrance to the park), you can find some easier walks for smaller children. This area offers good family recreation for elementary ages and up -- a great resource for family hiking Colorado!
Dinosaur Ridge: This family hike is very easy, though it's mostly uphill. However, part of it goes along the road, so you don't need to worry about rocks or roots. The rest of the hike might be a little strenuous for toddlers, but parents with babies in backpacks could get a nice workout. Probably the best ages are elementary or older, and its proximity to the Denver area makes it a good day trip for family hiking Colorado.
Bear Creek Lake State Park is a great resource for nearby hiking trails. The system falls just east of the foothills in Littleton, but once you enter the park, it's like being far from the city. Large cottonwoods grow in groves throughout the area, and tall, green grasses surround many of the trails. This is a great area for younger kids, as well -- and with older kids, try a little trail running for extra fun.
Buffalo Creek and Pine Valley Ranch: This area is great for family day activities. It takes a little over an hour to reach (from the west end of Denver), but there are picnic tables, as well as a variety of hikes (and even a nice gazebo on the southwest end of the pond). The area is popular with mountain bikers, but if you stay down near the pond/creek (or use the easiest trails), you won't encounter too many. We started hiking here when E was three, so it works for younger kids. I'd say you can make it work for all ages, as older kids can simply hike longer and follow the mountain bike trails -- a nice addition to your family hiking Colorado repertoire.Lair o' the Bear: Recreation outdoors works well here especially for babies in backpacks and toddlers. Younger elementary age can also enjoy it, however. The area has some nice walks along the creek before turning into the hills and adding some slow-rising elevation. This
area is near
Mt. Falcon, which is a good area of all ages with numerous trails winding through the open space. There are also some beautiful lookouts near the top of Mt. Falcon -- you can hike down from them if you park at the top or hike up to them from the lower lots. For family hiking Colorado, this area is quite popular.
Kenosha Pass: We spend time in this area during the fullness of summer and the golden era of fall -- for family recreation surrounded with beauty, this cannot be missed! The Colorado Trail extends off both sides of the highway, and either hike is filled with flowers and aspens and family kids activities. Either way starts out flat with much to observe, so these family hikes Colorado work for all ages. On the west, the Colorado Trail continues to Georgia Pass, though that would be a hike suited best for teens or older.
Copper Mountain: Although this is a ski resort, during the summer, the area supports a number of family hiking Colorado trails. The only one we've spent much time on is found right at the resort heading west. It's actually paved for a good portion of the trail (and the paved path leads all the way to the top of Vail Pass). Because of the options, this outdoor recreation trail works for all ages.
Brainard Lake: I first hiked in this area as a child -- and now we take our kiddos here. I think the beauty of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area has added a great deal to our family bonding activities. Again, there are many options for outdoor recreation here -- kids can fish in Brainard Lake, and there are numerous trails around the lake as well as around the upper lakes (which are found on the west side -- you'll see another road and signs). The closest lake above Brainard is only a quarter of a mile away -- I tried it once with a stroller (but there are signs saying that strollers aren't allowed these days), and didn't get very far. I'd say younger kids can play around the lake; hiking is great for elementary ages on up. I took a group of teens to one of the upper lakes when I taught -- and they couldn't believe the beauty! Although it can be crowded, Brainard Lake shouldn't be missed when family hiking Colorado.Meadow Mountain: A little to the south of Brainard Lake is
Meadow Mountain
Hidden within the town limits of Allenspark, this hike offers wonderful family bonding time for teens and their parents. It's not an easy hike, but once you get above tree line, the views are spectacular. This became a favorite family hike Colorado for us when my brother and I were in college.
Peaceful Valley: To the north of Brainard Lake is Peaceful Valley. There's a dude ranch with that name, but we prefer the campground and hiking area. I first took D up there when he was around 18 months old (and I was pregnant with E). There are paths winding through the campground which can be taken by little kids. There's also a nice loop from one end of the campground to the other (with the road filling out the last section) -- that's definitely do-able for shorter legs, especially if you are willing to turn back at any point. Also, with the tougher family hiking Colorado trails to the west and south, this area can serve all ages -- the entire family.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Continuing to the north, our next enjoyable family hiking Colorado spot comes in the Rocky Mountain National Park. There are many opportunities for kids activities in this area, on both the west and east sides of the park. The east side is a little more accessible to Denver-ites, so we head that way more often (but the picture shows a hike we did on the west side). With all the variety, all ages can enjoy the beauty of this national wonder while family hiking Colorado.
All of these hikes offer opportunities to enjoy local flora and fauna. We've seen deer, coyotes, foxes, chipmunks, squirrels, and many birds in the foothills while family hiking Colorado. Elk, moose and bigger wild creatures can be found higher up (along with marmots and pikas) -- and eagles and hawks, as well.
When wandering with your family through this amazing state, don't forget to simply look for little trails off the roads.
We like to drive around and discover new places for family hiking Colorado -- and this picture was taken almost three years ago, while looking at the golden aspens. I saw a little road off the main drag, and we stopped and took a short family hike in the warm, autumn sun. Family bonding activities come in many forms -- Colorado's variety and beauty allow for many chances to spend time together in outdoor recreation.
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