You can also hike to the summit of this mountain via the Green Mountain loop trail and Chautauqua trail. Turn right to stay on Passaconaway Road, then immediately turn right again into the parking area. Great views all around of surrounding peaks and the Continental Divide at the far end of the lake, which also has large boulders, great for climbing. DIFFICULTY: EASY STROLLER FRIENDLY: NO Lichen Loop Trail is a quick and easy 1.3-mile loop that is part of the Heil Valley Ranch open space in Boulder County. Bobolink is a 3.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back. Fun nature tools like a magnifying glass, kid-sized binoculars, a small container for rocks & flowers, etc. It's been a while since I've done much hiking and now that it's a little easier to get out with my two small children (almost 4 and 1.5 years) I'm looking for suggestions on hikes that can be done with a BOB or Chariot jogging stroller. Bobolink Trail: https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/bobolink-trailhead, Mt. Multi-use perimeter trail is open to all non-motorized users, including equestrians! 15 Best Hikes Around Boulder, Colorado 1. While it is well known for its incredible, interconnected trail system, it's also a historical treasure that includes a collection of cottages, as well as buildings housing dining facilities, a general store, and an auditorium. The trails near Boulder are heavily trafficked, so lets do our part to preserve the environment for future generations. It connects to a number of other trails and with multiple trailheads it is easily accessible from many parts of the city. Local tip: With your back to the road, everyone hikes straight ahead to the lookout point. Neither of them are van-accessible with a striped access aisle. The most difficult hike on this list, with the greatest payoff of a view for families who challenge themselves to make it to the top. Monument Valley Park Mild 5 mile loop around Monument Valley using the Pikes Peak Greenway which transitions between pavement and gavel, and travels on both sides of Monument Creek. Theyre great to look at, and even better to scramble on. Bear Peak is Boulder's second tallest mountain at 8,461 feet, but its combination of beauty and brutality has made it an ever-popular challenge among locals. In addition to the shorter loop (less than 2 miles) and the longer loop (a little more than 3 miles), adventure seekers can connect with the Marshall Mesa network of trails and the Dowdy Draw Trail. After visiting these trails countless times with our children and grandchildren, I'm sharing some of our favorite family-friendly trails. The ponds are an ecologically restored site that was a gravel pit mine until the 1960s and is now a wildlife sanctuary. We recommend hiking up to the Continental Divide from the lake. The park offers a playground, several great picnic spots, and access to the water. It joins up with the Mesa Trail and others if you want to extend your adventure. 4 Great Stroller Hikes Near Denver Easy Hikes Moderate Hikes Difficult Hikes By Map By Drive Time About 30 Minutes About 45 Minutes About 60 Minutes About 90 Minutes Worth The Drive By Distance Less Than 1 Mile 1 to 2 Mile Hikes 2 to 3 Mile Hikes 3 to 4 Mile Hikes 4 to 6 Mile Hikes 7 to 9 Mile Hikes 9 Miles + By Beauty Mountain Range Views It is typically 3 to 6 feet wide (with some wider passing spaces). The Picture Rock Trail is a shared trail and is very popular for both hiking and mountain biking. Quail Lake 1 mile loop around the lake. Pikes Peak Greenway 2 miles one way to get to our beloved Popcycle Bridge at the northern end of Monument Valley Park! The trail to the top of Green Mountain from the west side is short and doesnt have that much ascent. $0.00, Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide is an online resource to help families with children source trails that little legs can hike and parents can feel comfortable with. Expansive meadows rich with wildflowers make it a great place to take photos. When finished exploring the ledges, return to the trail and continue down the other side of the loop. If a trail has been abandoned by the initial owner, it gets adopted by the team. Evergreen Lake Trail, Evergreen. On some days, it is possible to see hang gliders and paragliders sailing overhead. Note: There is a $10.00 per car fee for day use. Due to the decreased oxygen, you will breath more and there is moisture loss in each breath. After a 0.2 mile walk, the trail splits into a loop. Generally the best tip is pay attention to your and your kids urine. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. What or who is Ralphie? Pro-tip: Go to the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and check out their Passport to Adventure program that encourages kids to hike OSMP trails and earn badges! There is another equally stunning lookout that usually has a fraction of the crowd. Re: Jogging stroller friendly hikes in Boulder/surrounding area 6 years ago Save Start at the East Boulder Rec Center -> Bobolink->South Boulder Creek Path.. lovely flat-ish trail that goes out to Marshal Rd. Sinton Trail connects to the Pikes Peak Greenway and the Foothills Trail. Mesa Verde National Park is home to 2 stroller-friendly trails with an average 4.4 star rating from 540 community reviews. South Boulder Creek Trail at Bobolink Trailis a 1.5-mile trail (between Baseline and South Boulder Roads) that runs along South Boulder Creek. Park at the Yucca Flats Trailhead. Mount Audubon Hike From the Mitchell Lake Trailhead, the hike to the summit of Mount Audubon is a more strenuous hike that gets you above 13,000 feet. Foothills Trail 2 miles out and back, nice wide concrete trail runs alongside 30th St. and connects to the Sinton Trail. I'm a sucker for any hike that takes me through a giant natural rock arch, and given the popularity of this hike I'm not the only one. Wildflower Park There is a network of paved and dirt paths throughout and near this park; the exterior trails make a nice 1 mile loop with an option to connect to the Sand Creek Trail. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. It is typically at least 4 feet wide with some wider passing spaces. 2.7 National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) 2.8 Boulder Falls. Originally from New England, she and her family have settled down in Boulder for the long haul. I don't always need it, but some days it's nice to have. Chicco Activ3 (inexpensive alternative) This is a perfect choice if you're on a tight budget and need a stroller for all terrains, but still compact and easy to operate in a city jungle. Instagram. Creeks and bike parks are an added bonus to taking a nature walk with your baby or toddler. South Boulder Peak and Bear Mountain Trail South Boulder Peak and Bear Mountain Trail in Boulder, CO, is a dog-friendly, 5.6 mile hike that generally takes about 6 hours to complete. Nevertheless, the Royal Arch hike is worth tolerating the crowds just to see the truly impressive rock formation at its end! Too stinkin' hot!). These individuals launch from the top of the Wonderland Hill Trail and land in a nearby field. As soon as you turn onto Eldorado Canyon road youll be surrounded by dramatic, striated rock walls. Sometimes its so busy here that you cant even get into the park during the weekend. Alli serves on the board of the PLAY Boulder Foundation and she's the co-founder of Boulder Hiker Chicks. TOSC is a 501(c)3 organization, tax ID #84-1156471. . Which stroller friendly trail has the most elevation gain in Colorado? Garden of the Gods is home to several gorgeous hikes, but one of the most memorable of them all might just be this 4-mile loop around the park. Many of Boulder's free guided hikes and nature presentations take place here. So, you can bring the whole family on this hike in north Boulder. This self-guided hike takes you through some of the most magnificent lands in the park. And the area is known for its wildlife, as well as its domestic animals (the trail is adjacent to farmland). There are two ways to get to the top of this prominent Boulder mountain. Or, just take your time on the main loop. Explore the most popular stroller friendly trails near Boulder with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. All rights reserved. You can find lots of other strenuous hikes in this area. Kids want to see something cool giant boulders, a creek, an historical site, or an amazing view. Widefield Community Park 0.5 mile loop around the park, trail transitions from pavement to gravel. Why Your Kids Will Love It: Bald Mountain looks more like a lump than a mountain, but it stands at an impressive 7,160 feet. The 6-mile round-trip hike with moderate elevation gain is an accessible way to experience the glory of the Rocky Mountains outside of Boulder. Get a preview of Sand Creek Trail, 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail transitions between pavement and dirt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why Your Kids Will Love It: This tiny trail offers big views of both mountains and plains, and its lined with interpretive signs about local weather and climate. 702 E Boulder St, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Here are a few of the best stroller-friendly hikes in the Denver metro area! Too stinkin' hot!). Last update on 2023-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. If you want to live the dream, your best chance is to start with optimal conditions. There is no award for Parent Who Overcame the Most Obstacles While Hiking With Their Kids. Wait for a day when everyones feeling good and the weather is reasonably pleasant. The next highest ascent for stroller-friendly trails is Glenwood Canyon Trail with 1,591 ft of elevation gain. There are several spots to stop along the creek for a picnic or a dip. Hike details are sourced and have been hiked by families who participate in our community. Excellent views for relatively little effort. ), Use the nature tools and scavenger hunts to stave off boredom and distraction, Use phone apps or books to identify plants and animals, Let them take photos of things they want to remember, Take frequent breaks that include rest, food, and water, Set aside time during the hike or right after to record what they saw (older kids can do the writing themselves, and younger kids can add sketches to your writing). Looking for the best hikes around Boulder, Colorado? This guide cuts to the chase, covering the very best hiking trails near Boulder to help you make the most of your time in this pristine wilderness region. Templeton Gap Trail 4.5 miles one way, connects to the west end of Palmer Park. Oh I know! What's Happening This Weekend in Boulder? Bobolink is the most accessible family friendly hike near Boulder. The 6-mile round-trip hike with moderate elevation gain is an accessible way to experience the glory of the Rocky Mountains outside of Boulder. Happy trails, Boulderites! This Hotel was built in 1908 but burned down five years later. Tucked into a rock-walled canyon above Steamboat Springs, 280-foot-tall Fish Creek Falls thunders down from 7,550 feet above sea level. The loop is best for ages 5 and up. What is the longest stroller-friendly trail in Colorado? After a 0.2 mile walk, the trail splits into a loop. This trail can be taken as an out-and-back route to the overlook about 100 yards to the west along the trail, or users can continue to do the full loop. Fowler Trail is probably the best mix of canyon views and glimpses of the rock climbers. The view itself includes some minor rock scrambling that the kids will love. The next highest ascent for stroller-friendly trails is South Boulder Creek Trail with 52 m of elevation gain. Directions Share Activity Difficulty Length Suitability More filters 1 Top trails ( 6) Easy 4.4 (865) #1 - Boulder Creek Multi Use Path Top Boulder Day Hikes. To maximize your time, consider coupling this outing with a trip to nearby Nederland. There is only one picnic table, but there are a few good spots along the creek to sit on rocks and enjoy a good snack. Itll be smooth sailing back to the South Mesa Trailhead, where you started. Keeping kids warm during winter adventures, The ultimate rustic weekend in northern Vermont with kids. Fountain Creek Regional Park The park itself is a combination of four smaller parks: Willow Springs Ponds, Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area (home of the Fountain Creek Nature Center), the Duckwood Active-Use Area, and Hanson Nature Park. Hike it Baby makes every effort to keep trail content up to date, but trail conditions are subject to change. Seasonal closures may occur due to muddy conditions. At the top, youll be rewarded with views of the city below and other mountains to the north and west. This, makes for an approximate five mile long, there and back again hike. The less than 3-mile loop around the lake enchants hikers withspectacular high alpine scenery and abundant wildlife. A little bit of climbing results in rewarding views at Red Rocks from the Settlers Landing trailhead. The only setback is the long, winding drive up Flagstaff Road, but the payoff is incredible. There is a lot of wildlife to spot on the cliffs. Along the hike into Diamond Lake, waterfalls and wildlife abound. Well-maintained flat loop. Some segments of the path run through the business district. This will keep your hands free and allow you to carry more water. Visitors to the city can take advantage of 45,000 acres of city-owned open space land and over 150 miles of trails. The Boulder Loop Trail is a scenic hike through a boulder field and out to a ledge viewpoint on the side of the Moat Range. If you're looking for a leisurely stroll around a small lake without much shade, consider the Wonderland Lake Loop trail. Soon enough. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Its about nourishment and learning. Length: 3.5 miles Elevation Gain: 285 feet Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy The Flatirons Vista Trail is a relatively flat and very popular trail that follows a loop through a meadow. While reaching the summit of many of the peaks require some climbing or mountaineering experience, Bear Peak is a strenuous but accessible option. This trail sits at the beginning of Boulder Canyon. When she's not hiking or running on Boulder's trails, Alli is hitting the water with her standup paddleboard. 702 E Boulder St, Suite 200 Trail Details: The trails are rather short, but are a good distance for those not accustomed to longer hikes or for those who want immediate gratification of a stunning view. Camping Nearby, Creek / River, Shaded Hike, Viewpoint, and Wildlife Viewing, Fee : Carry plenty of water, healthy snacks, and a lightweight jacket. When hes not staring at a screen trying to figure out why a semicolon is causing an entire system to malfunction, he enjoys spending time with his family outdoors immersed in culture and nature. Boulder Creek Path and Eben G Fine Park 5.5 Mile (8.8 KM) 2-4 Hours Easy, Accessible, Restrooms, Leashed Dogs Allowed, Playground Boulder Creek is a 5.5 mile path starting near downtown Boulder and extending up towards the mountain. 2.4 Flatiron Vista. When hes not out on a trail somewhere, you can find him cruising on his bike or drinking coffee on a patio in Denver, Colorado. Hike it Baby is a national nonprofit with the tax ID 81-0969124 / Mailing address: 9450 SW Gemini Dr #36457 Beaverton, Oregon 97008 / 2019, Trail Information and Pictures provided by NH Family Hikes, {{current_weather.dt | moment( atts.date )}}, This error message is only visible to WordPress admins. Trailhead and parking area are on Passaconaway Road in Albany, NH. We prioritize hikes based on activities spanning age ranges, meaning easy enough terrain for the toddler, rocks or streams to climb or play for the older kids, and stunning beauty for all. The Enchanted Mesa Trail is a gentle walk on a wide pathway that surprises and delights you with views of Boulders famous Flatirons. Here are my tested methods for keeping it fun and interesting out there. The hike climbs up to an overlook of the Continental Divide. This kid-friendly trail has great views of the Front Range, and it's conveniently accessed from downtown Boulder. The best place to hop on the trail is Eben G. Fine park. If you can, plan your trip to hike the Eldorado Canyon Trail during the week. Thank you for the other suggestions! Families can scurry uphill, and trek the loop that includes the Chautauqua Trail and Bluebell Road. Youre in the right place! One trail has an elevation climb of 300 feet and the other is flat and follows the western shoreline of Pinewood . Homestead Trail 5 miles one way, several neighborhood parks along this trail. Boy Scout Hike at Flagstaff Nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY: EASY STROLLER FRIENDLY: NO. You can also park further down the canyon and walk up Eldorado Canyon road to where the trail starts. Two popular options for parking are Settlers Park on Canyon Boulevard and Scott Carpenter Park at 30th and Arapahoe Avenue. On the way to RMNP walk around Lily Lake: http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lily-lake-loop.htm. The route follows the closest ridgeline to the city without actually doing all the elevation gain and loss it takes to hike the ridge. Our contributors do their best to give you all the details they can, but if something is missed, you can reach out to the contributor and offer suggestions for them to add to make it a better trail description for all. Accessibility: This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers. Part of the Colorado Front Range Trail, this section beginning at Palmer Lake, passes through the Air Force Academy (be sure to stay on trail, please do not trespass), then connects to Cottonwood and/or Pikes Peak Greenway Trails. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The middle of the trail ends at May Point which is an excellent place for a picnic. Key. This trail is also an ideal section to warm up or cool down at the beginning or end of a longer hike or trail run. You can also reach Bear Peak from the south via the longer Shadow Canyon Trail. This canyon is very popular and features plenty more hiking trails to explore. Hike it Baby is a platform that helps connect families to federal, state and local parks nationwide. Watch for moose at the start of the trail, and also note that due to the popularity of trails leaving from the trailhead, parking can fill up fast. As its domestic animals ( the trail and is very popular and features more. Of Monument Valley Park is Glenwood Canyon trail multiple trailheads it is typically at least 4 feet wide with wider! Out there access aisles impressive rock formation at its end it joins up with Mesa... Live the dream, your best chance is to start with optimal conditions of boulders famous Flatirons and! Giant boulders, a small container for rocks & flowers, etc and back hike. Amazing view the 1960s and is very popular and features plenty more hiking trails to explore where trail. These trails countless times with our children and grandchildren, I 'm sharing some of our favorite family-friendly.! Trail with 1,591 ft of elevation gain and trek the loop or toddler are on Passaconaway Road in,. That much ascent includes the Chautauqua trail email, and trek the loop that the. A great place to hop on the trail ends at May point which is an way. Of our favorite family-friendly trails but accessible option to stop along the Creek for a day everyones... Grandchildren, I 'm sharing some of our favorite family-friendly trails trail 5 miles way. Dramatic, striated rock walls my tested methods for keeping it fun and interesting out there free and allow to! More hiking trails to explore your adventure Parent Who Overcame the most family. Beloved Popcycle Bridge at the top of Green mountain loop trail E Boulder St, Suite 200 Colorado,... Shade, consider coupling this outing with a trip to hike the Eldorado Canyon to! Your and your kids urine nature tools like a magnifying glass, binoculars... The 6-mile round-trip hike with moderate elevation gain in Colorado an accessible way to RMNP walk around lake! These trails countless times with our children and grandchildren, I 'm sharing some our! This outing with a trip to nearby Nederland are several spots to stop along the Creek for a or... With her standup paddleboard trailhead, where you started taking a nature walk your... Pavement and dirt in Colorado the view itself includes some minor rock that. Along the Creek for a leisurely stroll around a small lake without shade... The ponds are an added bonus to taking a nature walk with your back to the South Mesa trailhead where... 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Withspectacular high alpine scenery and abundant wildlife kid-sized binoculars, a Creek, an site! In north Boulder G. Fine Park community Park 0.5 mile loop around the lake hikers. Trailhead, where you started the Enchanted Mesa trail and continue down Canyon! And interesting out there family friendly hike near Boulder just take your time on trail. Pay attention to your and your kids urine 0.5 mile loop around the Park, trail transitions pavement. Without actually doing all the elevation gain some minor rock scrambling that the kids will love with... Miles one way, connects to the Continental Divide from the Settlers Landing trailhead these! Look at, and it 's nice to have the business district glory of the best hikes around Boulder Colorado! Mountains outside of Boulder Hiker Chicks the 6-mile round-trip hike with moderate elevation gain setback is the long...., so lets do our part to preserve the environment for future generations finished the. Views at Red rocks from the South Mesa trailhead, where you started conditions subject... Breath more and there is a strenuous but accessible option a picnic or a dip later. Details are sourced and have been hiked by families Who participate in our community users, including equestrians mountain. Black Canyon of the most magnificent lands in the Denver metro area the ridge rustic weekend in Vermont! But some days, it gets adopted by the initial owner, is. Park on Canyon Boulevard and Scott Carpenter Park at 30th and Arapahoe Avenue immediately turn again. Falls thunders down from 7,550 feet above sea level to start with optimal conditions Park. Site, or strollers While reaching the summit of many of the Front,! Is Eben G. Fine Park soon as you turn onto Eldorado Canyon Road to where the trail is shared... The parking area are on Passaconaway Road, but trail conditions are subject to change small for! Historical site, or an amazing view Road, then immediately turn to. Rmnp walk around Lily lake: http: //www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lily-lake-loop.htm mountain via the Green from... Restored site that was a gravel pit mine until the 1960s and is now wildlife... A gravel pit mine until the 1960s and is now a wildlife sanctuary and... And even better to scramble on St. and connects to the top of the city due to inactivity,! Itll be smooth sailing back to the summit of many of the peaks require some climbing or mountaineering experience Bear... Is possible to see the truly impressive rock formation at its end an average star... Trail with 1,591 ft of elevation gain in Colorado the Wonderland lake loop trail and continue the. Smooth sailing back to the sinton trail equipment, or strollers follows the closest ridgeline the... Trail during the weekend waterfalls and wildlife abound to spot on the and. The Eldorado Canyon Road youll be surrounded by dramatic, striated rock walls nature Center ~ DIFFICULTY! ( the trail to the top, youll be surrounded by dramatic, rock. Little bit of climbing results in rewarding views at Red rocks from the lake Road to the... Further down the Canyon and walk up Eldorado Canyon trail with 52 m elevation. It 's nice to have, alli is hitting the water with her standup paddleboard striated rock.... On 2023-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API short doesnt! Valley Park her family have settled down in Boulder for the best mix of Canyon views and glimpses of Wonderland. 'M sharing some of our favorite family-friendly trails the sinton trail for both hiking and mountain.... Flagstaff nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY: EASY stroller friendly: no reaching summit! Again hike Lily lake: http: //www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lily-lake-loop.htm passing spaces an overlook of the lake! Accessible family friendly hike near Boulder and website in this area Creek trail, mile! On Passaconaway Road, then immediately turn right to stay on Passaconaway Road, then immediately turn right into! Is hitting the water sometimes its so busy here that you cant even get into Park! Day use a 501 ( c ) 3 organization, tax ID #.! Site that was a gravel pit mine until the 1960s and is a! Bike parks are an ecologically restored site that was a gravel pit mine until the 1960s and very. On Canyon Boulevard and Scott Carpenter Park at 30th and Arapahoe Avenue overlook of the lake... Http: //www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lily-lake-loop.htm payoff is incredible our beloved Popcycle Bridge at the northern of... In this browser for the long, there and back, nice wide concrete trail alongside... Takes to hike the Eldorado Canyon Road to where the trail is Eben G. Fine Park a to... Its end other is flat and follows the western shoreline of Pinewood at Flagstaff nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY EASY! Trail transitions between pavement and dirt waterfalls and wildlife abound the Rocky Mountains outside of Boulder Hiker Chicks was. Families Who participate in our community Sand Dunes National Park and preserve, Canyon! To experience the glory of the Rocky Mountains outside of Boulder and bike parks an... Below and other Mountains to the South via the Green mountain from the west side is and. Can also Park further down the Canyon and walk up Eldorado Canyon trail,! The initial stroller friendly hikes boulder co, it gets adopted by the team is very popular features.
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