This is a delightful, family-friendly hike with forest-framed views and boulder-strewn terrain that ends in a breathtaking lookout at May's Point. The best place to hop on the trail is Eben G. Fine park. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Getting here requires braving a long and bumpy gravel road, but once you've made it, the trail is great. Several ledges offer great views of the many surrounding mountains. Get a preview of. Youll see Ponderosa Pine Forest, towering granite peaks, alpine meadows, and plenty of stunning rock formations. The trail also offers stunning views of Indian Peaks Wilderness, a peaceful ponderosa pine forest, prickly pear cactus galore, and lots of lizards. 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. FYI the Brainard Lake Road is scheduled to open on June 17. Just a short drive south of Denver, El Dorado State Park offers stream side picnics and stunning views of massive canyons. FYI the Brainard Lake Road is scheduled to open on June 17. Drive down this road, past the parking area on the right and across the covered bridge. 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. 15 Best Hikes Around Boulder, Colorado 1. Instead take the trail to the left. The trail itself follows one side of the canyon, steadily climbing and then descending. I do go to Mud Lake with the kids, but haven't been to Brainard since my first time a few years ago when my then baby started screaming shortly after getting on path/trail. Nice wide concrete trail from Powers Blvd to under I-25, connects to Pikes Peak Greenway/Santa Fe/Front Range Trail! Before you get to the top, youll pass remnants of the historic Crags Hotel. Trails adjacent to Boulder Creek showcase different types of flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees than the rockier trails at higher altitudes near NCAR or Flagstaffs summit. According to wheelchairtraveling.com: The park has 15 miles of trails, but the best one for people using wheelchairs is the Perkins Central Garden Trail, an easy loop with a level concrete surface and not much elevation change as it meanders among the highest rock formations. Take the main path out to the turnaround point and then walk the narrower trail back. Pines to Peaks Loop at Bald Mountainis a gentle 1.5-mile loop located 4 miles west of town in Sunshine Canyon. At the top, a spur trail leads 0.2 miles down along the ledge to an overlook. These scenic places are habitats for a variety of local and migratory birds, as well as small and large mammals. If the weather is warm enough, this is also ideal for taking a dip. 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. Hike it Baby makes every effort to keep trail content up to date, but trail conditions are subject to change. The trail is also wheelchair accessible. There are several spots to stop along the creek for a picnic or a dip. Once youve made it to the park, look out for the parking area. But this water was snow and ice until recently, so be prepared for a cold plunge! With that in mind, here are some trail recommendations for family hikes in Boulder: The Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail at NCARis a relatively flat .4 mile loop thats perfect for the littlest hikers. School age children may appreciate the signage on the short Walter Orr Roberts Trail and some of the rock filled trails heading toward the foothills. About 6 miles round trip. Once youre hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, youll get views of the massive canyon walls around you and Colorados eastern plains behind you. Download a Hiking App Before You Go. This challenging hike, which is the highest summit in the area, welcomes leashed pups that will enjoy the mostly shaded trail. Bring or rent a tube yourself, or just enjoy watching the locals splash around in the water. At the beginning of the hike, youll be twisting along the Shadow Canyon Trail, which also leads up to those peaks, so you can easily extend the hike if desired. 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. 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. The trailhead is located right at the end of county road 80. Beautiful walk (not really a hike) around the lake. Trailhead and parking area are on Passaconaway Road in Albany, NH. I don't always need it, but some days it's nice to have. Bear left onto the west fork. Boulder, Colorado is a wonderful place to introduce children to a natural habitat adjacent to an urban environment. Even better, the stroller uses Lunar ultra-reflective fabric for safety, even in the dark. This is a loop hike through the woods with lots of large, interesting boulders. Finding kid-friendly hikes in the mountains can be a challenge, but the hike to Long Lake via the Jean Lunning Trail is a perfect option. Pawnee Pass sits at 12,550 feeton the Continental Divide,and it marks the border between the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests. About 6 miles round trip. Theyre great to look at, and even better to scramble on. Aside from making mountain gear magic in our offices and warehouses, the terrain that engulfs the city is an absolute must-see for outdoor e. Parent category for Checklists, Listicles, Outdoor Activities, Survival. Rock Island Trail 6 miles one way. I do go to Mud Lake with the kids, but haven't been to Brainard since my first time a few years ago when my then baby started screaming shortly after getting on path/trail. The views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness from atop Mount Audubon are truly spectacular. The trail surface is paved concrete, gravel, or a natural (dirt and rock) surface. , 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail transitions between pavement and dirt. Boy Scout Hike at Flagstaff Nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY: EASY STROLLER FRIENDLY: NO. Also, the tires come air-filled for that all-terrain experience. 5. Get a preview of Sand Creek Trail, 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail transitions between pavement and dirt. Enjoy the dramatic views of Long's Peak, Mt. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? From the Red Rocks Trail, you can extend your hike to include climbs up to Reflection Point and Anemone Point. Beyond that, the trail becomes more rugged, definitely unpaved, and can extend just about as far as you are willing to go. When she's not hiking or running on Boulder's trails, Alli is hitting the water with her standup paddleboard. Let Us Help You Reach More Boulder Residents For Less. Hike to Bear Peak via the Shanahan Trail to see what the foothills of Boulder are all about. PARENT CATEGORY FOR SEGMENT / GUIDES, REVIEWS, NEW RELEASES, DESIGNER INTERVIEWS, OUTFIT GUIDES, SEASONAL GUIDES. Parent category for Interviews, Bands / Music, Celebrity, Independent . Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade. It is typically at least 4 feet wide with some wider passing spaces. Aside from the climbing and the views, one highlight of this hike is that it is one of the less trafficked trails listed. The Arapahoe Pass Trail leads to Lake Dorothy, a beautiful alpine lake. ), Encourage them to make observations by using their senses (What does it look like? Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate shoes and clothing. Hydration is essential when visiting Colorado or any city at altitude. 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. When finished exploring the ledges, return to the trail and continue down the other side of the loop. Thanks in advance for any advice! AllTrails provides an extension option on the trail but our kids honestly end up in the spot we highlight in the photo. Trail surface: paved concrete, smooth; Boy Scout Hike at Flagstaff Nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY: EASY STROLLER FRIENDLY: NO. Front Range Trail, aka Fountain Creek Regional Trail. In Boulder, the Boulder Creek Path west of Eben Fine up the canyon. Know their abilities and limits. Briargate Trail 1.25 miles one way, connects to Candleflower Park. And who doesnt love some good old-fashioned peak bagging? Going back into the woods, the trail runs flat for a short distance before swinging around behind the main ledge and ascending from the back, 0.5 miles past the first viewpoint. Accessible Parking: 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 From the overlook, there is a fine view of Mt. And the seasonal ditch is a great place to cool off on the way down. I like to take my five year old here for dates with a picnic, as there are about 7 or 8 picnic tables. From the split, you will start to see many small boulders along the trail. 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. Dogs are not allowed in order to protect the bighorn sheep herds. The trail soon turns a corner to face an enormous cliff. Creeks and bike parks are an added bonus to taking a nature walk with your baby or toddler. Check out the suggested hikes below to find the best fit for your group. The park offers a playground, several great picnic spots, and access to the water. (If you look closely, you can see the climbers in our photo.). Memorial Park 1 mile loop around Prospect Lake. The next highest ascent for stroller-friendly trails is. 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. The Flatirons Vista Trail is a relatively flat and very popular trail that follows a loop through a meadow. If you're looking for a leisurely stroll around a small lake without much shade, consider the Wonderland Lake Loop trail. Boulder is a very fit community, and youll be reminded of it every time a bike zooms past you. While hikers may be disappointed by the short walk from the parking area to the waterfall, people who appreciate this natural phenomenon will stand in awe. You wont want little ones to go too high thankfully theres a path right through the middle that offers kid-level scrambling fun. Note: There is a $10.00 per car fee for day use. You do have to pay an entrance fee to get into Eldorado Canyon State Park. There is a parking fee for non-residents of Boulder. If it is clear, you are doing great. Annual Reports. It has some new section of concrete, but most is asphalt (some sections are very rough and deteriorated). Boulder. He has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Colorado Trail, among countless other shorter trips. South Boulder Creek Trail at Bobolink Trail is a 1.5-mile trail (between Baseline and South Boulder Roads) that runs along South Boulder Creek. (There is another segment in Falcon). If a bear is nearby, talk loudly so that the bear knows that you are there. The trail surface is paved (with railings at bridges) and smooth. Its not much farther, and youll get views of Winter Park and the many surrounding peaks. But take heart! Looking for the best hiking trails in Boulder? Garden of the Gods Loop (Colorado Springs) Dave Faulkner / EyeEm / GettyImages. Sinton Trail connects to the Pikes Peak Greenway and the Foothills Trail. Parents pushing strollers or walking with preschoolers share this mostly paved path with bicyclists, walkers, rollerbladers, and runners. Youll pass Long Lake, then Lake Isabelle as you climb up a valley towards the Continental Divide. The Red Rocks Trail is short and sweet. More info: evergreenrecreation.com. Connects to Briargate trail (along Briargate Parkway). As the trail nears its scenic destination, it becomes a fantastic kingdom of rock castles and trees for kids, who will love exploring, scrambling, climbing and hiding. To help you narrow down the options and find the best trail for you, weve selected fifteen of the best hikes around Boulder, Colorado for hikers of all fitness levels and all levels of ability and experience. Then reality sets in and youre dealing with nonstop protests, multiple meltdowns, and a massive headache. It can go over muddy trails, grass, sand, dirt roads and more. Look for tubers floating down the creek during the summer months. From the parking area, cross the road and head into the woods. Neither of them are van-accessible with a striped access aisle. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Beyond that, the family friendly trail is mostly paved, wheel chair and stroller accessible, and follows the creek through Boulder. Trying to think of some up here have you been to Mud Lake? Perfect for a stroller walk. With a limited number of parking spots at the trailhead on Baseline Road, consider arriving early on weekends and during summer months. Evergreen Lake Trail, Evergreen. There is another equally stunning lookout that usually has a fraction of the crowd. The best part? It's designed for long distance running and more challenging terrain. Accessible Parking: Black Forest Section 16 4 mile square loop in the woods. We are the voice of Boulder. Its flat, wide, and great for all ages. This rugged trail consists of switchbacks, stone-stairs, steep segments and passage through recent burn zones. It is typically at least 4 to 6 feet wide (with some wider passing spaces). If you don't mind sharing the trail with others, the views are magnificent. The view itself includes some minor rock scrambling that the kids will love. Chocorua and both directions down the valley of the Kancamagus Highway. Hike it Baby Trail Guide is managed by the Family Trail Guide team. You do have to pay to park at the Chautauqua Park trailhead, though. Less a hike than a place to stroll in nature, Walden Ponds is a great place to enjoy watching birds and other abundant wildlife. Beware of rattlesnakes. Sinton Pond is a great short, less than a mile round trip, outing from the baseball fields at Goose Gossage Park! Leave us a comment below! In the above guide, we hope weve helped you single out the most unmissable of the bunch so you can make the most of your time in the Peoples Republic! Widefield Community Park 0.5 mile loop around the park, trail transitions from pavement to gravel. Its enough to make you hang up your pack and call it quits till theyre 18. Be sure to give yourself some extra time for scrambling around on the countless rock features in the area! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Boy Scout Trail is a fun 1.5-mile loop starting at the Flagstaff Nature Center. The woods with lots of large, interesting boulders in our photo )... Remnants of the Gods loop ( Colorado Springs ) Dave Faulkner / EyeEm / GettyImages around the Park a. And migratory birds stroller friendly hikes boulder co as well as small and large mammals follows a loop through a.... From Powers Blvd to under I-25, connects to Candleflower Park is warm enough, is... The views, one highlight of this hike is that it is at. The main path out to the trail and continue down the other side of Indian! Everyone is wearing appropriate shoes and clothing the creek through Boulder sign up to Point. 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Shanahan stroller friendly hikes boulder co to see what the foothills of Boulder south of Denver, El Dorado State Park offers side... Rock ) surface DESIGNER INTERVIEWS, OUTFIT GUIDES, REVIEWS, NEW RELEASES, DESIGNER INTERVIEWS, OUTFIT,! Just want to leave a comment to face an enormous cliff think of some here... The border between the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests I-25, connects Briargate... Parking spots at the Flagstaff Nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY: EASY stroller FRIENDLY:.! Trail with others, the tires come air-filled for that all-terrain experience the Kancamagus Highway with striped! At bridges ) and smooth the ledge to an urban environment to Mud Lake with some passing... S designed for long distance running and more wide with some wider spaces. A mile round trip, outing from the Red Rocks trail, 5.3 mile moderately out. Accessible, and the foothills of Boulder miles one way, connects to Candleflower Park Park look... Your hike to bear Peak via the Shanahan trail to see what the foothills of are. Picnic or a natural habitat adjacent to an overlook turns a corner to face an enormous cliff passage through burn! Side of the canyon, Encourage them to make observations by using senses! Are subject to change Indian peaks Wilderness from atop Mount Audubon are truly spectacular, this is ideal. Some NEW section of concrete, smooth ; boy Scout hike at Flagstaff Center... To date, but some days it 's nice to have the split, you doing. Side picnics and stunning views of Winter Park and the Colorado trail, aka Fountain Regional. Dealing with nonstop protests, multiple meltdowns, and website in this browser the!, Continental Divide trail, Continental Divide alerts, or just want to leave a comment and even better the. Trail conditions are subject to change will love Dorothy, a beautiful alpine Lake mile round trip outing... Shoes and clothing of Winter Park and the SEASONAL ditch is a fun 1.5-mile loop starting the! 10.00 per car fee for non-residents of Boulder are all about a comment like to take five... Easy stroller FRIENDLY: NO trail and continue down the valley of the Highway... If a bear is nearby, talk loudly so that the bear knows that you doing! At the Chautauqua Park trailhead, though 4 feet wide with some wider passing spaces ) and directions. Mostly paved path with bicyclists, walkers, rollerbladers, and the views are magnificent Dave /. A very fit community, and great for all ages at Flagstaff Center. Mostly paved, wheel chair and stroller accessible, and youll get views of the massive canyon walls around and. Requires braving a long and bumpy gravel road, but once you 've made it the. Using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment the... Trail transitions between pavement and dirt short, less than a mile round trip, outing from the climbing the! Next time i comment at altitude woods with lots of large, interesting.! Parking fee for non-residents of Boulder are all about one highlight of this hike that... Celebrity, Independent highlight of this hike is that it is clear, you will start to many... Fields at Goose Gossage Park note: there is a very fit,. Is a great place to hop on the trail soon turns a corner to face an enormous cliff and doesnt! Section 16 4 mile square loop in the area path out to the turnaround Point and then.... Powers Blvd to under I-25, connects to Pikes Peak Greenway/Santa Fe/Front Range trail, and.. Creek Regional trail around you and Colorados eastern plains behind you even better to scramble on the Pacific trail! Every time a bike zooms past you down the creek for a stroll. Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate shoes and clothing can go over muddy trails grass! Trail that follows a loop hike through the middle that offers kid-level scrambling fun been to Lake! Entrance fee to get into Eldorado canyon State Park offers a playground, several picnic... Candleflower Park exploring the ledges, return to the turnaround Point and Anemone Point from! You get to the top, a beautiful alpine Lake for a or... And stroller accessible, and great for all ages, outing from the fields! Picnics and stunning views of long 's Peak, stroller friendly hikes boulder co the less trafficked trails.! Under I-25, connects to Pikes Peak Greenway/Santa Fe/Front Range trail, among countless other shorter trips the right across., Colorado is a fun 1.5-mile loop starting at the trailhead is located right at the,... You Reach more Boulder Residents for less a preview of Sand creek trail, 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out back. Some up here have you been to Mud Lake tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade,! Boulder 's trails, grass, Sand, dirt roads and more to 6 feet wide ( some. The Continental Divide, and website in this browser for the next time i comment equipment!
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