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. Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade. The view itself includes some minor rock scrambling that the kids will love. Beyond that, the family friendly trail is mostly paved, wheel chair and stroller accessible, and follows the creek through Boulder. Weather conditions can change quickly. This is a great place to stop for lunch and admire the Rocky Mountains and their jagged granite cliffs all around. Boy Scout Trail is a fun 1.5-mile loop starting at the Flagstaff Nature Center. Two popular options for parking are Settlers Park on Canyon Boulevard and Scott Carpenter Park at 30th and Arapahoe Avenue. 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. Plus Ive got the scoop on some of Boulders classic kid-friendly hikes (and one hidden gem). Decades after I first came to this college town as a student, I still stop on trails to capture images. Reservoir Access Road/Trail 2 miles one way, Stratton Middle to Stratton Lower parking lot. When Sandy Bornstein isnt trekking in Colorado or writing, shes traveling with her husband Ira. A little bit of climbing results in rewarding views at Red Rocks from the Settlers Landing trailhead. However, this will be a loop hike, so youll see more diverse scenery. This trail is very popular with swimmers and college kids who want to party on the water in the summertime. Which stroller friendly trail has the most elevation gain in Colorado? The Flatirons invite hikers to take to the hills just outside of Boulder. Thank you for the other suggestions! Mesa Valley Trail 3 miles out and back. 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! And the area is known for its wildlife, as well as its domestic animals (the trail is adjacent to farmland). Workplace Giving. What national parks in Colorado have stroller-friendly trails? But take heart! How to Pack a Backpack Are You Doing it Right? 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. Heres a suggested list of items to keep everyone happy and safe out on the trails. If you're a fan of the Great Outdoors, this vibrant city has so much to offer, with beautiful mountains, tranquil creeks, deep canyons and strange rock formations just a stone's throw from the bustling urban center. Boardwalks and bridges have been built over the marshy western side of the lake to take you back to the parking lot. Originally from New England, she and her family have settled down in Boulder for the long haul. Bring your camera because these views are stunning. Clear Springs Ranch 4.25 miles one way, the primary trail venturing through Clear Springs Ranch is the Colorado Front Range Trail, aka Fountain Creek Regional Trail, but this portion does not yet connect to the rest of the trail. The trailhead is near Eldorado Springs, just south of the city. Helpful Hint: Some trail head parking lots require day use fees. Annual Reports. Central Garden Trail 1.5 mile loop takes you past the largest iconic rock features in the Garden. Map for 5k route. There is a lot of wildlife to spot on the cliffs. Turn right to stay on Passaconaway Road, then immediately turn right again into the parking area. The Fountain Valley Trail is a 2.3-mile loop that winds through the Fountain and Lyons rock formations with a moderate change in elevation. The Red Rocks Trail is short and sweet. This short, paved, family-friendly path has great views of rock formations such as White Rock and Kissing Camels. Looking for the best hikes around Boulder, Colorado? 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. What is the longest stroller-friendly trail in Colorado? 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. Did your last family hike contain more moans and groans than oohs and ahhs? The next highest ascent for stroller-friendly trails is. But this water was snow and ice until recently, so be prepared for a cold plunge! TOSC is a 501(c)3 organization, tax ID #84-1156471. The Boulder Creek Multi-Use Path is a great bike, pedestrian, and trail running path through the city of Boulder along the creek. Youll see Ponderosa Pine Forest, towering granite peaks, alpine meadows, and plenty of stunning rock formations. (New 10/2018), A good hike to see some fall colors this weekend, Driving from Northern Virginia to Boulder area. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Colorado. Note: The actual trailhead begins in a neighborhood with very little parking. Please note, there are also several street crossings. Front Range Trail, aka Fountain Creek Regional Trail. Parent category for Craft Restaurants, Chef / Grill Master Spotlights, Liquor, Drink Guides, Bbq / Grill / Smoking , National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks website, 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die. Parent category for Interviews, Bands / Music, Celebrity, Independent . Sinton Pond is a great short, less than a mile round trip, outing from the baseball fields at Goose Gossage Park! 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. what to do in Denver for one day in March. 2.2 Bobolink Trail. The Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail at NCAR, South Boulder Creek Trail at Bobolink Trail, Best Chinese Food in Boulder: The Lucky 7, The 10 Best Breweries and Brews in Boulder, Colorado, Healthy snacks and one special treat (for motivating and bargaining). The middle of the trail ends at May Point which is an excellent place for a picnic. Drive slowly, and share the road with cyclists. Start at the East Boulder Rec Center -> Bobolink->South Boulder Creek Path. lovely flat-ish trail that goes out to Marshal Rd. 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. Children and adults alike can learn about weather, climate, sun-earth connections and more with interactive exhibits. On the way to RMNP walk around Lily Lake: http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lily-lake-loop.htm. You get a lot of use. 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. For being such a relatively small town, Boulder sure is, In this article, we put together a list of the 10 best breweries in Boulder, CO. We also included top brews for each brewery and. Fun nature tools like a magnifying glass, kid-sized binoculars, a small container for rocks & flowers, etc. This moderate distance hike climbs through Ponderosa Pine forest at the beginning. It can be accessed from the visitor center where bathrooms and water is available. Where to go: There are two things to keep in mind when choosing a trail for a family hike: (1) Focus on the cool factor. There are many access points along the route and ample parking. Once youve made it to the park, look out for the parking area. The next highest ascent for stroller-friendly trails is South Boulder Creek Trail with 52 m of elevation gain. It has a slight incline for the first half and then loops around for an easy downhill hike for the second half. Visitors to the city can take advantage . Also come near sunset. After living as an international teacher in Bangalore, India, Sandy published an award-winning book, May This Be the Best Year of Your Life, as a resource for people contemplating an expat lifestyle and living outside their comfort zone. We love that many of these stroller friendly trail options for families with young children have large parks nearby. 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. Here are my tested methods for keeping it fun and interesting out there. In this wetland area, just a few miles north of the University of Colorado campus, it is possible to encounter prairie dogs, mule deer, fox, coyote, rattlesnakes, and raptors. This guide was built with a generous 3-year partnership with. The views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness from atop Mount Audubon are truly spectacular. The steepness of the trail makes it a worthy accomplishment for kids and the views make it all the more impressive. We hope you like this guide to the best hikes near Boulder. 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. Sign up for our FREE weekly email with Boulders best events, concerts, happy hour deals, comedy shows and more. There is a small lake near the end of this trail. Youll have to pay to enter the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The path is a mix of paved and softer gravel or dirt surfaces. (PS don't go down below if you don't have to this week. Again, this one is very busy. 2.4 Flatiron Vista. The next highest ascent for stroller-friendly trails is, Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and Central Gardens Trail Loop. You do have to pay an entrance fee to get into Eldorado Canyon State Park. From the parking area, cross the road and head into the woods. At the end of this trail, you can connect with the Walker Ranch Loop trail if you want a longer hike, too. Instead, park in the small lot on Linden Avenue at Wild Plum Court and take the Goat Trail up to where it meets the Sanitas Valley Trail. Trying to think of some up here have you been to Mud Lake? Creeks and bike parks are an added bonus to taking a nature walk with your baby or toddler. Mesa Trail 2 mile loop in the off-leash/dog run area. If you arrive before the crowds, you may be able to see deer grazing alongside the path. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has 4 stroller-friendly trails with an average 4.2 star rating from 321 community reviews. Top Boulder Day Hikes. Dont wear headphones on this trail so you can hear those bikes coming! By starting with easier terrain, parents can assess what's best for their family. Trail surface: paved concrete, smooth; What is the longest stroller-friendly trail in Boulder? These individuals launch from the top of the Wonderland Hill Trail and land in a nearby field. #1 - Davidson Mesa Loop Trail Davidson Mesa Length: 3.3 mi Est. Along the way, there are plenty of rock outcroppings, boulders, caves, and more to explore. Rocky Mountain Trail Tips. Download a Hiking App Before You Go. The Evergreen Lake and Trail is part of Dedisse Park, which includes places to fish and rent boats. Each of these areas are adjacent to Fountain Creek and connected together by the Fountain Creek Regional Trail, aka Front Range Trail. (2) Keep it doable. And who doesnt love some good old-fashioned peak bagging? There is also a nice 2 mile loop around Cottonwood Creek, on the Cottonwood Creek Trail which is paved on one side of the creek and gravel on the other side. We recommend hiking up to the Continental Divide from the lake. It's possible to extend this short adventure by taking the Cherryvale Trail or the South Boulder Creek Trail. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The trails near Boulder are heavily trafficked, so lets do our part to preserve the environment for future generations. Parts of the Marshall Mesa were temporarily closed after the devastating Marshall Fire in December 2021. 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. There are a couple street crossings, but when you travel through Douglas Creek Open Space you are surrounded by lush greenery, youre able to forget you are in the center of the city. The less than 3-mile loop around the lake enchants hikers withspectacular high alpine scenery and abundant wildlife. 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. Several ledges offer great views of the many surrounding mountains. On this trail, you have constant views of the Flatirons without the elevation gain of actually hiking the Flatirons. About 6 miles round trip. Thanks, Babalax! I figured if they can be done with wheelchairs and other mobility devices, then I can probably do them with a jogging stroller as well. It is also possible to reach Gregory Canyon via the Bluebell-Baird Trail. You could also walk along the roads. Its a short hike, too, but expect to be challenged youll be climbing 1,000 feet per mile on the way up! Here are a few of the best stroller-friendly hikes in the Denver metro area! Number of designated accessible spaces: unclear; Explore the most popular stroller friendly trails in Colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. You may see a golden eagle soaring over the hogback hunting small mammals, snakes, or birds. Bobolink is a 3.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back. Start at the East Boulder Rec Center -> Bobolink->South Boulder Creek Path. lovely flat-ish trail that goes out to Marshal Rd. Bring your bug spray, though, because there are usually lots of mosquitoes near the creek in this area. Many of Boulder's free guided hikes and nature presentations take place here. Hiking Bear Peak from this side would be an 8-mile out-and-back hike. What or who is Ralphie? While most of the trails are rated as moderately challenging, there are a couple of shorter trails that families can try. The Boulder area is home to enough awesome hiking trails to keep you happy for at least a lifetime. It says stroller friendly and I would say it is about 80% stroller friendly. This way, you can take the BST trail over five iconic Boulder area mountains. Pines to Peaks Loop at Bald Mountainis a gentle 1.5-mile loop located 4 miles west of town in Sunshine Canyon. The views from atop are spectacular. Free camping options (permit required in summer) are an added bonus if you want to spend the night under the spectacular stars above the Rockies. The trailhead behind NCAR leads to a spaghetti bowl of excellent trails. Length: 3.10 mi. Facebook@TrailsAndOpenSpaceCoalition . Nature is simply more enjoyable when you can relax and take the time to enjoy it. One trail has an elevation climb of 300 feet and the other is flat and follows the western shoreline of Pinewood . Fish Creek Falls. Explore the most popular stroller friendly trails in Colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Boulder Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries: UPDATED! Shame because we had family visiting and I wanted to take them there last weekend. South Boulder Creek Trail at Bobolink Trailis a 1.5-mile trail (between Baseline and South Boulder Roads) that runs along South Boulder Creek. Youll likely see a lot of deer on your hike as well. This is a nice trail with lots of scenery, birds, and deer. First, BOB's Flex stroller supports up to 75 pounds instead of 65. Needless to say, I didn't get to see much. This hike is a great one for the fall, where youll be able to catch lots of fall colors. Colorado Springs has hundreds of trails that are great for the family. For the most part the trail is wide and paved (turns to gravel to the North when it becomes the Santa Fe trail and South when it becomes the Fountain Creek Trail) with gentle change of elevation. (updated 10/2018), Restaurants with a past.. dining options with a history. Whether youre looking for a serious adventure on all-day wilderness expeditions or youre looking for some hikes near Boulder for all the family, this list has something for you. 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. South Boulder Creek trail south of Hwy 93, Thinking of more trails up here. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Colorado. While it may be tempting to stray off trails to look at something unique, please stay on designated paths and off designated habitat conservation areas. The My Open Country name is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. If a bear is nearby, talk loudly so that the bear knows that you are there. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. If you don't mind sharing the trail with others, the views are magnificent. 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. However, not all trails work well for strollers. There is another equally stunning lookout that usually has a fraction of the crowd. Dont forget to download a Chautauqua map before heading out. He has logged over 10,000 miles bike touring all over the United States, too. Adams Open Space & Metcalfe Park 2.5 miles out and back. 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 Boulder Creek Trail, also known as the Boulder Creek Path or Boulder Bike Path, is a mostly paved recreational trail that runs through the city. From the overlook, there is a fine view of Mt. What does it sound like? In Boulder, the Boulder Creek Path west of Eben Fine up the canyon. Check the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks website for current conditions and closures. Amazing photo opportunities are available throughout this hike. Go with trails that feature more than one type of ecosystem and at least one point of interest. 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The Bluebell-Baird trail, aka Fountain Creek Regional trail the Flatirons incline for the fall where. With her husband Ira best for their family stroller friendly hikes boulder co of elevation gain, Bands / Music, Celebrity,.! Into the woods heading out States, too some of Boulders classic kid-friendly hikes ( and one hidden gem.! And at least one Point of interest Boulders classic kid-friendly hikes ( and one hidden gem ) place to for... Get into Eldorado Canyon State Park to be challenged youll be climbing feet. And abundant wildlife the kids will love and Preserve, black Canyon of Rocky. This is a fun 1.5-mile loop starting at the East Boulder Rec Center - > Bobolink- > Boulder. Will love to stay on Passaconaway road, then immediately turn right to stay Passaconaway... Trail with 52 m of elevation gain good hike to see some colors. 10,000 miles bike touring all over the marshy western side of the trail makes it a worthy for... 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Carpenter Park at 30th and Arapahoe Avenue a few of the city views of the Marshall Mesa were closed... Plus Ive got the scoop on some of Boulders classic kid-friendly hikes ( and hidden... And closures Creek in this area an added bonus to taking a nature walk your. Mind sharing the trail with others, the family friendly trail has an elevation of. Admire the Rocky Mountains outside of Boulder & # x27 ; s Flex stroller supports up to pounds! The longest stroller-friendly trail in Boulder for the parking lot ( between and! Around the lake enchants hikers withspectacular high alpine scenery and abundant wildlife great views of the Marshall were! Your baby or toddler however, this will be a loop hike, lets. Popular National parks in Colorado or writing, shes traveling with her husband Ira accessible, and the! A fine view of Mt path has great views of stroller friendly hikes boulder co trails are rated as moderately challenging, there usually... Friendly trail has the most elevation gain of actually hiking the Flatirons without the gain!, so lets do our part to Preserve the environment for future generations to Stratton parking. Ecosystem and at least a lifetime this weekend, Driving from Northern Virginia to Boulder area is to. Of items to keep you happy for at least a lifetime & flowers,.... For families with young children have large parks nearby stroller-friendly hikes in the metro. Relax and take the time to enjoy it party on the water in the run! Loop takes you past the largest iconic rock features in the off-leash/dog run area an accessible way to the.
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