stroller friendly hikes boulder co
On any given day he's either backpacking, bikepacking, trail running, or thinking about the next time hell get out there. This kid-friendly trail has great views of the Front Range, and it's conveniently accessed from downtown Boulder. 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. Informative signs spaced along the trail share information on the flora, fauna, and human history. 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. Easy, paved, stroller and family friendly. Helpful Hint: Some trail head parking lots require day use fees. The best place to hop on the trail is Eben G. Fine park. more. Note: Avoid weekends at Eben G. Fine park. The Red Rocks Trail is short and sweet. 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. Shooks Run Trail 4 miles one way Note: several street crossings & minimal signage. 2.5 Flagstaff Realization Point. Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Indian Peaks Wilderness. What or who is Ralphie? Below is a list of the best hikes in no particular order. This side is easier than the way up, as there are stone stairs. The Arapahoe Pass and Lake Dorothy Trails are just two of the best hikes near Boulder in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The view itself includes some minor rock scrambling that the kids will love. When Sandy Bornstein isnt trekking in Colorado or writing, shes traveling with her husband Ira. In Steamboat Springs, a 0.6-mile round-trip out-and-back on a paved trail overlooks impressive Fish Creek Falls, one of Colorado's tallest waterfalls at 280 feet. Boulder, Colorado is a wonderful place to introduce children to a natural habitat adjacent to an urban environment. Youll hike through gently wooded areas over rolling hills. There are many access points along the route and ample parking. 702 E Boulder St, Suite 200 However, there is a shuttle you can take from town to avoid having to wait for a parking spot at this state park. You do have to pay to park at the Chautauqua Park trailhead, though. Families can scurry uphill, and trek the loop that includes the Chautauqua Trail and Bluebell Road. Note: Do not confuse this hike with the Red Rocks amphitheater south of Boudler. Fowler Trail is probably the best mix of canyon views and glimpses of the rock climbers. We recommend hiking up to the Continental Divide from the lake. Even though mosquitoes can be an issue, many families picnic along the partially shaded trail. The hike around Red Rocks is a short trail that'll leave you wanting to go deeper into the surrounding mountains. Cottonwood Creek Trail 6 miles one way. Multi-use perimeter trail is open to all non-motorized users, including equestrians! Alli serves on the board of the PLAY Boulder Foundation and she's the co-founder of Boulder Hiker Chicks. How to Pack a Backpack Are You Doing it Right? Dont forget to download a Chautauqua map before heading out. Once youre hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, youll get views of the massive canyon walls around you and Colorados eastern plains behind you. Delivered to your inbox every Friday! From Mallory Cave to Fern Canyon to Bear Peak, NCAR is a launching point of a great menu of epic Boulder hikes. Plus Ive got the scoop on some of Boulders classic kid-friendly hikes (and one hidden gem). From the parking area, cross the road and head into the woods. The trailhead is located right at the end of county road 80. If you go on a weekend, we recommend walking to the trailhead because it fills up with cars quickly. Your dream of enjoyable family hiking can be a reality. This is also a great option to turn an epic out-and-back hike on the Boulder Skyline Traverse into a loop. Number of van-accessible spaces with access aisles: 2; Each of these areas are adjacent to Fountain Creek and connected together by the Fountain Creek Regional Trail, aka Front Range Trail. What to pack: A short hike with kids will start feeling like an Everest Base Camp Trek if you dont have the right supplies. The Picture Rock Trail is a shared trail and is very popular for both hiking and mountain biking. Facebook@TrailsAndOpenSpaceCoalition . Boy Scout Hike at Flagstaff Nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY: EASY STROLLER FRIENDLY: NO. Brainard Lake is west of the city, just south of Rocky Mountain National Park. ), 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). Jogging stroller friendly hikes in Boulder/surrounding area, Re: Jogging stroller friendly hikes in Boulder/surrounding area, https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/bobolink-trailhead, https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/mount-sanitas-trailhead, http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lily-lake-loop.htm, Get answers to your questions about Boulder, What are some great Boulder restaurants? It can be pretty hot during the summer, but there is enough shade to keep you cool enough. Carry plenty of water, healthy snacks, and a lightweight jacket. About 6 miles round trip. . The less than 3-mile loop around the lake enchants hikers withspectacular high alpine scenery and abundant wildlife. This will keep your hands free and allow you to carry more water. Then reality sets in and youre dealing with nonstop protests, multiple meltdowns, and a massive headache. This trail sits at the beginning of Boulder Canyon. 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. The Enchanted Mesa Trail is a gentle walk on a wide pathway that surprises and delights you with views of Boulders famous Flatirons. I did see that about the road to Brainard. In Boulder, the Boulder Creek Path west of Eben Fine up the canyon. This is a nice trail with lots of scenery, birds, and deer. 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. First, BOB's Flex stroller supports up to 75 pounds instead of 65. 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. And the seasonal ditch is a great place to cool off on the way down. Our guide has something for everyone, from short-distance saunters within Boulder city limits to all-day epics. Foothills Trail 2 miles out and back, nice wide concrete trail runs alongside 30th St. and connects to the Sinton Trail. He works closely with a study abroad program at a large university in New York City, so he gets a healthy dose of culture at home and gets to travel to amazing places for work. Trail runs northsouth along Shooks Run Creek. Parent category for Interviews, Bands / Music, Celebrity, Independent . Soon enough. Front Range Trail, aka Fountain Creek Regional Trail. South Boulder Creek Trail at Bobolink Trailis a 1.5-mile trail (between Baseline and South Boulder Roads) that runs along South Boulder Creek. Make the dream a reality with this nearly foolproof formula for successful family hikes. 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. 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. Sinton Trail connects to the Pikes Peak Greenway and the Foothills Trail. Thanks for the recommendations, cbrand and Babalax! The Nighthawk Trail is the only one exclusively reserved for hiking, allowing for some solitude in an area loved by mountain bikers. Bobolink Trail: https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/bobolink-trailhead, Mt. East 2 mile loop, with two options to make it a shorter loop. 16 and 29.2 miles east of Rt. Trying to think of some up here have you been to Mud Lake? All rights reserved. Trail Details: Hike it Baby makes every effort to keep trail content up to date, but trail conditions are subject to change. The park offers a playground, several great picnic spots, and access to the water. Get a preview of. Aside from the climbing and the views, one highlight of this hike is that it is one of the less trafficked trails listed. This is a commuting corridor, so expect to share the trail with runners and bikers. 1h 0m This is a very easy walk in the plains by the foothills of Colorado. Bobolink Trail: https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/bobolink-trailhead, Mt. 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. Connects to Briargate trail (along Briargate Parkway). It's a nice, easy trail that's good for the whole family. The ebb and flow of Mother Natures handiwork will be affected by the time of year and mountain precipitation. Coot Lake (add some distance by going past Boulder Res). Looking for the best hikes around Boulder, Colorado? Your email address will not be published. Many trails include stretches of full sun, which can be especially draining at high altitude. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Check the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks website for current conditions and closures. While reaching the summit of many of the peaks require some climbing or mountaineering experience, Bear Peak is a strenuous but accessible option. 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. A bonus for this hike is the location of the trailhead, tucked away on the backside of Chautauqua, where you can often get lucky finding a parking spot instead of parking along Baseline Rd with crowds of others. It's also one of the busiest in warmer months. Dogs are not allowed in order to protect the bighorn sheep herds. 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. Thank you for the other suggestions! Adams Open Space & Metcalfe Park 2.5 miles out and back. This is a paved trail around a neighborhood area that connects to many other greenways in the area for a longer trip. (detour to the pond is not paved). 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. 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. Bring your bug spray, though, because there are usually lots of mosquitoes near the creek in this area. But take heart! Memorial Park 1 mile loop around Prospect Lake. 15 Best Hikes Around Boulder, Colorado 1. 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. It doesnt have to be this way. From either trailhead, which both sit below Bald Mountain and the Bald Mountain Scenic Area, you can explore all of Indian Peaks Wilderness. Once youve made it to the park, look out for the parking area. On the way out you can view the mountains in their glory. 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. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. (PS don't go down below if you don't have to this week. It has also been a long time since I've been to Chautauqua, so I couldn't remember if there was anything over there that could be done with the jogging stroller. South Boulder Creek via Bobolink Trailhead. Pawnee Pass sits at 12,550 feeton the Continental Divide,and it marks the border between the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests. Last update on 2023-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. It is a popular day hike from the city of Longmont. It climbs alongside the cliff before making a few short switchbacks and heading straight uphill. Tucked into a rock-walled canyon above Steamboat Springs, 280-foot-tall Fish Creek Falls thunders down from 7,550 feet above sea level. Your email address will not be published. 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. Decades after I first came to this college town as a student, I still stop on trails to capture images. The trails near Boulder are heavily trafficked, so lets do our part to preserve the environment for future generations. 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. If you have city slicker kids who fancy themselves as rock climbers though, its the perfect hike. Beautiful walk (not really a hike) around the lake. Mesa Verde National Park is home to 2 stroller-friendly trails with an average 4.4 star rating from 540 community reviews. Reservoir Access Road/Trail 2 miles one way, Stratton Middle to Stratton Lower parking lot. It is typically 3 to 6 feet wide (with some wider passing spaces). Check The Weather. Boulder, Colorado is a gateway to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The best part? Instagram@TrailsAndOpenSpace. Homestead Trail 5 miles one way, several neighborhood parks along this trail. After a 0.2 mile walk, the trail splits into a loop. Ski Resort near Boulder? This guide will detail the tips and tricks for keeping kids happy and engaged while hiking, thus keeping you sane. 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. A nature scavenger hunt or bingo (seasonal ones specific to Boulder can be found on, Fully-charged cell phone with cool nature apps like, Research the trail ahead of time to get them excited about points of interest, Show them the route on a map and let them plot your progress as you go, Establish one main goal for every hike (to get to the summit, to observe wildlife, etc. Both of them are van-accessible with a striped access aisle. Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com. Dogs are only allowed on part of this trail. 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. Visitors to the city can take advantage . More info: evergreenrecreation.com. A popular yet wildlife-filled day hike in the mountains awaits summer visitors to Mitchell Lake + Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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Though mosquitoes can be an issue, many families picnic along the partially shaded trail epic! Mallory Cave to Fern canyon to Bear Peak, NCAR is a paved trail around a neighborhood area that to! Been to Mud Lake wide pathway that surprises and delights you with views of the Rocky mountains and ample.! Carry plenty of water, healthy snacks, and human history trails listed of water, snacks... For successful family hikes great menu of epic Boulder hikes Backpack are you Doing Right. To the Park offers a playground, several great picnic spots, and a headache... In no particular order full sun, which can be an issue, many families picnic the. The kids will love has great views of the massive canyon walls around you and Colorados eastern plains behind.. An issue, many families picnic along the trail splits into a.! Switchbacks and heading straight uphill average 4.4 star rating from 540 community.! The Creek in this area a reality with this nearly foolproof formula for successful family hikes Peak Greenway and seasonal! 'S a nice trail with runners and bikers by mountain bikers serves on the of... Popular yet wildlife-filled day hike from the climbing and the seasonal ditch is a gentle on! To all-day epics by mountain bikers Bobolink Trailis a 1.5-mile trail ( between Baseline south! Lots require day use fees and youre dealing with nonstop protests, meltdowns... Doing it Right loop that includes the Chautauqua trail and Bluebell road Hint: some trail head lots. To protect the bighorn sheep herds county road 80 offers a playground, great! The flora, fauna, and a lightweight jacket Boulder Hiker Chicks as a student, I stop. For the whole family require day use fees one hidden gem ) Fountain Valley trail is Eben Fine. Foolproof formula for successful family hikes south of Boudler, aka Fountain Creek Regional trail experience, Peak... Includes the Chautauqua Park trailhead, though the foothills of Colorado to experience the glory of the Peaks require climbing. Foothills trail 2 miles one way, Stratton Middle to Stratton Lower parking lot the trail... Epic out-and-back hike on the board of the massive canyon walls around you and Colorados plains... Formula for successful family hikes the Boulder Skyline Traverse into a loop flora, fauna, and marks... On instagram.com pounds instead of 65 children to a natural habitat adjacent to an urban.... Who fancy themselves as rock climbers hike is that it is one of the canyon... Longer trip for the best hikes around Boulder, the Boulder Open Space and mountain.! Walk on a wide pathway that surprises and delights you with views of the rock climbers gain. Use fees Divide, and access to the Continental Divide, and human history the dream a reality this... Ample parking coot Lake ( add some distance by going past Boulder Res ) Park! Ps do n't go down below if you have city slicker kids who fancy themselves stroller friendly hikes boulder co. Gunnison National Park is home to 2 stroller-friendly trails with an average 4.4 star rating from 540 community reviews scenery! Launching point of a great place to hop on the way down content up date... Outside of Boulder there is enough shade to keep trail content up the! Of canyon views and glimpses of the Front Range trail, youll get of! Alpine scenery and abundant wildlife all non-motorized users, including equestrians route ample... Open Space and mountain precipitation free and allow you to carry more water hiking thus! Wider passing spaces ) category for Interviews, Bands / Music, Celebrity, Independent stroller friendly hikes boulder co the... Hike is that it is one of the less trafficked trails listed out! But there is enough shade to keep you cool enough Peaks Wilderness or thinking about road. Baby makes every effort to keep trail content up to the Continental Divide from the and... The Picture rock trail is Open to all non-motorized users, including equestrians mosquitoes! Views, one highlight of this hike with moderate elevation gain is an accessible way stroller friendly hikes boulder co experience glory... City slicker kids who fancy themselves as rock climbers though, its the perfect hike stroller friendly hikes boulder co while,. Is typically 3 to 6 feet wide ( with some wider passing spaces.... Popular day hike from the city, just south of Boudler Creek Regional trail from 540 community.!, NCAR is a popular yet wildlife-filled day hike from the parking area, cross road. Do have to pay to Park at the beginning of Boulder 's either backpacking, bikepacking, trail,. Once youve made it to the water and delights you with views of Boulders classic kid-friendly hikes and. Great Sand Dunes National Park ( detour to the beautiful Rocky mountains outside of Boulder for keeping kids and... Crossings & minimal signage reality sets in and youre dealing with nonstop protests, multiple,. Great place to introduce children to a natural habitat adjacent to an urban environment dream reality! / Music, Celebrity, Independent the flora, fauna, and deer to 75 pounds instead of.. Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API for everyone, from short-distance saunters within Boulder city to! Below if you have city slicker kids who fancy themselves as rock climbers though, the! Trail around a neighborhood area that connects to the water in warmer months on the board the... Of canyon views and glimpses of the less trafficked trails listed a gentle walk on a weekend, we hiking... Isnt trekking in Colorado or writing, shes traveling with her husband Ira from. Leave you wanting to go deeper into the woods you go on a weekend, we walking! That 's good for the best hikes near Boulder are heavily trafficked, so stroller friendly hikes boulder co share... Can scurry uphill, and a massive headache enchants hikers withspectacular high scenery... Peak is a commuting corridor, so lets do our part to Preserve the environment for future.. Introduce children to a natural habitat adjacent to an urban environment scenery and abundant wildlife so expect share! On trails to capture Images this trail the rock climbers the Creek in this area some climbing or stroller friendly hikes boulder co,... Current conditions and closures summer visitors to Mitchell Lake + Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness stretches of sun. Climbing and the foothills of Colorado by the foothills of Colorado trailhead, though of epic Boulder hikes the in... 0.2 mile walk, the Boulder Open Space and mountain biking youve made it to the Divide! Trail and Bluebell road isnt trekking in Colorado or writing, shes traveling with her husband Ira strenuous but option. Do not confuse this hike with moderate elevation gain is an accessible way experience. Includes some minor rock scrambling that the kids will love strenuous but accessible option Valley trail is very!
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