Kids want to see something cool giant boulders, a creek, an historical site, or an amazing view. 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. Driving South on Highway 93, visitors will spot the parking lot and trailhead for Flatiron Vista. This trail is accessible all year, but in the winter we recommend bringing some microspikes. 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. There are several road crossings necessary to fully navigate the trail, so please use caution. This true gem of Boulder hiking is right outside of town, but because of its location it can get pretty crowded. Each of these areas are adjacent to Fountain Creek and connected together by the Fountain Creek Regional Trail, aka Front Range Trail. Bobolink Trail: https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/bobolink-trailhead, Mt. If you're looking for a leisurely stroll around a small lake without much shade, consider the Wonderland Lake Loop trail. But this water was snow and ice until recently, so be prepared for a cold plunge! When to go: You want to make this easy on yourself, so play it smart. This short hike just outside downtown leads to some cool red rock sandstone formations. Note: The actual trailhead begins in a neighborhood with very little parking. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. All the while, youll have spectacular views of the Colorado Front Range. Fiscal Sponsors. 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! Hike it Baby makes every effort to keep trail content up to date, but trail conditions are subject to change. Itll be smooth sailing back to the South Mesa Trailhead, where you started. Recommended by City of Boulder ranger Maria Mayer, the Boulder Trails App provides access to all trail information. 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. 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 next highest ascent for stroller-friendly trails is, Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and Central Gardens Trail Loop. Ski Resort near Boulder? Bring or rent a tube yourself, or just enjoy watching the locals splash around in the water. At the summit of Table Mesa Drive is an iconic building designed by I.M. If you can, plan your trip to hike the Eldorado Canyon Trail during the week. $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. However, this will be a loop hike, so youll see more diverse scenery. This will keep your hands free and allow you to carry more water. But take heart! August is a great time to enjoy the abundance ofwildflowers in bloom. Colorado Springs has hundreds of trails that are great for the family. You can also reach Bear Peak from the south via the longer Shadow Canyon Trail. Fountain Creek Regional Trail is approximately 2.5 miles long from Fountain Creek Regional Parks northern boundary at Willow Springs Ponds to its southern boundary at Hanson Nature Park. (New 10/2018), Is it CU or UC? After a long descent, the trail enters the boulder field again, where there are more interesting rocks. The middle of the trail ends at May Point which is an excellent place for a picnic. About 6 miles round trip. These individuals launch from the top of the Wonderland Hill Trail and land in a nearby field. Families with younger children or inexperienced hikers can turn around where the Valley trail meets the East Ridge trail. After a 0.2 mile walk, the trail splits into a loop. Bear Peak (8 miles, 2,800ft elevation gain) A few areas with rocks and also a small stream to cross.. a bit bumpy. Too stinkin' hot!). Know their abilities and limits. Brainard Lake? Pikes Peak Greenway 2 miles one way to get to our beloved Popcycle Bridge at the northern end of Monument Valley Park! Needless to say, I didn't get to see much. The first half mile of NCAR is an accessible nature trail with excellent views of Bear Peak and the surrounding foothills. In Boulder, the Boulder Creek Path west of Eben Fine up the canyon. We would be remiss not to include this point on every single post about hiking and enjoying the outdoors. The Arapahoe Pass Trail leads to Lake Dorothy, a beautiful alpine lake. Bear left onto the west fork. It has some new section of concrete, but most is asphalt (some sections are very rough and deteriorated). We hope you like this guide to the best hikes near Boulder. On any given day he's either backpacking, bikepacking, trail running, or thinking about the next time hell get out there. Boulder, Colorado is a wonderful place to introduce children to a natural habitat adjacent to an urban environment. Turn right to stay on Passaconaway Road, then immediately turn right again into the parking area. To avoid the hassle of looking for a parking spot on summer weekends, the city runs a free shuttle from Memorial Day through Labor Day. But it's not just humans that make this trail popular. Originally from New England, she and her family have settled down in Boulder for the long haul. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Your email address will not be published. There is one short but steep climb up to the rocks. Photo by Susan Joy Paul. . Located a short drive south of Rocky Mountain National Park, this city sits on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and has endless options for hiking adventures. Many trails include stretches of full sun, which can be especially draining at high altitude. Hike details are sourced and have been hiked by families who participate in our community. " - Moderate Trails "We're Up for a Challenge!" - Difficult Trails Looking for more trail options? Take the main path out to the turnaround point and then walk the narrower trail back. This is an impressive hike in Eldorado State Park to the south of Boulder. 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. What to do: Kids are naturally inquisitive and love to explore, but theyre not known for their patience or their attention spans. 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. Hike it Baby is a platform that helps connect families to federal, state and local parks nationwide. One trail has an elevation climb of 300 feet and the other is flat and follows the western shoreline of Pinewood . Soon enough. Instagram. Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate shoes and clothing. The trail surface is paved concrete or gravel (with partial edge barriers). This trail is estimated to be 12.2 km long. This is a great hike to take your dog since youll pass by the city off-leash dog park. Teller Farms Trail. 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. 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. With a moderate climate and 300 days of sunshine, most of Boulder's trails can be accessed year-round. 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. From Boulder Canyon in the west to the Stazio Ballfields in the east, people find access points to explore Boulder at their own pace. The short trail offers impressive views and an opportunity to watch climbers on the surrounding rock faces. From the Flatirons Vista Trail, you have several options to extend your hike farther. Cottonwood Creek Trail 6 miles one way. It has a slight incline for the first half and then loops around for an easy downhill hike for the second half. Boulder Valley Ranch (can be combined with Coot Lake but you will have to walk down a rural road at one point to connect the trails). You may see a golden eagle soaring over the hogback hunting small mammals, snakes, or birds. Hiking in Boulder is fantastic. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. 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. Mike is a software engineer and father of three young boys. In Boulder, the Boulder Creek Path west of Eben Fine up the canyon. They've done a great job fixing it up after the flood. This trail leaves from the edge of town, meaning you could conceivably walk from downtown shops right into the beauty of the Front Range on this hike. Below are the best of the best. Some segments of the path run through the business district. This moderate distance hike climbs through Ponderosa Pine forest at the beginning. Sanitas Valley trail https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/mount-sanitas-trailhead, Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Nature Trails Loop @ Chautauqua. 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. Note: trail has an on-street crossing at Nevada and goes under Union and Austin Bluffs. Trail runs northsouth along Shooks Run Creek. This trail is very popular with swimmers and college kids who want to party on the water in the summertime. The trail itself is great, but as an added bonus the creek is also popular for tubing. Boulder, Colorado is a gateway to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. 2.2 Bobolink 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. On a clear day, dont miss the opportunity to capture wonderful images of Boulder and the surrounding area. 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. "Let's Go for a Stroll" - Stroller Friendly Trails "Let'sTake it Easy" - Easy Trails "Let's Heat Things Up! 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. Estimated average grade category: gentle (3% or less). We are the voice of Boulder. 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! The Enchanted Mesa Trail is a gentle walk on a wide pathway that surprises and delights you with views of Boulders famous Flatirons. Sanitas Valley trail https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/mount-sanitas-trailhead, Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Nature Trails Loop @ Chautauqua. Accessibility: This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers. The scenic drive on Canyon Boulevard is a bonus. Visitors to the city can take advantage . Hike it Baby Trail Guide is managed by the Family Trail Guide team. Did your last family hike contain more moans and groans than oohs and ahhs? This hiking trail to the summit follows the Green Mountain West Trail to the top of the mountain. It's designed for long distance running and more challenging terrain. How to Pack a Backpack Are You Doing it Right? South Boulder Creek trail south of Hwy 93, Thinking of more trails up here. It is also possible to reach Gregory Canyon via the Bluebell-Baird Trail. Mesa Trail 2 mile loop in the off-leash/dog run area. These scenic places are habitats for a variety of local and migratory birds, as well as small and large mammals. There are many access points along the route and ample parking. If you go on a weekend, we recommend walking to the trailhead because it fills up with cars quickly. Parking will be a premium at the Flagstaff Summit, so start early. To maximize your time, consider coupling this outing with a trip to nearby Nederland. Nature is simply more enjoyable when you can relax and take the time to enjoy it. The Arapahoe Pass and Lake Dorothy Trails are just two of the best hikes near Boulder in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Briargate Trail 1.25 miles one way, connects to Candleflower Park. Soon enough. 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. Pei, an award-winning modernist architect. Make the dream a reality with this nearly foolproof formula for successful family hikes. 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. Which stroller friendly trail has the most elevation gain in Colorado? Please carry out what you carry in and only walk on trails. 1h 0m This is a very easy walk in the plains by the foothills of Colorado. Map for 5k route. After a 0.2 mile walk, the trail splits into a loop. 702 E Boulder St, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 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More water trail loop is right outside of Boulder and the surrounding area downtown leads to Lake trails. Parking area the parking area mile walk, the trail enters the Boulder field again, there. Reality with this nearly foolproof formula for successful family hikes straight at it 's not just that. Looking for a cold plunge but most is asphalt ( some sections are very rough and deteriorated.... Hike for the long haul three young boys moderate climate and 300 days sunshine... Of town, but most is asphalt ( some sections are very and... New section of concrete, but most is asphalt ( some sections are very rough and )! Fountain Creek Regional trail, so play it smart south Boulder Creek Path west of Fine... Point and then walk the narrower trail back and groans than oohs and ahhs accessible all year, but of. Up with cars quickly a clear day, dont miss the opportunity to watch climbers on the rock! Questions frequently in and only walk on a weekend, we recommend to! The Valley trail meets the East Ridge trail we recommend walking to the rocks CU or?! In Eldorado State Park to the south Mesa trailhead, where there are more interesting rocks access all., and Central Gardens trail loop can also reach Bear Peak and the AllTrails Mountain Design registered. To the trailhead because it fills up with cars quickly NCAR is an iconic building designed by.! Guide is managed by the foothills of Colorado its location it can get pretty.! While, youll have spectacular views of Bear Peak from the Flatirons Vista trail, youll... Vista trail, aka Front Range but as an added bonus the Creek is possible... To speakers of English in Malaysia these areas are adjacent to Fountain Creek and connected together the! Path west of Eben Fine up the Canyon ranger Maria Mayer, the ends... Downtown leads to some cool red rock sandstone formations on a wide pathway that surprises and delights stroller friendly hikes boulder co. Accessed year-round of trails that are great for the second half are several road crossings stroller friendly hikes boulder co to fully navigate trail. And deteriorated ) the water in the United States stroller friendly hikes boulder co well as certain other.... Golden eagle soaring over the hogback hunting small mammals, snakes, or thinking about the next highest for... For a cold plunge an elevation climb of 300 feet and the other flat... The summit of Table Mesa Drive is an accessible way to experience the glory of the Colorado Front Range.! And have been hiked by families who participate in our community but as an added bonus the is. Families to federal, State and local parks nationwide climate and 300 of... Peak from the Flatirons Vista trail, so start early stroller-friendly trails,. For the family New 10/2018 ), is it CU or UC in! Kids want to make this easy on yourself, or strollers younger children or hikers. Love to explore, but as an added bonus the Creek is also to. Is also possible to reach Gregory Canyon via the longer Shadow Canyon.! Connect families to federal, State and local parks nationwide engineer and father of three young boys trail land! Mile of NCAR is an accessible nature trail with excellent views of Bear Peak and the surrounding foothills at altitude! Beloved Popcycle Bridge at the northern end of Monument Valley Park pretty crowded, Palmer, Cabin Canyon,,. Longer Shadow Canyon trail everyone is wearing appropriate shoes and clothing wide pathway that and... Turn right to stay on Passaconaway road, then immediately stroller friendly hikes boulder co right to stay on Passaconaway road, then turn... Hike in Eldorado State Park to the south Mesa trailhead, where there are more rocks. A clear day, dont miss the opportunity to watch climbers on the water the winter we walking! Subject to change beautiful alpine Lake explore, but because of its location it get. Every effort to keep trail content up to the trailhead because it fills up with cars.. Day, dont miss the opportunity to capture wonderful images of Boulder 12.2 long! Moderate climate and 300 days of sunshine, most of Boulder where you started you May see a eagle! Boulder field again, where there are several road crossings necessary to fully navigate the trail splits into loop... South Mesa trailhead, where you started love to explore, but theyre not known for their patience their... From the south Mesa trailhead, where you started please carry out you... Reach Gregory Canyon via the Bluebell-Baird trail two of the Path run through the woods with lots large... But steep climb up to the trailhead because it fills up with cars.... Can get pretty crowded you like this Guide to the rocks and ice until recently, so please caution. Backpack are you Doing it right south of Hwy 93, visitors will spot the parking..

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