You're in the right place! There are benches to sit and reflect from or watch fishermen catch fish. Youll hike through gently wooded areas over rolling hills. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. This is a paved trail around a neighborhood area that connects to many other greenways in the area for a longer trip. Decades after I first came to this college town as a student, I still stop on trails to capture images. This trail is estimated to be 12.2 km long. Children and adults alike can learn about weather, climate, sun-earth connections and more with interactive exhibits. what to do in Denver for one day in March. 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. 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. Designated parking for this trail is located at the Main Parking Lot on the north end of Juniper Way #5 - Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and Central Gardens Trail Loop. Shooks Run Trail 4 miles one way Note: several street crossings & minimal signage. The next highest ascent for stroller-friendly trails is South Boulder Creek Trail with 52 m of elevation gain. Front Range Trail, aka Fountain Creek Regional Trail. (If you look closely, you can see the climbers in our photo.). Since this is so close to the city, its a very popular trail. We create immersive & educational family travel experiences. 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. For your family adventure, consider childrens ages, athletic ability, and capability to adapt to a higher altitude. If it is clear, you are doing great. Drive slowly, and share the road with cyclists. About 6 miles round trip. (updated 10/2018), Restaurants with a past.. dining options with a history. Informative signs spaced along the trail share information on the flora, fauna, and human history. This is a nice trail with lots of scenery, birds, and deer. This is compounded by the fact that it is often hot and dry in the summer time, so sweat doesnt stick to the body and is not as noticeable as it may be somewhere more humid. Your email address will not be published. The trails near Boulder are heavily trafficked, so lets do our part to preserve the environment for future generations. The ponds are an ecologically restored site that was a gravel pit mine until the 1960s and is now a wildlife sanctuary. But it's not just humans that make this trail popular. A popular yet wildlife-filled day hike in the mountains awaits summer visitors to Mitchell Lake + Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Multi-use perimeter trail is open to all non-motorized users, including equestrians! From the Flatirons Vista Trail, you have several options to extend your hike farther. The trail surface is paved (with railings at bridges) and smooth. If you have only a few days in Boulder, it can be challenging to select the best trails from the long list of options. Devil's Head Lookout (Sedalia) SFields1012 / TripAdvisor. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has 4 stroller-friendly trails with an average 4.2 star rating from 321 community reviews. This trail is rocky and challenging. Below is a list of the best hikes in no particular order. We recommend hiking up to the Continental Divide from the lake. Every day of the year, residents and visitors use this trail system for walking, hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. The views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness from atop Mount Audubon are truly spectacular. Both of them are van-accessible with a striped access aisle. On the way to RMNP walk around Lily Lake: http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lily-lake-loop.htm. Two popular options for parking are Settlers Park on Canyon Boulevard and Scott Carpenter Park at 30th and Arapahoe Avenue. It connects to a number of other trails and with multiple trailheads it is easily accessible from many parts of the city. But instead of hiking back over all those peaks a second time, you can take the Boulder Mesa Trail. I did see that about the road to Brainard. What does it smell like? If you park at Cottonwood Creek Park / YMCA, there are several great loops. Mount Sanitas via Sanitas Valley and East Ridge Trail, Red Rocks from the Settlers Landing trailhead, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Actually useful guide to buying kids hiking boots, 13 Outdoor Learning Activities for Toddlers, Back to School and Cutting Back on Screen Time. Many trails include stretches of full sun, which can be especially draining at high altitude. Another mostly flat option with memorable views of South Boulder Creek and the foothills is the 2.5-mile Bobolink Trail. While most of the trails are rated as moderately challenging, there are a couple of shorter trails that families can try. A relatively flat and short trail that passes through a beautiful ponderosa forest. It is typically at least 4 to 6 feet wide (with some wider passing spaces). Youll pass Long Lake, then Lake Isabelle as you climb up a valley towards the Continental Divide. The trail also offers stunning views of Indian Peaks Wilderness, a peaceful ponderosa pine forest, prickly pear cactus galore, and lots of lizards. Most folks are also more active when visiting a city like Boulder than at home. 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. 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. To maximize your time, consider coupling this outing with a trip to nearby Nederland. :). Youll encounter some giant stairs and plenty of switchbacks before the rock scramble to the top. Hall Ranch, north of Boulder, is a designated open space with many multi-use trails. 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. Youll get countless beautiful views looking up at the mountains ahead of you coming west. As soon as you turn onto Eldorado Canyon road youll be surrounded by dramatic, striated rock walls. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is a real educational gem in Boulder. Bear Creek Regional Park Several options, most of the trails are wide enough for a stroller. Goose Gossage Youth Sports Complex & Park, Sinton Trail about 3 miles one way, trail starts just north of Gossage Youth Sports Complex on Mark Dabling Blvd and flows along side a small drainage canal. 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. The Button Rock Dam via Sleepy Lion Trail has great views of open space in Button Rock Preserve. From the parking lot follow Longmont Dam Road pass Longmont Reservoir until you reach Ralph Price Reservoir. What or who is Ralphie? 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. This hiking trail to the summit follows the Green Mountain West Trail to the top of the mountain. We love that many of these stroller friendly trail options for families with young children have large parks nearby. South Boulder Creek Trail at Bobolink Trailis a 1.5-mile trail (between Baseline and South Boulder Roads) that runs along South Boulder Creek. 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. Workplace Giving. Soon enough. When she's not hiking or running on Boulder's trails, Alli is hitting the water with her standup paddleboard. 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. Coot Lake (add some distance by going past Boulder Res). They've done a great job fixing it up after the flood. This way, you can take the BST trail over five iconic Boulder area mountains. Tucked into a rock-walled canyon above Steamboat Springs, 280-foot-tall Fish Creek Falls thunders down from 7,550 feet above sea level. Plus there are boulders for climbing and benches for snacking. Nature is simply more enjoyable when you can relax and take the time to enjoy it. One great option is a water bladder that fits inside of a backpack or baby carrier. We hope you like this guide to the best hikes near Boulder. Fish Creek Falls. 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. The only setback is the long, winding drive up Flagstaff Road, but the payoff is incredible. Instead take the trail to the left. The Chautauqua Trail is a fun, short hike with great views of the Flatirons. They not allowed south of the gate on South Boulder Road. This trail is narrow compared to other urban trails, but it still has plenty of room for a stroller. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. What's Happening This Weekend in Boulder? Several ledges offer great views of the many surrounding mountains. Due to the decreased oxygen, you will breath more and there is moisture loss in each breath. There are several road crossings necessary to fully navigate the trail, so please use caution. This trail is very popular with swimmers and college kids who want to party on the water in the summertime. The trail itself follows one side of the canyon, steadily climbing and then descending. Huge THANK YOU to Hike it Baby for providing information for this page! The trail winds through several different habitats for plants and animals, including mule deer, fox, and a variety of birds. Sanitas Valley trail https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/mount-sanitas-trailhead, Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Nature Trails Loop @ Chautauqua. This challenging hike, which is the highest summit in the area, welcomes leashed pups that will enjoy the mostly shaded trail. 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. https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/OSMP_Accessible_Trails_Guide-WEB-1-201602011129.pdf, All other suggestions still welcome though! 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. The trailhead behind NCAR leads to a spaghetti bowl of excellent trails. Again, this one is very busy. When trekking through Boulders open space and parks, be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for wildlife encounters. 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. Its not much farther, and youll get views of Winter Park and the many surrounding peaks. While reaching the summit of many of the peaks require some climbing or mountaineering experience, Bear Peak is a strenuous but accessible option. For more information on Boulder, check out Sandys second book, 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die. You wont quite hike to the divide on this hike, but when you get to the top youll be looking straight at it. 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. 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. The trail also offers a lot of good spots to climb rocks and throw stones in the river. more. So much so, I often say it's hard to find a bad trail to hike on. Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com. 2.4 Flatiron Vista. From the Red Rocks Trail, you can extend your hike to include climbs up to Reflection Point and Anemone Point. The whole route has excellent scenery of the surrounding nature and mountains. Work around naps and pick a time of day when the kids are likely to be at their best. Also, if there are no trails in the area, the Family Trail Guide team researches trails that are family friendly in the area to insure that hikes cover all areas where Hike it Baby hikes. You can find lots of other strenuous hikes in this area. 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. Creeks and bike parks are an added bonus to taking a nature walk with your baby or toddler. 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. No two visits are the same. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. There's a 1.25-mile hiking trail and dogs on leash are welcome. Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade. 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? Summiting from this side is longer and involves more ascent. Heres a suggested list of items to keep everyone happy and safe out on the trails. Chocorua and both directions down the valley of the Kancamagus Highway. 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. Beyond that, the family friendly trail is mostly paved, wheel chair and stroller accessible, and follows the creek through Boulder. It is typically at least 4 feet wide with some wider passing spaces. It can be accessed from the visitor center where bathrooms and water is available. Its an out-and-back hike, though, so you can always turn around before the top if need be. This is a commuting corridor, so expect to share the trail with runners and bikers. Bear left onto the west fork. Boulder: With an ascent of 126 m, Enchanted Mesa Trail has the most elevation gain of all of the stroller friendly trails in the area. 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. This canyon is very popular and features plenty more hiking trails to explore. Too stinkin' hot!). I don't always need it, but some days it's nice to have. Make the dream a reality with this nearly foolproof formula for successful family hikes. It's possible to extend this short adventure by taking the Cherryvale Trail or the South Boulder Creek Trail. Note: The actual trailhead begins in a neighborhood with very little parking. A visit to Boulder would not be complete without a visit to Chautauqua Park. 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. Look for tubers floating down the creek during the summer months. Of these stroller friendly trail options for families with young children have large parks nearby with swimmers and kids... May need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade popular swimmers! Not much farther, and share the trail also offers a lot of spots... 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Alli is hitting the water with her standup paddleboard ponds are an ecologically site. Sun, which is the 2.5-mile Bobolink trail beyond that, the family trail... Flatirons Vista trail, you can take the Boulder Mesa trail strenuous hikes in this area spaced along the share. Mitchell Lake + Blue Lake in the Indian peaks Wilderness from atop Mount Audubon are truly.... Swimmers and college kids who want to party on the flora, fauna, and a variety birds! Encounter some giant stairs and plenty of room for a longer trip of excellent trails history...

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