You want them to feel successful on the hike so theyll be excited to do it again in the future. There's a 1.25-mile hiking trail and dogs on leash are welcome. From this amazing location, hikers can access several trails, picnic areas, restrooms, the Flagstaff Nature Center, and the Sunrise Circle Amphitheater. Explore one of 76 easy hiking trails in Boulder or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. On a clear day, dont miss the opportunity to capture wonderful images of Boulder and the surrounding area. Youll start at a small trailhead along Flagstaff Road, where youll inevitably see a road cyclist or two grinding up the pavement. Check the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks website for current conditions and closures. Families with younger children or inexperienced hikers can turn around where the Valley trail meets the East Ridge trail. Be sure to bring a daypack with extra trail snacks and water bottles. 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. Its not much farther, and youll get views of Winter Park and the many surrounding peaks. Decades after I first came to this college town as a student, I still stop on trails to capture images. Length: 3.10 mi. Shame because we had family visiting and I wanted to take them there last weekend. 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. Hike it Baby is a national nonprofit with the tax ID 81-0969124 / Mailing address: 9450 SW Gemini Dr #36457 Beaverton, Oregon 97008 / 2019, Trail Information and Pictures provided by NH Family Hikes, {{current_weather.dt | moment( atts.date )}}, This error message is only visible to WordPress admins. 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. 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. Youll likely see a lot of deer on your hike as well. Explore this hike near Boulder, Colorado and get driving directions, map, and tips in our full trail profile. Hiking Bear Peak from this side would be an 8-mile out-and-back hike. Don't forget your sturdy shoes, layers, snacks, and plenty of water! Getting here requires braving a long and bumpy gravel road, but once you've made it, the trail is great. Also, the tires come air-filled for that all-terrain experience. Along the way, there are plenty of rock outcroppings, boulders, caves, and more to explore. If you don't mind sharing the trail with others, the views are magnificent. Even better, the stroller uses Lunar ultra-reflective fabric for safety, even in the dark. Mesa Valley Trail 3 miles out and back. Beware of rattlesnakes. 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. The facility provides state of the art resources to universities including supercomputers, research aircraft, sophisticated computer models.. Multi-use perimeter trail is open to all non-motorized users, including equestrians! Children and adults alike can learn about weather, climate, sun-earth connections and more with interactive exhibits. Boulder, Colorado is a wonderful place to introduce children to a natural habitat adjacent to an urban environment. Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade. This is a loop hike through the woods with lots of large, interesting boulders. You do have to pay an entrance fee to get into Eldorado Canyon State Park. How to Pack a Backpack Are You Doing it Right? Coot Lake (add some distance by going past Boulder Res). We create immersive & educational family travel experiences. Hike to Bear Peak via the Shanahan Trail to see what the foothills of Boulder are all about. But with the elevation gain, youll quickly see the trees thin out. However, this will be a loop hike, so youll see more diverse scenery. Map for 5k route. However, not all trails work well for strollers. Another mostly flat option with memorable views of South Boulder Creek and the foothills is the 2.5-mile Bobolink Trail. This true gem of Boulder hiking is right outside of town, but because of its location it can get pretty crowded. After a 0.2 mile walk, the trail splits into a loop. The only setback is the long, winding drive up Flagstaff Road, but the payoff is incredible. A little bit of climbing results in rewarding views at Red Rocks from the Settlers Landing trailhead. You wont quite hike to the divide on this hike, but when you get to the top youll be looking straight at it. Both cement and dirt trail options and good for biking or walking. It's open with not much shade. This is a paved trail around a neighborhood area that connects to many other greenways in the area for a longer trip. Boy Scout Trail is a fun 1.5-mile loop starting at the Flagstaff Nature Center. Adams Open Space & Metcalfe Park 2.5 miles out and back. 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. There is still a missing section (about a mile) between the Northern and Southern segments at Stetson Hills; 5 miles refers to only the Southern Section. The hike climbs up to an overlook of the Continental Divide. Check out the suggested hikes below to find the best fit for your group. Children also see a combination of streams, open waters, prairie grasslands, foothill woodlands and shrubs. Which stroller friendly trail has the most elevation gain in Boulder? 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. Boulder. There will be snow on the trail if it has fallen recently. But this water was snow and ice until recently, so be prepared for a cold plunge! Get a preview of. The Evergreen Lake and Trail is part of Dedisse Park, which includes places to fish and rent boats. 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). If you're looking for a leisurely stroll around a small lake without much shade, consider the Wonderland Lake Loop trail. 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. In a meadow setting, these trails offer wonderful views of Boulders majestic Flatirons. Brainard Lake? From Mallory Cave to Fern Canyon to Bear Peak, NCAR is a launching point of a great menu of epic Boulder hikes. Alli serves on the board of the PLAY Boulder Foundation and she's the co-founder of Boulder Hiker Chicks. Front Range Trail, aka Fountain Creek Regional Trail. I don't always need it, but some days it's nice to have. A few areas with rocks and also a small stream to cross.. a bit bumpy. more. Bobolink is the most accessible family friendly hike near Boulder. The views from atop are spectacular. 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. I don't always need it, but some days it's nice to have. Average trail width: 6 feet; There is a lot of wildlife to spot on the cliffs. Trails located within a Park or Open Space, John Venezia Park 2 miles of interior sidewalks. When she's not hiking or running on Boulder's trails, Alli is hitting the water with her standup paddleboard. Sanitas Valley trail https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/mount-sanitas-trailhead, Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Nature Trails Loop @ Chautauqua. Youll encounter some giant stairs and plenty of switchbacks before the rock scramble to the top. Directions Share Activity Difficulty Length Suitability More filters 1 Top trails ( 6) Easy 4.4 (865) #1 - Boulder Creek Multi Use Path The ponds are an ecologically restored site that was a gravel pit mine until the 1960s and is now a wildlife sanctuary. It's possible to extend this short adventure by taking the Cherryvale Trail or the South Boulder Creek Trail. Visitors to the city can take advantage of 45,000 acres of city-owned open space land and over 150 miles of trails. Then reality sets in and youre dealing with nonstop protests, multiple meltdowns, and a massive headache. Kids want to see something cool giant boulders, a creek, an historical site, or an amazing view. TOSC is a 501(c)3 organization, tax ID #84-1156471. It is typically at least 4 to 6 feet wide (with some wider passing spaces). To lessen the likelihood of dog-bear encounters, Boulder has imposed dog-leash restrictions on numerous trails from August 15 through November 1. Devil's Head Lookout may not be the most scenic hike in . The mornings and just before sunset are also the least trafficked times on the trails. This hike is a great one for the fall, where youll be able to catch lots of fall colors. Boulder Creek is a 5.5 mile path starting near downtown Boulder and extending up towards the mountain. Boy Scout Hike at Flagstaff Nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY: EASY STROLLER FRIENDLY: NO. 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. :). The trail can be extended with more options from the lake's north shore (see below). Trail Details: You can also hike to the summit of this mountain via the Green Mountain loop trail and Chautauqua trail. Since this is so close to the city, its a very popular trail. 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. The Nighthawk Trail is the only one exclusively reserved for hiking, allowing for some solitude in an area loved by mountain bikers. This self-guided hike takes you through some of the most magnificent lands in the park. If you have city slicker kids who fancy themselves as rock climbers though, its the perfect hike. Parking lot surface: paved. There are two ways to get to the top of this prominent Boulder mountain. Golden hour photos are mind boggling. This is not a great hike for toddlers unless you have a carrier because there are a few rather steep and slick rocks. Informative signs spaced along the trail share information on the flora, fauna, and human history. There are several spots to stop along the creek for a picnic or a dip. Easy, paved, stroller and family friendly. In Boulder, the Boulder Creek Path west of Eben Fine up the canyon. You do have to pay to park at the Chautauqua Park trailhead, though. Due to the decreased oxygen, you will breath more and there is moisture loss in each breath. 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. Address: 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453 Parking: There is a large parking lot located at the trailhead. Rare vegetation can be destroyed by people who are careless and do not respect the parks rules. Onward! ), 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). Your dream of enjoyable family hiking can be a reality. From the parking area, cross the road and head into the woods. Here are a few of the best stroller-friendly hikes in the Denver metro area! This canyon is very popular and features plenty more hiking trails to explore. You can get a great look at the castle from this route, though. After 0.6 miles of climbing (since the loop junction), the trail comes out to a small ledge from which you can look up at your destination. (2) Keep it doable. There is no award for Parent Who Overcame the Most Obstacles While Hiking With Their Kids. Wait for a day when everyones feeling good and the weather is reasonably pleasant. The path is half paved and half gravel mountain trail. Below is a list of the best hikes in no particular order. For your family adventure, consider childrens ages, athletic ability, and capability to adapt to a higher altitude. The view itself includes some minor rock scrambling that the kids will love. You will be hiking along the North St. Vrain Creek. It's a nice, easy trail that's good for the whole family. Soon enough. Thank you for the other suggestions! Boulder is Colorado's outdoor playground - a trendy, friendly, fun city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Brainard Lake? Chautauqua Park is also very busy on the weekends and in the evenings, so if youre looking for solitude, we recommend hiking this mountain from the west side. 3. Follow the beautiful South Boulder Creek past grazing cattle and spot wildlife of all kinds on this marvelous trail. Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com. Last update on 2023-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Did we miss your favorite? Parts of the Marshall Mesa were temporarily closed after the devastating Marshall Fire in December 2021. If you have only a few days in Boulder, it can be challenging to select the best trails from the long list of options. 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. Fiscal Sponsors. Wonderland Lake Loop Trail is just under 2 miles long and is not a very strenuous hike. $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. Drive down this road, past the parking area on the right and across the covered bridge. This is an impressive hike in Eldorado State Park to the south of Boulder. Plenty of other paths and sidewalks at the park if you want to extend your walk. 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. Trail runs northsouth along Shooks Run Creek. 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. What is the longest stroller-friendly trail in Colorado? The rule of thumb is your body will lose twice as much fluid at altitude than it will at sea level. " - Moderate Trails "We're Up for a Challenge!" - Difficult Trails Looking for more trail options? The trail to the top of Green Mountain from the west side is short and doesnt have that much ascent. The scenic drive on Canyon Boulevard is a bonus. Beyond that, the family friendly trail is mostly paved, wheel chair and stroller accessible, and follows the creek through Boulder. Note: The actual trailhead begins in a neighborhood with very little parking. Accessibility: There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the small paved parking lot off of West Byron Place at the northwest end of the trail. This trail is rocky and challenging. Driving South on Highway 93, visitors will spot the parking lot and trailhead for Flatiron Vista. 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