What was your favorite hike as a kid?
I remember mine. It was at Brainard Lake in the Pawnee Wilderness. Every free loop on my belt had a knife hanging from it. I wore them proudly with my camo-pants around the campground, carving walking sticks and gutting brookies I caught out of South Saint Vrain Creek behind our campground. It was my first time to Colorado. It was like a world from my dreams, what I imagined Narnia would look like. Beautiful flowers were blooming everywhere. Squirrels dragged pine cones up into the trees and dropped them on us, chirping at us for our rude intrusion on their territory. I still remember the smell of those pine trees.
The next time I returned to this campsite to hike, was with my wife. We were on our one year anniversary. It was just as I remembered with the exception of a local hippie from Ward, Colorado. We found him peeing on our tent because he thought I took his camping spot. But these are the great stories you bring back from vacation.
If you have the opportunity to take your family to Colorado, here are five great hikes your kids are sure to love:
Brainard Lake
Hiking up to Pawnee Pass is a hike that can be as long as you want it to be. There are multiple lakes to stop at and enjoy the view and even a small waterfall, so you don’t feel bad turning around and heading back to camp. Every stop is a destination. Since the mountains face the east and the sun isn’t hitting that side of the mountain as much there is usually snow around the peaks, which also adds a cool breeze as the westerly winds blow down the valley. I am partial to this hike because it holds memories for me. You can tell that it has done the same for others because the campground and recreation area at the trail head has grown since I was young. This is about an hour and a half drive from Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins, which means it may fill up quickly on the weekends.
Sapphire Point Trail
This is a short hike that won’t get many complaints from younger kids because they will thoroughly enjoy it. The trail circles the mountain with no major incline or decline. Along the way, you will come to an overlook at which many hikers stop to take photos, but what people don’t plan for is the horde of squirrels and chipmunks waiting on them to drop their trail mix as they snack and shuffle around taking pictures. Bring some nuts and raisins along, let the kids feed them, and watch the fun begin. You may not think it, but chipmunks can hold their own against squrrels. Have your phone ready and record your kids having a blast.
Rifle Falls Park
Rifle Falls is a good three and a half hour drive from Denver, but if you are camping in the area it is worth the trip. The falls are beautiful and their constant flowing creates a mist that waters the ground, giving it a luscious green color. Underneath the falls is a system of caves that are fun for both kids and adults to explore. What makes this area so great for kids is the hatchery that is just above the falls at which the kids can feed and watch the fish. Their are multiple hikes of varying lengths to take around the falls.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
This is a short distance from Colorado Springs, near Manitou Springs. It is a paved path that is easy to walk with many places to stop and take photos with the family. This hike is tailored for parents letting their kids burn off some energy from a long car ride. There are a lot of spots to stop along the hike for kids who like to climb on boulders and chase lizards, while parents can sit down, snack, and enjoy the view and fresh mountain air. I really like taking photos here either in the morning or especially at sunset. The orange light from the setting sun seems to make the rocks glow. If you are a climber or like watching people climb, this is the place to go as well. If you wish to climb you must make proper arrangements in advance.
Blue Lakes Trail
This is a short hike that ends at multiple waterfalls overlooking Blue Lakes and is great for throwing rocks in the lake and climbing large boulders. Blue Lakes Road is a short drive south of Breckenridge on a switch back on the way up to Hoosier Pass. Drive past Blue River and Quandary Peak trail head till you get to Blue Lakes. The trail crosses the Monte Cristo Creek and leads up the south side of the lakes. Bring some food and have a picnic with the family on the large boulders next to the waterfalls. If you get lucky you will see wild mountain goats grazing on the mountain grass.
