One great option is a water bladder that fits inside of a backpack or baby carrier. Be on the lookout for the occasional bike, or grab your own, but stick to the designated areas. Camping Nearby, Creek / River, Shaded Hike, Viewpoint, and Wildlife Viewing, Fee : Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. From Boulder Canyon in the west to the Stazio Ballfields in the east, people find access points to explore Boulder at their own pace. Boulder Creek is a 5.5 mile path starting near downtown Boulder and extending up towards the mountain. A few areas with rocks and also a small stream to cross.. a bit bumpy. Beyond that, the family friendly trail is mostly paved, wheel chair and stroller accessible, and follows the creek through Boulder. The Arapahoe Pass Trail leads to Lake Dorothy, a beautiful alpine lake. Be sure to give yourself some extra time for scrambling around on the countless rock features in the area! https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/OSMP_Accessible_Trails_Guide-WEB-1-201602011129.pdf, All other suggestions still welcome though! This is also a very popular route for bike commuters to use on their way to and from work. Directions Share Activity Difficulty Length Suitability More filters 1 Top trails ( 6) Easy 4.4 (865) #1 - Boulder Creek Multi Use Path I did see that about the road to Brainard. AllTrails provides an extension option on the trail but our kids honestly end up in the spot we highlight in the photo. It is typically 2 to 5 feet wide (with some wider passing spaces). Informative signs spaced along the trail share information on the flora, fauna, and human history. Parents pushing strollers or walking with preschoolers share this mostly paved path with bicyclists, walkers, rollerbladers, and runners. While reaching the summit of many of the peaks require some climbing or mountaineering experience, Bear Peak is a strenuous but accessible option. This trail can be taken as an out-and-back route to the overlook about 100 yards to the west along the trail, or users can continue to do the full loop. The trail is wheel chair accessible and completely flat. Templeton Gap Trail 4.5 miles one way, connects to the west end of Palmer Park. 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. Where to go: There are two things to keep in mind when choosing a trail for a family hike: (1) Focus on the cool factor. We recommend checking out Devils Thumb, Lost Lake, Jasper Lake, Woodland Lake, the King Lake Trail, and the Diamond Lake trails as well. Fowler Trail is probably the best mix of canyon views and glimpses of the rock climbers. 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. It's not easy being a trail on the edge of America's most fit community. Before you get to the top, youll pass remnants of the historic Crags Hotel. Look for tubers floating down the creek during the summer months. Hike details are sourced and have been hiked by families who participate in our community. Sam Schild spends most of his time outside. The middle of the trail ends at May Point which is an excellent place for a picnic. You get a lot of use. This hiking trail starts at the Long Lake trailhead. I like to take my five year old here for dates with a picnic, as there are about 7 or 8 picnic tables. The Evergreen Lake and Trail is part of Dedisse Park, which includes places to fish and rent boats. Cottonwood Creek Trail 6 miles one way. They not allowed south of the gate on South Boulder Road. The structure houses the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a world-class research facility specializing in earth system science. The trailhead behind NCAR leads to a spaghetti bowl of excellent trails. Required fields are marked *. Briargate Trail 1.25 miles one way, connects to Candleflower Park. By starting with easier terrain, parents can assess what's best for their family. Top Boulder Day Hikes. If a trail has been abandoned by the initial owner, it gets adopted by the team. 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? Recommended by Nicole H, publisher of Macaroni Kid Colorado Springs. What is the longest stroller-friendly trail in Colorado? Trying to think of some up here have you been to Mud Lake? 702 E Boulder St, Suite 200 Red Rocks Trail at Settlers Parkis a 1-mile loop that encircles the large sandstone formations at the western edge of town. #1 - Davidson Mesa Loop Trail Davidson Mesa Length: 3.3 mi Est. We are the voice of Boulder. The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is a popular trail located in Eldorado Canyon State Park, just south of the city. This guide was built with a generous 3-year partnership with. If you park at Cottonwood Creek Park / YMCA, there are several great loops. All the while, youll have spectacular views of the Colorado Front Range. ), 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). 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. 2.4 Flatiron Vista. Did we miss your favorite? It ends at South Boulder Creek, which is a good place for a dip in the summertime. 2.5 Flagstaff Realization Point. 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. Brainard Lake? The trail surface is concrete or a natural (dirt) surface. An out-and-back to the summit is only 0.7-miles total and would suit all ages. Sometimes its so busy here that you cant even get into the park during the weekend. Interpretive displays present information about the ecosystem. Enjoy the dramatic views of Long's Peak, Mt. This is a commuting corridor, so expect to share the trail with runners and bikers. From the parking area, cross the road and head into the woods. You may see a golden eagle soaring over the hogback hunting small mammals, snakes, or birds. Children and adults alike can learn about weather, climate, sun-earth connections and more with interactive exhibits. With a limited number of parking spots at the trailhead on Baseline Road, consider arriving early on weekends and during summer months. The main trailhead is located 5 minutes west of Boulder, CO and includes free parking. From Mallory Cave to Fern Canyon to Bear Peak, NCAR is a launching point of a great menu of epic Boulder hikes. It is also possible to reach Gregory Canyon via the Bluebell-Baird Trail. Number of designated accessible spaces: unclear; When trekking through Boulders open space and parks, be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for wildlife encounters. It has a slight incline for the first half and then loops around for an easy downhill hike for the second half. Facebook@TrailsAndOpenSpaceCoalition . This trail begins at the 4th of July Trailhead, at the end of the unpaved 4th of July road. Bobolink is a 3.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back. (updated 10/2018), Restaurants with a past.. dining options with a history. Hike it Baby Trail Guide is managed by the Family Trail Guide team. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. 2.6 Chautauqua Park. Thanks for the recommendations, cbrand and Babalax! Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade. Once youve made it to the park, look out for the parking area. 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. Hodgeback Trail 3.5 miles loop Park at 31st, Red Rock Rim Trail/Hogback Valley/Lion Trails/ Red Rock Rim Note: Lion Trails forks and becomes a difficult trail! So much so, I often say it's hard to find a bad trail to hike on. Boulder. Or, just take your time on the main loop. The trailhead is located right at the end of county road 80. This trail sits at the beginning of Boulder Canyon. Sanitas Valley trail https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/mount-sanitas-trailhead, Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Nature Trails Loop @ Chautauqua. Start at the East Boulder Rec Center -> Bobolink->South Boulder Creek Path. lovely flat-ish trail that goes out to Marshal Rd. There is a parking fee for non-residents of Boulder. Huge THANK YOU to Hike it Baby for providing information for this page! At the top, a spur trail leads 0.2 miles down along the ledge to an overlook. When Sandy Bornstein isnt trekking in Colorado or writing, shes traveling with her husband Ira. 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. We recommend hiking up to the Continental Divide from the lake. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 200 scenic trails in the Boulder area. Each of these areas are adjacent to Fountain Creek and connected together by the Fountain Creek Regional Trail, aka Front Range Trail. 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. The slow and steady climb up Sanitas Valley to the East Ridge Trail is a less-trafficked and more manageable climb to the gorgeous Mount Sanitas. Sign up for our FREE weekly email with Boulders best events, concerts, happy hour deals, comedy shows and more. Sanitas Valley trail https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/mount-sanitas-trailhead, Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Nature Trails Loop @ Chautauqua. 3. 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. Go with trails that feature more than one type of ecosystem and at least one point of interest. 16 and 29.2 miles east of Rt. More info: evergreenrecreation.com. Below are the best of the best. Kids want to see something cool giant boulders, a creek, an historical site, or an amazing view. Its enough to make you hang up your pack and call it quits till theyre 18. Shame because we had family visiting and I wanted to take them there last weekend. This 1.4 mile loop trail is all-terrain stroller friendly and has great views of rock formations. Many trails include stretches of full sun, which can be especially draining at high altitude. Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Know their abilities and limits. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The Boulder area is home to enough awesome hiking trails to keep you happy for at least a lifetime. Once youre hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, youll get views of the massive canyon walls around you and Colorados eastern plains behind you. 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. The best place to hop on the trail is Eben G. Fine park. $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. This trail is rocky and challenging. Both cement and dirt trail options and good for biking or walking. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Fishing is permitted, but be aware that state fishing regulations are applicable at this site. Mesa Verde National Park is home to 2 stroller-friendly trails with an average 4.4 star rating from 540 community reviews. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Teller Farms Trail. Teller Farms Trail. On some days, it is possible to see hang gliders and paragliders sailing overhead. It's quieter than other nearby trails, but sadly, dogs are not permitted. It can be accessed from the visitor center where bathrooms and water is available. Why Your Kids Will Love It: The rocks are the main draw here. He has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Colorado Trail, among countless other shorter trips. According to AllTrails.com, the longest stroller-friendly trail in Boulder is Boulder Creek Multi Use Path. Which stroller friendly trail has the most elevation gain in Boulder? This trail is narrow compared to other urban trails, but it still has plenty of room for a stroller. 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. (New 10/2018), Is it CU or UC? It connects to a number of other trails and with multiple trailheads it is easily accessible from many parts of the city. It can be pretty hot during the summer, but there is enough shade to keep you cool enough. The Boulder Mesa Trail is a moderately difficult hike that stays on relatively smooth terrain most of the way. Best Camping Knife for Outdoor Adventures, Best 4-Person Tent For Camping [2023 Update], How to Use a Fire Starter: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide, How to Dispose of Butane Cans (and Other Solvents), Best Hikes in Colorado: 17 Incredible Trails, Types of Backpacks: The Ultimate List of 23 Pack Styles, Info and tips for each of our favorite trails, A selection of easy, family hikes and challenging, all-day adventures. Hike it Baby is not responsible for any injuries that occur while hiking the trails covered in this guide. 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. 4.5 miles one way, connects to the west end of Palmer Park. You can also hike to the summit of this mountain via the Green Mountain loop trail and Chautauqua trail. And the seasonal ditch is a great place to cool off on the way down. Its OK, parents weve all been there. Parent category for Interviews, Bands / Music, Celebrity, Independent . Rock Island Trail 6 miles one way. It's flat, wide, and great for all ages. . Be sure to bring a daypack with extra trail snacks and water bottles. Thank you for the other suggestions! Trail runs northsouth along Shooks Run Creek. Last update on 2023-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. And who doesnt love some good old-fashioned peak bagging? 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. Generally the best tip is pay attention to your and your kids urine. When finished exploring the ledges, return to the trail and continue down the other side of the loop. South Boulder Creek trail south of Hwy 93, Thinking of more trails up here. Thanks, Babalax! Its an iconic playground for climbers, adventurers, photographers, and families. , 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail transitions between pavement and dirt. The mornings and just before sunset are also the least trafficked times on the trails. Seasonal closures may occur due to muddy conditions. Plenty of other paths and sidewalks at the park if you want to extend your walk. The middle of the trail ends at May Point which is an excellent place for a picnic. Front Range Trail Pikes Peak Greenway aka Front Range Trail is about 16 miles total. From the split, you will start to see many small boulders along the trail. (2) Keep it doable. This partially-paved, family-friendly loop trail has great views of interesting rock formations such as the Siamese Twins. The path is half paved and half gravel mountain trail. Wildflower Park 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. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It is just two and a half miles long and is mostly paved. The trail itself follows one side of the canyon, steadily climbing and then descending. If it is dark, drink even more water. (There is another segment in Falcon). Park at the Yucca Flats Trailhead. more. But with the elevation gain, youll quickly see the trees thin out. It doesnt have to be this way. School age children may appreciate the signage on the short Walter Orr Roberts Trail and some of the rock filled trails heading toward the foothills. What or who is Ralphie? PARENT CATEGORY FOR SEGMENT / GUIDES, REVIEWS, NEW RELEASES, DESIGNER INTERVIEWS, OUTFIT GUIDES, SEASONAL GUIDES. 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