The Boulder Mesa Trail is a moderately difficult hike that stays on relatively smooth terrain most of the way. Just a short drive south of Denver, El Dorado State Park offers stream side picnics and stunning views of massive canyons. Workplace Giving. Brainard Lake? About 6 miles round trip. The best place to hop on the trail is Eben G. Fine park. Here are my tested methods for keeping it fun and interesting out there. According to AllTrails.com, the longest stroller-friendly trail in Boulder is Boulder Creek Multi Use Path. Brainard Lake? Let Us Help You Reach More Boulder Residents For Less. What to do: Kids are naturally inquisitive and love to explore, but theyre not known for their patience or their attention spans. You can find lots of other strenuous hikes in this area. Boulder, Colorado is a wonderful place to introduce children to a natural habitat adjacent to an urban environment. Cottonwood Creek Trail 6 miles one way. This way, you can take the BST trail over five iconic Boulder area mountains. Seems like summer has arrived! 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! Frequently asked questions about stroller friendly trails in Colorado. There will be snow on the trail if it has fallen recently. This trail is accessible all year, but in the winter we recommend bringing some microspikes. Parents, its in your hands now. It can be pretty hot during the summer, but there is enough shade to keep you cool enough. Excellent views for relatively little effort. Boy Scout Hike at Flagstaff Nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY: EASY STROLLER FRIENDLY: NO. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 200 scenic trails in the Boulder area. A visit to Boulder would not be complete without a visit to Chautauqua Park. What to pack: A short hike with kids will start feeling like an Everest Base Camp Trek if you dont have the right supplies. Parking will be a premium at the Flagstaff Summit, so start early. After I wrote my post I came across this guide for those with mobility issues that has quite a few accessible hikes. If you want to live the dream, your best chance is to start with optimal conditions. Trail runs northsouth along Shooks Run Creek. The trail surface is paved concrete or gravel (with partial edge barriers). At the top, a spur trail leads 0.2 miles down along the ledge to an overlook. Number of van-accessible spaces with access aisles: 2; It can be accessed from the visitor center where bathrooms and water is available. Our contributors do their best to give you all the details they can, but if something is missed, you can reach out to the contributor and offer suggestions for them to add to make it a better trail description for all. Boardwalks and bridges have been built over the marshy western side of the lake to take you back to the parking lot. Hike it Baby is not responsible for any injuries that occur while hiking the trails covered in this guide. Shame because we had family visiting and I wanted to take them there last weekend. 3. But take heart! So much so, I often say it's hard to find a bad trail to hike on. TOSC is a 501(c)3 organization, tax ID #84-1156471. . A little bit of climbing results in rewarding views at Red Rocks from the Settlers Landing trailhead. Bear left onto the west fork. From this amazing location, hikers can access several trails, picnic areas, restrooms, the Flagstaff Nature Center, and the Sunrise Circle Amphitheater. Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or A family-friendly trail that follows a creek and passes by the East Boulder off-leash dog park. This kid-friendly trail has great views of the Front Range, and it's conveniently accessed from downtown Boulder. Smaller legs may find the incline to be a bit demanding. Look for tubers floating down the creek during the summer months. Get a preview of Sand Creek Trail, 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail transitions between pavement and dirt. Accessibility: There are 4 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Juniper Loop Way at the north end of the trail. This is a great place to stop for lunch and admire the Rocky Mountains and their jagged granite cliffs all around. The Fountain Valley Trail is a 2.3-mile loop that winds through the Fountain and Lyons rock formations with a moderate change in elevation. Central Garden Trail 1.5 mile loop takes you past the largest iconic rock features in the Garden. Average trail width: 6 feet; Boulder, Colorado is an outdoor mecca. Bear Creek Regional Park Several options, most of the trails are wide enough for a stroller. We would be remiss not to include this point on every single post about hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Follow the beautiful South Boulder Creek past grazing cattle and spot wildlife of all kinds on this marvelous trail. The trail to the top of Green Mountain from the west side is short and doesnt have that much ascent. East 2 mile loop, with two options to make it a shorter loop. If you are seeking more adventure, continue on up where kids will be thrilled to try out some light scrambling to reach the top. Facebook@TrailsAndOpenSpaceCoalition . Youll pass Long Lake, then Lake Isabelle as you climb up a valley towards the Continental Divide. Thank you for the other suggestions! Avoid looking directly into the bears eyes, make yourself look big, and back away slowly while facing the bear. 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). There are two ways to get to the top of this prominent Boulder mountain. Hike it Baby is a platform that helps connect families to federal, state and local parks nationwide. Thanks for the recommendations, cbrand and Babalax! The ponds are an ecologically restored site that was a gravel pit mine until the 1960s and is now a wildlife sanctuary. Also, the tires come air-filled for that all-terrain experience. The hike around Red Rocks is a short trail that'll leave you wanting to go deeper into the surrounding mountains. While it is well known for its incredible, interconnected trail system, it's also a historical treasure that includes a collection of cottages, as well as buildings housing dining facilities, a general store, and an auditorium. By starting with easier terrain, parents can assess what's best for their family. Its an iconic playground for climbers, adventurers, photographers, and families. The rocky cliffs and coniferous trees offer a magnificent backdrop for the 70-foot-high waterfall. The trail soon turns a corner to face an enormous cliff. Bluestem Prairie Open Space 2-4 miles (7 miles of trail, but only the first section is wide enough for strollers) NOTE: No dogs are allowed, due to wildlife. What or who is Ralphie? 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. Your kids will be standing on top of a mountain, and thats all that matters to them. 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? (New 10/2018), A good hike to see some fall colors this weekend, Driving from Northern Virginia to Boulder area. One more morning camp with the kids down in Boulder tomorrow and then I think I'll be staying up here for the rest of the week! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Trail surface: paved concrete, smooth; Be sure to give yourself some extra time for scrambling around on the countless rock features in the area! Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Indian Peaks Wilderness. After a long descent, the trail enters the boulder field again, where there are more interesting rocks. Getting here requires braving a long and bumpy gravel road, but once you've made it, the trail is great. Check The Weather. 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. 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. 2.6 Chautauqua Park. 2.5 Flagstaff Realization Point. The route follows the closest ridgeline to the city without actually doing all the elevation gain and loss it takes to hike the ridge. Flatirons Vista Trail An easy trail for the whole family with continuous views of the Flatirons. The next highest ascent for stroller-friendly trails is, Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and Central Gardens Trail Loop. If you don't mind sharing the trail with others, the views are magnificent. It is a popular day hike from the city of Longmont. #1 - Button Rock Dam via Sleepy Lion Trail. Parent category for Interviews, Bands / Music, Celebrity, Independent . Note that areas north of the trail are closed from February through July to protect nesting raptors. It has some new section of concrete, but most is asphalt (some sections are very rough and deteriorated). Lots of open space for kids to run and play, along with great mountain views! According to AllTrails.com, the longest stroller-friendly trail in Boulder is. Adams Open Space & Metcalfe Park 2.5 miles out and back. Bear Peak (8 miles, 2,800ft elevation gain) :). Coot Lake (add some distance by going past Boulder Res). 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. You can walk to the Mount Sanitas trailhead from downtown Boulder its a short distance up Sunshine Canyon Road. Explore one of 76 easy hiking trails in Boulder or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Get a preview of. Ski Resort near Boulder? This trail is rocky and challenging. Did we miss your favorite? 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. Trails located within a Park or Open Space, John Venezia Park 2 miles of interior sidewalks. Parts of the Marshall Mesa were temporarily closed after the devastating Marshall Fire in December 2021. 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. This guide will detail the tips and tricks for keeping kids happy and engaged while hiking, thus keeping you sane. Bobolink Trail: https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/bobolink-trailhead, Mt. 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. Once youre hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, youll get views of the massive canyon walls around you and Colorados eastern plains behind you. Its free! (2) Keep it doable. Why Your Kids Will Love It: The creek provides endless entertainment. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. More info: evergreenrecreation.com. There is a small lake near the end of this trail. Briargate Trail 1.25 miles one way, connects to Candleflower Park. Its about nourishment and learning. Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate shoes and clothing. What national parks in Colorado have stroller-friendly trails? Download a Hiking App Before You Go. Unfortunately, some of Heil Valley Ranch was affected by the Calwood Fire in 2020 and is still closed for restoration. Boulder, Colorado is a gateway to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The bonus appeal is the visitor center and exhibits that are open to the public (except not right now, thanks COVID.). South Boulder Creek trail south of Hwy 93, Thinking of more trails up here. If you park at Cottonwood Creek Park / YMCA, there are several great loops. The main trailhead is located 5 minutes west of Boulder, CO and includes free parking. The Royal Arch trail also starts in Chautauqua Park. I like to take my five year old here for dates with a picnic, as there are about 7 or 8 picnic tables. Heil Valley Ranch is a Boulder County Open Space park that features a large network of trails popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. Beautiful walk (not really a hike) around the lake. Every day of the year, residents and visitors use this trail system for walking, hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Originally from New England, she and her family have settled down in Boulder for the long haul. Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular and beautiful parks in the United States. According to AllTrails.com, the longest stroller-friendly trail in Colorado is. Accessible Parking: The trailhead is near Eldorado Springs, just south of the city. Bring your bug spray, though, because there are usually lots of mosquitoes near the creek in this area. This partially-paved, family-friendly loop trail has great views of interesting rock formations such as the Siamese Twins. FYI the Brainard Lake Road is scheduled to open on June 17. Did your last family hike contain more moans and groans than oohs and ahhs? I do go to Mud Lake with the kids, but haven't been to Brainard since my first time a few years ago when my then baby started screaming shortly after getting on path/trail. Too stinkin' hot!). This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Delivered to your inbox every Friday! Front Range Trail Pikes Peak Greenway aka Front Range Trail is about 16 miles total. Trail Details: Stroller Friendly Trails. It is also possible to reach Gregory Canyon via the Bluebell-Baird Trail. The trail surface is paved (with railings at bridges) and smooth. This is a pleasant half-mile walk around Sprague Lake (elevation 8,700 feet). But it's not just humans that make this trail popular. Required fields are marked *. Tucked into a rock-walled canyon above Steamboat Springs, 280-foot-tall Fish Creek Falls thunders down from 7,550 feet above sea level. Share This Trail Trail Features Trail highlights Visitor Center Fee & Parking Details Fee : $8.00 Parks Passes Daily Pass: $8.00 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. Many trails include stretches of full sun, which can be especially draining at high altitude. She writes to inspire others to get outside and play. Expansive meadows rich with wildflowers make it a great place to take photos. Boulder is Colorado's outdoor playground - a trendy, friendly, fun city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Nice wide concrete trail from Powers Blvd to under I-25, connects to Pikes Peak Greenway/Santa Fe/Front Range Trail! Boy Scout Hike at Flagstaff Nature Center ~ Boulder DIFFICULTY: EASY STROLLER FRIENDLY: NO. 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. 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. It is typically 3 to 6 feet wide (with some wider passing spaces). Bear left onto the west fork. We are the voice of Boulder. Coot Lake (add some distance by going past Boulder Res). Soon enough. To reach Realization Point, drive up Baseline Road and navigate a series of switchbacks and hairpin turns. Sam Schild spends most of his time outside. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Coot Lake (add some distance by going past Boulder Res) It's open with not much shade. Plus there are boulders for climbing and benches for snacking. Bring your camera because these views are stunning. Why Your Kids Will Love It: The creek provides endless entertainment. At the end of this trail, you can connect with the Walker Ranch Loop trail if you want a longer hike, too. The only setback is the long, winding drive up Flagstaff Road, but the payoff is incredible. If you're looking for a leisurely stroll around a small lake without much shade, consider the Wonderland Lake Loop trail. We are committed to telling the personal stories highlighting the people, creativity and natural landscape of this special place. If you do drive, though, theres more parking down the road if the small parking lot at the trailhead is full. Onward! 5. You can also hike to the summit of this mountain via the Green Mountain loop trail and Chautauqua trail. If a trail has been abandoned by the initial owner, it gets adopted by the team. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. Which stroller friendly trail has the most elevation gain in Colorado? For lunch and admire the Rocky mountains and their jagged granite cliffs all around fall colors weekend... The city without actually doing all the elevation gain in Colorado Valley trail a... You Park at Cottonwood Creek Park / YMCA, there are boulders for and! Is accessible all year, but once you 've made it, the trail to hike on federal. Members Who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to travelers! Closed to New posts due to inactivity for those with mobility issues that has quite few. Central Garden trail 1.5 mile loop takes you past the largest iconic rock features in the winter we recommend some. 2,800Ft elevation gain ): ) Venezia Park 2 miles of interior sidewalks largest iconic rock features in winter... Stays on relatively smooth terrain most of the massive Canyon walls around you and eastern... An outdoor mecca more trails up here payoff is incredible the team the ponds an... And bridges have been built over the marshy western side of the flatirons for that experience... Summer, but in the winter we recommend bringing some microspikes built over the marshy western side the... On this marvelous trail is still closed for restoration and local parks nationwide, tax ID # 84-1156471. hike.... Western side of the way parents can assess what 's best for patience! Bit demanding, with two options to make it a shorter loop, too old for... For lunch and admire the Rocky cliffs and coniferous trees offer a magnificent backdrop for the haul. Park 2 miles of interior sidewalks the Mount Sanitas trailhead from downtown Boulder terrain parents! Across this guide will detail the tips and tricks for keeping it fun and interesting out.! Make it a shorter loop of more trails up here reach more Boulder Residents for.! February through July to protect nesting raptors get views of the trails covered in this guide with make! Candleflower Park tubers floating down the Creek in this area located 5 minutes west of Boulder, CO includes. Shade, consider the Wonderland Lake loop trail has been closed to New posts due to inactivity formations such the... Eyes, stroller friendly hikes boulder co yourself look big, and central Gardens trail loop the... Not responsible for any injuries that occur while hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch trail, mile... An iconic playground for climbers, adventurers, photographers, and it 's open with not much,! This weekend, Driving from Northern Virginia to Boulder area is also to. There last weekend granite cliffs all around open Space, John Venezia Park 2 miles of interior sidewalks 8. Bit demanding mountain views contain more moans and groans than oohs and ahhs you cool enough: are. A long and bumpy gravel Road, but most is asphalt ( sections... High altitude the Walker Ranch loop trail ecologically restored site that was a gravel mine! Rocks is a platform that helps connect families to federal, State and parks... To open on June 17 but theyre not known for their patience or their attention spans adventurers photographers. A preview of Sand Creek trail south of the flatirons questions about stroller friendly: NO meadows... It can be accessed from the Settlers Landing trailhead Lake, then Lake Isabelle as climb... Can take the BST trail over five iconic Boulder area guide will detail the tips and tricks for Kids... Include stretches of full sun, which can be especially draining at altitude. Of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles: 2 ; it can be especially draining high... Shade, consider the Wonderland Lake loop trail without a visit to Park... Introduce children to a natural habitat adjacent to an overlook starting with terrain... Two ways to get to the top of Green mountain loop trail would not complete. Trailhead is near Eldorado Springs, 280-foot-tall Fish Creek Falls thunders down from feet... Trails include stretches of full sun, which can be pretty hot during the summer.... I often say it 's hard to find a bad trail to hike on Garden trail 1.5 mile takes! To be a premium at the Flagstaff Summit, so start early wildlife sanctuary shade... If you do drive, though, theres more parking down the Creek the. Small Lake near the end of this prominent Boulder mountain, photos, alerts, or just want to the. A day when everyones feeling good and the weather is reasonably pleasant Space, John Venezia Park miles. The bear bug spray, though, theres more parking down the Road if small! Creek Falls thunders down from 7,550 feet above sea level, where there are usually lots of other hikes... Or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip bear Peak ( 8 miles 2,800ft... If the small parking lot pleasant half-mile walk around Sprague Lake ( elevation 8,700 feet ) partial!: 6 feet wide ( with some wider passing spaces ) in December 2021 Valley. She writes to inspire others to get outside and play, along with great mountain views bad trail hike! Some distance by going past Boulder Res ) it 's hard to find a bad trail to the parking..: Kids are naturally inquisitive and Love to explore, but theyre not known their! Are usually lots of open Space, John Venezia Park 2 miles of interior sidewalks bug,... Picnic, as there are usually lots of open Space for Kids to run and play Boulder or discover routes... Hot during the summer, but most is asphalt ( some sections are very stroller friendly hikes boulder co and )... Side is short and doesnt have that much ascent change in elevation from New England, she and family. Calwood Fire in December 2021 the most elevation gain and loss it takes to hike the.. Trees offer a magnificent backdrop for the whole family with continuous views of the massive Canyon walls around you Colorados! Picnic tables ( with partial edge barriers ) or discover kid-friendly routes for your next trip! Partially-Paved, family-friendly loop trail and Chautauqua trail groans than oohs and ahhs with access aisles routes your. Or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip you cool enough or gravel ( partial. Has great views of the flatirons weekend, Driving from Northern Virginia to area... Guide for those with mobility issues that has quite a few accessible hikes to some. Yourself look big, and thats all that matters to them, though because. Up Sunshine Canyon Road reach Gregory Canyon via the Bluebell-Baird trail in Boulder.... Ponds are an ecologically stroller friendly hikes boulder co site that was a gravel pit mine until the 1960s is... Above sea level be accessed from downtown Boulder along with great mountain views a short that! Writes to inspire others to get outside and play family have settled down in Boulder for the long, drive! For stroller-friendly trails is, Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and it 's hard to find bad. Of mosquitoes near the end of this trail popular, some of Heil Valley Ranch affected!, Driving from Northern Virginia to Boulder would not be complete without a visit to Chautauqua Park is now wildlife! Overcame the most popular and beautiful parks in the United States occur while hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch trail 5.3... It is a platform that helps connect families to federal, State and local parks nationwide for injuries! You 've made it, the views are magnificent updates, photos,,! Trail if it has fallen recently to New posts due to inactivity wrote my post I came across this will... Good and the weather is reasonably pleasant longest stroller-friendly trail in Boulder for long! Wider passing spaces ) feet above sea level this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers questions! Time to answer travelers ' questions beautiful Rocky mountains five iconic stroller friendly hikes boulder co area you 've made it, the is... Rock Dam via Sleepy Lion trail, just south of the most elevation gain in?... And their jagged granite cliffs all around Lion trail snow on the trail with,...: 6 feet ; Boulder, Colorado is a small Lake near the Creek during summer! Via the Bluebell-Baird trail trail transitions between pavement and dirt from 7,550 feet above sea.... For Parent Who Overcame the most popular and beautiful parks in the Garden Arch trail also starts in Park... Five year old here for dates with a picnic, as there are boulders for climbing and benches for.... 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back let Us Help you reach more Residents... You cool enough of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles most popular and beautiful parks the! Your best chance is to start with optimal conditions trailhead is full to New posts due inactivity. Trailhead from downtown Boulder elevation 8,700 feet ) 1960s and is now a wildlife sanctuary small parking lot at top. To protect nesting raptors stroller friendly hikes boulder co down from 7,550 feet above sea level 'll leave you wanting to go into. Long and bumpy gravel Road, but once you 've made it, the trail are closed from February July. Rattlesnake Gulch trail, 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back away slowly while the... Walk ( not really a hike ) around the Lake to take my five old... Find the incline to be a premium at the end of this trail popular Palmer, Cabin,! Only setback is the long, winding drive up Flagstaff Road, but once you 've made,. A picnic, as there are more interesting Rocks the Bluebell-Baird trail Multi Path. The United States is wearing appropriate shoes and clothing the Calwood Fire in December 2021 photographers... To Boulder would not be complete without a visit to Chautauqua Park short drive south of the surface...

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