Check out Melinda's top 5 local hikes for bringing along her bigs and little in the carrier. Follow along as this mom of 3 boys/photographer/adventurer hits the outdoors in Colorado with her kids and solo - a local inspiration!
Top five hikes for carriers, toddlers, & big kids
Melinda Humphries
Anne U White Trail - Boulder
3.2 miles, 485 elevation gain - out and back. Easy/moderate kid trail. This an interesting trail for all ages as it follows a stream the whole way and has many stream and rock crossings. This trail is the ultimate summer trail as it's shaded and kids can play in the water as they go. We like to have a picnic midway and play in the water. We love it because it's a fun one for the big kids and the little ones too. It's popular for a good reason, try to get there before 10:00 am for parking. If there's no parking the turnover is quick so wait it out! It's a pretty one!
Tenderfoot Trail - Boulder
1.6 miles, 200 elevation gain - out and back. This trail is a flat and easy hike with incredible views the entire way - a favorite one for us. You begin the hike at Flagstaff Mountain (Realization Point) and hike along a gorgeous path with overlooks and trees. It's a well-shaded path for hot days and is on the west side of the mountain which helps with the morning heat. It will get quite hot in the afternoons. My two-year-old loves this one and usually hikes this whole one on his own. There's a fun overlook with rocks midway for the kids to play on too. Parking is $5 for the day at the trailhead.
Red Rocks Trail - Boulder
1.2 miles, 377 elevation gain - loop trail. Easy/moderate hike with great views for adults and a good adventure for kids. This trail starts out working its way up a hill until you get to the rocks. Once at the rocks, my kids like to play and scramble up them. There are many places to hang out and check out the views of Boulder and the mountains while the kids play. Both my toddler and older boys love this trail. Parking at Centennial Trailhead is busy, but the turnover is quick, especially in the mornings as most people are trail running. If you'd like to make it a harder hike with a carrier the Anemone Loop is a great addition for more of a challenge and makes it about 4.4 miles. This trail also has the best views and is super fun.
Fowler Trail - Eldorado Canyon
4 miles, 410 elevation gain - out and back. A long and easy trail for the kids. Start this trail within Eldorado Canyon and hike from west to east. This is an out-and-back with most sights a little past the midway point. Huge rock faces are all around as you walk. This is a level and easy-to-navigate trail. If you have tiny kiddos hold their hand at the beginning, some areas drop off to the left of the trail. Weekends are not a great time to hike here as it's a popular place for rock climbing and hiking - for good reason! I recommend going on a weekday morning and getting a timed reservation. After summertime, reservations aren't required which is nice and the trail is pretty empty!
Skunk Canyon - Boulder
2.8 miles, 580 elevation gain - loop trail. Easy/moderate trail kid trail. This is a perfect hike if you want to hike near and around Chautauqua and get the views without the crowds of that area. This trail is a hidden gem in Boulder. It's a harder hike for little kids, however, it's a good one for bigger kids and adults with carriers. Wear sunscreen and hats as half of the trail is in the sun. The other half is shaded with trees. The hike is beautiful, with great views of the Boulder front range and lower fields. If you'd like to split off this trail mid-way you can at the Kholer Mesa trail and hike the Chautauqua trails for longer hikes. Parking is super easy and is in a neighboring community with ample spots as it's a lesser-known trail! It's a fun one and a gorgeous one!