Kid-Friendly Colorado Summer Hikes

By Bette Erickson

In this issue I am sharing a few of the Colorado trails that were my kids’ favorites when they were youngsters, short and scenic — and ideal for little legs.

Remember, though, when hiking with kids, that you will need to take your time, indulging their curiosity and their need to stop frequently. We should use the hike to foster love and respect for the outdoors, and not treat hiking like a grueling chore or something to check off on our to-do list.

Tenderfoot-Chapman Loop

The Tenderfoot-Chapman Loop on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder is a pleasant 2½-mile circuit curving and zigzagging along the flanks of Flagstaff Mountain, offering views of the Front Range, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the rear of Boulder Mountain Parks.

The aromatic coniferous forest provides a home to blue grouse, crossbills, and Albert`s squirrels, dwarfed by the spectacular Indian Peaks Wilderness Area to the west.

To the trailhead: Take U.S. 36 west to the Baseline Road exit. Turn left, and once past Chautauqua Park, take Flagstaff Road 3.3 miles and park at Realization Point. The trailhead is to the east of the parking area.

Distance: 2½-mile loop

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elevation gain: 500 feet

Horses: Yes

Fee: $5 parking fee for automobiles not registered in Boulder

Dogs: Yes, under sight and voice command or on leash

Information: bouldercolorado.gov; search Realization Point.

A stroll along Boulder’s Tenderfoot- Chapman Loop appeals to all ages and abilities. It’s a particularly pleasant outing for young adventurers. Bette Erickson/For Our Broomfield

Emerald Lake via Bear, Nymph, and Dream Lakes

A relatively casual hike, the route to Rocky Mountain National Park`s Emerald Lake, past three other lakes, climbs just 605 feet through forested terrain.

Take the trail into the forest to your south and west of Bear Lake to tiny Nymph Lake at a half-mile into the forest. Continue 0.6 mile to Dream Lake, eventually following the trail to Emerald Lake as the route climbs 250 feet to the large lake.

To the trailhead: Take U.S. 36 north out of Boulder through Lyons to Estes Park. Drive west from Estes Park to the RMNP Beaver Meadows entrance station. Follow Bear Lake Road to where it dead-ends at the parking lot, or opt for the free shuttle bus. Follow the signs for the shuttle bus parking lots.

Fee: $25 for a day park pass, or $35 for a seven-day pass. You must call in advance to schedule a timedreservation to enter RMNP.

Distance: 3.6 miles round-trip

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elevation gain: 605 feet

Dogs: No

Information: 970-586-1206

Bette Erickson writes about people, places, and events. Contact her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com.