FunColoradoHikes Blog

This is an intriguing opportunity for anyone who enjoys hiking, history and archaeology!

Have you ever visited Mesa Verde National Park? If you have, you know what an amazing archeological site it is. If you have not visited, you have surely seen photos of its ruins.

This year is the Centennial Year of Mesa Verde National Park. In celebration, the park is opening two backcountry trails to visitors. These trails lead to ruins that have not been open to the public since the 1930’s and earlier.

Oak Tree House and Mug House are the two backcountry hike destinations that are being offered to visitors. Hiking to these destinations makes for a mysterious and adventuresome hike for the whole family. The trails are rugged and are not for the faint of heart. However, children are welcome to hike with their parents. These are ranger-guided day hikes and have some restrictions because of the frailty of the sites and rough terrain.

There is a limited number of hikers allowed and each hiker must register ahead of departure. This can be done online or on the phone. Click here to see the Mesa Verde Special backcountry hikes for 2006!

This is the opportunity of a lifetime to hike and see the archaeological discoveries that have been closed for decades! Take the whole family - hike for a day in Mesa Verde!

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado, Hiking Trails
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After seeing the Fun Colorado Family Hikes website, a friend called and asked me if I knew of a good camp site where she could take her family. She and her husband have several small children and wanted a sure and safe, yet convenient place to camp.

The first place I recommend without hesitation is Golden Gate Canyon State Park. It offers a large number of camp sites with the conveniences of bathrooms, picnic tables, ranger visits, etc. And you are in the mountains!!

We have spent some time camping there with little kids and, though it is not total wilderness like we sometimes imagine camping should be, it was just right for our family. With little kids, bathrooms are essential. And it is nice to have the car close by for storage, naps, rainy nights, etc.

The park is BIG. There are many good hikes with great views throughout and there is a visitor center. It’s a kid friendly park.

We plan to do some camping here this summer to practice for some backcountry camping later in the season.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a Colorado State Park so expect to pay entrance and site fees - and it is a good idea to call ahead for camp site reservations, it is a popular park. Enjoy your outdoor experience!!

Posted by funhikes under Family Hiking Tips
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Traveling to Colorado by car this summer? See it all from the comfort of your family car!

If you want to see a lot of this beautiful state, or any state for that matter, check out touring it by car.

Make frequent stops for rests, meals, exercise, or photo shots all along the way and cover hundreds of beautiful miles all in one day!

We have planned a trip like this through Colorado, making a huge loop and returning home by dinner time. We really enjoyed the scenery, visiting a state park for a short hike and eating in some quaint cafes at the top of the world.

My favorite and most memorable scenic byway through Colorado is called the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. This one leads through Leadville, Vail, and Redcliff all very distinct towns nestled in the Rockies.

Take in all the beautiful scenery in one day - or maybe make it a weekend trip! Check out the official Colorado Scenic Byways Website for all of Colorado’s highways and byways!

Get out your map, pack up the family, and enjoy the scenery!

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado
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If you and your family are planning a vacation to Colorado this summer, don’t forget to plan at least one day mosying in the mountains. There is so much to do. Hiking is as easy as hopping in the car with a small amount of gear and spending a day out in the beautiful forests and mountains.

If you are coming from out of state, plan a hike. The only extra gear you will need to spend some time on the trails may be water bottles, jeans, jackets, hats, and a good map! It’s not a lot of extra packing.

Spend part of your day hiking and the other part exploring some of Colorado’s most charming mountain towns. Some of our favorites are Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Breckenridge, Evergreen and Vail!

Georgetown has its very own railroad open to the public for 1 hour rides, a main street nestled at the base of several mountains, Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep viewing stations, and awesome Guanella Pass next door.

Idaho Springs has a quaint main street with shops and eateries - and Mt Evans Hwy next door.

Breckenridge has old silver mining town charm, concerts, hiking, lots of biking options and Lake Dillon next door.

Evergreen has a small main street with shops, ice cream and Evergreen Lake that offers fishing, paddle boats, and canoes for rent.

Vail is renowned for it’s Swiss Alps-like charm and for its beautiful and abundant surroundings!

Take your pick! There’s a lot more to do than that! And everywhere you go, you can find a great trail for you and your family!

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado, Family Hiking Tips, Hikes
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