FunColoradoHikes Blog

We hiked sections of both Rawhide and Longhorn Trails at  White Ranch Open Space Park during mid summer with our 4 kids (the youngest being 4 months old). The great thing about this area is that it is just outside of Golden in the foothills. The rolling grassy meadows were beautiful at this time of year with so many different colors of grasses. And what great views of the valley!

The park is large! It has nice picnic areas with tables and covered pavillions a good distance from the parking lot.

There are plenty of trails to chose from - short or long, this park has it. Despite mountain lion sitings in past years, we hiked and kept the kids in the “hiking sandwich”. That’s our term for staying in a tight group with Dad in front, kids in the middle, and Mom with a big pack bringing up the rear. It’s the safest way we know to keep our kids from being vulnerable on the trail. Living with wildlife is a reality, take precautions and know what to do if you encounter any. [Make yourself as large as possible with your arms, clothing and packs, don't let kids run ahead or lag behind the group, never turn and run, make noise, avoid hiking in early morning or evening (hunting hours)].

Posted by funhikes under Family Hiking Tips, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails, Rocky Mountain National Park Recommended Hikes, Wildlife
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When we went to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2006, September, we hiked up to Bierstadt Lake and saw a female moose browsing for the greens in the lake.

Here is a video that took with the digital camera. Hope you like it!

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hiking Trails, Wildlife
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I have put many miles on my (men’s) Asolo FSN 95 hiking boots. I find them sticky on rock and comfortable.

“Comfortable enough for day hiking yet supportive enough for backpacking, these give you the waterproof, breathable protection of Gore-Tex® liners. Uppers feature water-resistant suede leather for support and durability, plus Cordura® nylon for reduced weight and enhanced breathability. Air-injected polyurethane midsoles sit atop Asogrip(TM) rubber outsoles for sure-footed stability and cushioning. Asoflex(R) thermoplastic insoles provide torsional stability and control while protecting against impact and bruises on rocks and uneven terrain. Reinforced toe boxes and heel counters enhance durability. ”

They are waterproof with gore-tex lining, you can basically walk through water up to the top of the boots and your feet will stay dry.

I recommend buying them a little large. Give yourself space in the toe box when you are trying them on. Then when you are hiking and your feet swell a bit (they do that) you will still have a good fit and your toes don’t cram up inside the boot.

Overall I have been very happy with this boot, I’m getting ready to buy another pair of boots, I might just get the same ones again!

Posted by funhikes under Hiking Boots, Product Reviews
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Ever been on top of a mountain at the end of a hike only to realize that you don’t have your camera?

We’ve been there. When we were engaged, we climbed our first mountain together, Mt. Bierstadt. There was not a soul at the top except for us.

Oh! how we wish we had a photo of that day to add to the beginning of our wedding album!

Well, one day, years later, when I was hiking Mt. Sherman, a young couple was in the same situation (no camera). I took a photo of the engaged couple and emailed it to them when I got home. They were so appreciative - I hope it hangs in their home now for their children to see!

Posted by funhikes under Family Hiking Tips, Hiking Trails
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Kelty Pathfinder Hiking Child Carrier
A Review:

We own this child carrier. It is our second hiking backpack for the kids. If you have read about the Kelty child carriers and seen their price, you would think that these are THE packs to have. Well, after using it for three years, we have had plenty of time on the trail with the kids in the pack and have a general review to give you.
Overall we would rate it a 3/6 stars.

It has been useful and a lot better than our old Evenflo child carrier. It works, it’s comfortable for the wearer especially when the child is younger than 2 years old.

See a lot more child carriers in our store - Fun Hikes Store.
What we like best about the Kelty Pathfinder:It’s light, It’s spacious, Padded shoulder, straps for adult and child, It has a sun/rain hood - tucks away into the pack, It looks great - nice colors, Adjusts to fit the child as he/she grows, Padded seating, Stands alone and has a self adjusting kickstand, Comes with a great detacheable backpack, Plenty of water bottle holders, Has plenty of straps for carrying jackets.
What we think could use improvement on this Kelty model: Is not comfortable when the child weighs more than 30 lbs. (When child leans, the person wearing the pack nearly tips over; shoulder staps become uncomfortable too); Is difficult to adjust for perfect comfort (for the parent); Is difficult to readjust between parent’s statures; Didn’t come with explicit, detailed instruction on adjusting the straps and backboard for different heights of adult (wearing the pack).

Do you have a child carrier that you would like to recommend, please do so! We’re looking for something that is comfortable for child and adult as well as easy to adjust.

Posted by funhikes under Hiking Back Packs, Product Reviews
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