FunColoradoHikes Blog

Trail Difficulty: Moderate.

Trail Length: Section: 2 miles round trip

Trail Description: Rocky Mountain National Park’s trail map includes the Alpine Ridge Trail (beginning at Milner Pass/Poudre Lake).  It is a gradual climb through forest with peeks of the surrounding Rockies.  The trail is reminiscent of a hike you might find in the northwestern U.S.  It is lush and green with shady sections.  Wooden stairs occasionally lead you up the mountain. 

The Alpine Ridge Trail connects the Alpine Visitor Center to the Milner Pass parking area.  Check your map. We started at the Milner Pass end and hiked in about an hour before turning back. Restrooms available at trailhead. 

 Milner Pass is on the Continental Divide (water flows to the Pacific on one side and to the Gulf of Mexico on the other).

Picnic Spot Recommendations: We would recommend eating at the picnic ground at Lake Irene, just a couple minutes down the road from Milner Pass.  It offers tables, a short trail to the lake, and restrooms.

Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes once inside Rocky Mountain National Park. How to get there: From Estes Park take Hwy 36 into the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Visitor Center is a good stop to make too.  At the park entrance get a map and follow Hwy 36 which turns into Trail Ridge Rd. After passing the Alpine Visitor Center keep your eyes open for Poudre Lake and Milner Pass.

Posted by funhikes under Hikes,Hiking Trails,Rocky Mountain National Park Recommended Hikes
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Bierstadt Lake Trail

We love to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. We have done several trails in the park with our kids. Most are moderate to easy and all of them have wonderful scenery. Some of those that we like best are Deer Mountain Trail, Alluvial Fan Trail, Bierstadt Lake Trail (saw a moose on that one), Alberta Falls Trail, Alpine Ridge Trail (south section).

Posted by funhikes under Hikes,Hiking Trails,Rocky Mountain National Park Recommended Hikes
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Lily Pad Lake Trail is a great 3.5 round trip easy-grade trail for the whole family – fun, scenic and an area full of wildlife (namely beavers, as well as elk and perhaps moose). Less than 90 minutes drive west of Denver. The hike leads to lower Lily Pad Lake and upper Lily Pad Lake.

Experience some of Colorado’s famous wilderness; with beaver ponds along the way.

If you will be in summit county this summer, make the drive to the Lily Pad Lake Trail. Click here for more details and driving directions.

Posted by funhikes under Hikes,Hiking Trails
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State Parks Hat

Whether visiting Colorado for the first time or living here year-round, the hikes near Denver never get old! Visit a new trail or hike an old favorite. One of our favorites in Golden Gate Canyon Sate Park is Raccoon Trail (through trees and some meadow; 2.5 mile loop with views from Panorama Point; easy enough for the kids).  The park also offers really good camping for families – I prefer Aspen Meadow campsite area because it is less crowded and is tents-only .

For more info about Golden Gate Canyon State Park click the park’s link below.

GOLDEN GATE CANYON STATE PARK

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado,Family Hiking Tips,Hikes,Hikes Near Denver,Hiking Trails
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One nice hike with good views from the top of the canyon is Rim Rock Trail. This hike is in Castlewood Canyon State Park (south of Parker). Rim Rock trail is accessible from both the west and east entrances.

Visit all of Colorado’s state parks this summer and enjoy some fantastic hiking! Great for family hikes near Denver. We like to hike Barr Lake State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Castlewood Canyon State Park best of all. These are close to Denver and are great for the kids! Buy a parks pass here.

Castlewood Canyon Views From the Top

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado,Family Hiking Tips,Hikes,Hikes Near Denver,Hiking Trails
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Colorado's Fourteeners

Colorado’s 14ers, 2nd Ed.: From Hikes to Climbs

We own these three books and really like the hiking information they present.

Colorado’s Fourteeners – From Hikes to Climbs (great for experienced fourteener climbers as well as beginners).

Best Hikes Book

The Best Hikes of Colorado – An Altitude Super Guide (excellent for the weekend hiker and those hiking with family including small children).

Colorado's National Parks and Monuments Book

The Family Guide to Colorado’s National Parks and Monuments (excellent source for families with small children – includes great info on hiking, camping, and vacation hot spots).

Posted by funhikes under Colorado Hiking Books,Family Hiking Tips,Hikes,Product Reviews
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Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado,Hikes
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As you can see from the video you will make a lot of new friends at the summit.  A friendly group and awesome view too! For more info on the hike click here.
Grays Peak from Tim Norton on Vimeo.

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado,Hikes,Hiking Trails
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How do you know what hikes are good in Rocky Mountain National Park?  Well, from our experience, it seems that all the hikes are really good and offer views.  Some are more travelled than others and some are longggg. Glacier Gorge tailhead will take you to Alberta Falls in .6 miles of easy but crowded hiking. The falls are wonderful!

If you travel in 2 more miles, you will leave the crowds behind at the falls and get another treat ending at Mills Lake. Take these hikes and be prepared with your raingear, you never know how quick clouds can chase you off the mountain.

Posted by funhikes under Hikes,Hiking Trails,Rocky Mountain National Park Recommended Hikes
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Fun Colorado Hikes Website has a list of lot of hiking trails that are great for anyone! As time goes on and we discover more good trails, we frequently list them here in the blog before they appear on the main site. So check back here for new hikes, and please, leave a comment or a hike recommendation. Hidden within the blog are: Mt. Falcon Park, Burning Bear Creek Trail west entry, Hell’s Hole Trail, Herman Gulch Trail . . .

Posted by funhikes under Family Hiking Tips,Hikes,Hikes Near Denver,Hiking Trails
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