FunColoradoHikes Blog

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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Hiking in the winter can be fun.

We hang up our hiking boots during the snowy months – it’s just too cold for the kids. But I sure could go for a hot cocoa in the middle of a smowy forest at this time of year. Like all those years ago when we went out in search of the perfect Christmas tree in the forest!

http://mindmorsel.com/

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We recently stayed a couple days in Estes Park and hiked in the park. We found one of Estes Park’s hidden wonders: Mary’s Lake Lodge. We highly recommend this place if you are staying the night.  With a long history of accomodating park visitors, it still has charm and a lot of comfort. The condos are modernly furnished, the pool is inviting, and the restaurants offer a nice ambiance. We are sure to return there again! Check it out!

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado,Product Reviews,Rocky Mountain National Park Recommended Hikes
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Want hiking boots that work, are comfortable and cost under $100? Well, here is a recommended boot by someone who has used them. Timberland Boots (Women’s Waterproof White Ledge Mid Hiker – Brown). I have owned these boots for 3 years and have hiked many miles in them.  I have found them to be just right for the day hikes that we do every weekend. They are waterproof, comfortable leather, breathable liner, tough sole – and they look good too.  They have been a great investment for me (a weekend day hiker). Probably good for serious hikes (occasional fourteeners) too.

Posted by funhikes under Hiking Boots,Product Reviews
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Hiking with a child with diabetes can be a challenge. But we discovered that as long as we have all the right supplies, and plenty of them with us on the trail, we all have a great time and the challenge becomes small. After a year and a half of living with Type 1 diabetes, we have discovered a great place to buy these great sport bracelets for our 7-year old. He doesn’t like the metal bracelets and so, like Lance Armstrong, he wears the little plastic ones. His favorite color scheme is  camoflauge – see a all their color samples here.

Posted by funhikes under Family Hiking Tips,Hiking with Diabetic Children,Product Reviews
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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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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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Another good hike for kids is at Mt. Falcon Park. One of the best perks of this park is that it is close to Denver just bordering Evergreen, Colorado. It offers an easy day hike close to home (west entry from Hwy 285 to Parmalee Gulch Rd.). Map.

This hike may not have the spectacular views that other mountain hikes offer, but it is a short drive from Denver, it is in the mountains, and it has a trail or two that are perfectly manageable for children. Castle Trail and Meadow Trail. Both are “short and sweet”.

Castle Trail offers a unique destination of old homestead ruins that once belonged to a wealthy Denverite in the early 1900′s. Kids love to explore the old castle ruins at the end of the hike and enjoy the view of the eastern plains over Denver.

Our family has visited this park for many years and have always enjoyed its open meadows and pine forests. Pack a picnic and dine at one of the many picnic tables in this mountain setting! Enjoy Your Hike!

How to get there? Take US 285 south from C-470 to the Indian Hills/Parmalee Gulch Exit. Go 5 miles on Parmalee Gulch Rd. Then turn right on Picutis Rd and follow the signs to park’s west parking area.

Posted by funhikes under Hikes,Hikes Near Denver,Hiking Trails,Product Reviews,Wildlife
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Looking for a good reference book for hiking with all the perks? We recommend The Best Hikes of Colorado An Altitude SuperGuide by Christina Williams. You can find it on Amazon or Ebay. It has beautiful photos, detailed maps, and a key for special attributes for each hike (family friendly, horseback trail, good flora, camp info., good scenery for photography, etc.).

Detailed maps and photos will show the details of every hike. And a handy plastic slipcover allows you to take one page from the binder/book on the trail with you. A Colorado map divides the state and its hikes into easy to read regions. A super reference book for any hiker! Highly recommended!

Posted by funhikes under Product Reviews
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