FunColoradoHikes Blog

Aspen Trees are the only trees in the Colorado Mountains that offer autumn color. These seasonal colors only last for about 3 weeks in September.

When we want to hike a trail that has some wonderful fall color, we like the following trails among others:

Kenosha Pass – West side (toward Goldhill segment of Colorado trail)

Kenosha Pass – East side (toward Long Gulch segment of Colorado trail)

Bierstadt Lake Trail (Rocky Mountain National Park)

Burning Bear Trail (East Entry)

Meyer Ranch Park

Posted by funhikes under Hikes,Hikes Near Denver,Hiking Trails,Rocky Mountain National Park Recommended Hikes
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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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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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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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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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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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