FunColoradoHikes Blog

Do you love Colorado wildlife? Well, if you do, get out on the trail and you are sure to see something that catches your eye whether it is white tail deer, coyote, elk. Some of the more rare creatures that are only found in specific areas of Colorado are: Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, moose, and mountain goats. It is a thrill to see them while hiking.

Several hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are areas where moose have been spotted. The trail where we saw a moose is called: Bierstadt Lake trail. 

 For a glimpse of Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, try these trails: Mt. Bierstadt, Rosalie Trail, Square Tops (coming soon), Silver Dollar Lake Trail.

 If you want to see some mountain goats, you can visit the Mt. Evans Highway and Summit Lake or Mt. Bierstadt and Guanella pass areas. (In the center of the photo below there are two shaggy, white, mountain goats among the rocks at the summit of Mt. Evans – look closely).

Posted by funhikes under Hikes,Hikes Near Denver,Wildlife
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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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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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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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