Dear Just Be: My little ones are I think at the right age to start hiking with us. Any suggestions for fun, easy family hikes?

The foothills and around Denver have many trails for you to choose from to get your little ones used to hiking. When hiking with young children you will want to consider the terrain, elevation gain and length of the hike. We think these are great ones to start out the season with and see how they take to hiking.

1. Glendale Farm Open Space- 30 Minutes South of Denver. This area offers a 1.6 mile loop trail that crosses rolling hills covered in tall wavy grass, scrub oak, grazing cows, and rock croppings. Additionally there is a port-o-potty at the parking lot.
Directions: Travel south on I-25 out of Denver, take exit 192 (Ridge Gate Parkway). Turn right and proceed under I-25 overpass then turn right onto frontage road and go approx. 1.5 miles to park entrance (on east side of frontage road).

2. Burning Bear Trail- 60 Minutes Southwest of Denver. Burning Bear Trail #602 (east entrance) is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Geneva Creek/Pike National Forest area with verdant meadows, beaver ponds, tumbling water falls and lush forests. Kids and parents will love this one for its beauty and easy terrain. The trail is well-maintained and has a very easy path. It wanders along the side of an open meadow just along the tree line giving you a shaded hike along the creek.
Directions: From C-470 and Hwy 285 go south on Hwy 285 about 39 miles to the town of Grant, Co. It is a very small town so look closely for it. At Grant, turn right (west) onto CR-62. Follow CR-62 approximately 5.5 miles. Look for the trailhead as soon as you come to the top of the steep hill with the hairpin turns. The trailhead is directly on your left and the parking area is on the right side of the road. Look for the sign with the trail name here at the edge of the meadow and the gate marking the beginning of the trail.

3. Mount Evans State Wildlife Area and Elk Preserve - 60 Minutes West of Denver. This 1.0 mile trail is a peaceful and easy amble through pine forest, Aspen grove, grassy meadow and creek side scenery. There are restrooms available at trailhead.
Directions: From Denver, take I-70 W to Evergreen Parkway exit and go 6 miles S on Hwy.74 to Evergreen Lake. Turn right on Upper Bear Creek Rd.,6.5 miles to Cty.Rd.480. Go right on Cty.Rd.480, 3 miles to property (Colorado Division of Wildlife – Mount Evans State Wildlife Area – Elk Preserve). The trail head is located near the restroom and the dirt parking lot – to the left of the parking lots is a fire road with a gate across it – this is the beginning of your trail.

NOTE: Public access prohibited Jan.1-June 14 due to hunting season.