5 Easy Hikes in Boulder
Family-Friendly Trails
It's okay if you still put the word "hiking" in air quotes when you talk about heading outdoors with your kids. Any attempts at fresh-air adventures are good for the whole family — and trails are super accessible in Boulder. These five easy Boulder hikes are great for kids and grown-ups alike, with interesting features that will capture their attention and keep you all looking forward to what's around the next bend.
Help protect Boulder's natural beauty by remembering these Leave No Trace principles, and before you go, check here for trail closures due to trail conditions.
South Boulder Creek Trail at Bobolink Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Dogs allowed: Yes, but see regulations
Trail Map
Where to Park (No Fee)
For a mellow hike with interpretive signs and excellent bird-spotting opportunities, follow this trail south from the Bobolink Trailhead. Youngsters will immediately be placated by the beach-like banks of Boulder Creek where there are opportunities to toss pebbles or dip your toes in. Continue on under towering, shady cottonwood trees. Because this trail is on the eastern edge of town, you’ll get a fresh perspective on the Flatirons and the snowcapped Rocky Mountains beyond.
Get rid of litter even when it isn’t yours! Trashy areas make for poor pictures and an unhealthy ecosystem. Remember, food trash is litter too. Pack out your fruit peels and eggshells (and don't give the chipmunks a stomachache).
Pines to Peaks Loop at Bald Mountain Scenic Area
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile round-trip
Dogs allowed: Yes, but see regulations
Trail Map
Where to Park (No Fee)
After a 15-minute, winding drive up Sunshine Canyon, you’ll come across this short but memorable hike. Climb for a short while before reaching the top of Bald Mountain — so named because of the clearing at the top. This halcyon meadow provides unfettered views of Boulder Valley in one direction and some of Colorado’s tallest peaks in the other. Bring a picnic! There are 3-4 picnic tables at the trailhead.
Follow the "rule of thumb": When there's an animal in the distance, are you far enough away so you can close one eye and cover the entire creature with your thumb? If not, you’re too close! Keep a safe distance from wildlife to ensure the safety and happiness of both parties.
Boy Scout Trail
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 0.8 mile round-trip
Dogs allowed: No
Trail Map (Click "View Trail Map" on the right)
Where to Park (Fee)
This is a delightful, family-friendly hike with forest-framed views and boulder-strewn terrain that ends in a breathtaking lookout at May’s Point. As the trail nears its scenic destination, it becomes a fantastic kingdom of rock castles and trees for kids, who will love exploring, scrambling, climbing and hiding. The entrance for the trail is located directly across from the Flagstaff Nature Center at the Flagstaff Summit, which is great for children and usually* open June-September, Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-4pm (*when volunteers are available).
NCAR Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip
Dogs allowed: Yes, but see regulations
Trail Map (Click "View Trail Map" on the right)
Where to Park (No Fee)
The beginning of this trail, the part that traverses a small mesa dotted with pines and boulders, also goes by the name Walter Orr Roberts Trail. This section has interpretive signage provided by the neighboring National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). From the mesa-top, the trail drops to a broad saddle and then makes another climb to a water tank (kids will enjoy putting one ear to the tank to listen for drips and drops), before ascending into a valley.
McClintock/Enchanted Mesa Trails
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.8 mile
Dogs allowed: No
Trail Map
Where to Park (Fee) – Parking fills up fast here. See below for Park-to-Park shuttle information.
Starting in the Chautauqua area will wow the fam with gorgeous views of the Flatirons. The on-site General Store carries delicious ice cream and hot chocolate if bribery is required to get your crew moving. The McClintock Trail starts at the picnic area just south of the Chautauqua Auditorium. Along the beginning of the trail, bright poppies bloom in summertime. The route descends into a lush stream-side forest, then climbs gently and crosses the fire road (Enchanted Mesa trail) at a stone bridge. The trail continues to climb along the edge of a shrub-filled gulley until it intersects with the Mesa Trail. Stop at the Ranger Cottage nearby if you need guidance, maps or brochures (and to touch animal pelts and view naturalist displays).
Park-to-Park FREE Summer Weekend Shuttle
Headed to the Chautauqua area on a summer weekend to hike among the Flatirons? Ride the free summer weekend shuttle to get there stress-free and avoid parking fees. Here's all the information on the Park-to-Park hiker shuttle, which runs on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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