Post by fiddler1 on Jul 20, 2015 17:44:42 GMT -8
Looking for suggested destinations for easier backpacks with young kids.
Kids ages: 4 and 7
Our current style: 1 day up to base camp, stay as long as the food lasts, 4-5 days. Play in the creeks, snow fields, climb a ridge. Wildlife a plus.
These places have worked well: Snowy Range (2 summers here, highly recommend for young kids, looking for somewhere new), Harrison Flat by the Three Apostles, Verde Lakes, Missouri Lakes by HCW (did this when #2 was carryable).
Distance limit: 3, maybe 4 miles max
Elevation gain: 1000-1500 max. Willing to consider harder options if kids are doing well.
Access: 2wd (Prius). Subie and Jeep days are gone
Season: August
Location: Colorado, also visiting family in Denver on this trip
Crowd tolerance: moderate okay, avoid heavy crowds
Considering (please rate):
1. Columbine Lake in the IPW. Not sure about difficulty in obtaining a permit for multiple nights in one spot, day hiker crowds. Can do weekdays. Maybe head up to Caribou Pass.
2. Lake Charles in HCW. Not sure about the road - I think it might be too much for our car the last mile before Fulford Caves campground.
3. Rawah Lakes. Okay, this is way longer than I asked for, but if the kids do well on a shorter trip I would consider doing this, 2 days to get up there. Downside is a longer escape if somebody gets hurt.
4. Trying to dream up something in the Gores but remembering lots of off trail stuff and fallen trees…
I have been too busy to plan for this, so your responses are greatly appreciated, plus ideas for other hikes within our limits, relevant snow/fire info (I have not been keeping up with this… live in Michigan.)
Kids ages: 4 and 7
Our current style: 1 day up to base camp, stay as long as the food lasts, 4-5 days. Play in the creeks, snow fields, climb a ridge. Wildlife a plus.
These places have worked well: Snowy Range (2 summers here, highly recommend for young kids, looking for somewhere new), Harrison Flat by the Three Apostles, Verde Lakes, Missouri Lakes by HCW (did this when #2 was carryable).
Distance limit: 3, maybe 4 miles max
Elevation gain: 1000-1500 max. Willing to consider harder options if kids are doing well.
Access: 2wd (Prius). Subie and Jeep days are gone
Season: August
Location: Colorado, also visiting family in Denver on this trip
Crowd tolerance: moderate okay, avoid heavy crowds
Considering (please rate):
1. Columbine Lake in the IPW. Not sure about difficulty in obtaining a permit for multiple nights in one spot, day hiker crowds. Can do weekdays. Maybe head up to Caribou Pass.
2. Lake Charles in HCW. Not sure about the road - I think it might be too much for our car the last mile before Fulford Caves campground.
3. Rawah Lakes. Okay, this is way longer than I asked for, but if the kids do well on a shorter trip I would consider doing this, 2 days to get up there. Downside is a longer escape if somebody gets hurt.
4. Trying to dream up something in the Gores but remembering lots of off trail stuff and fallen trees…
I have been too busy to plan for this, so your responses are greatly appreciated, plus ideas for other hikes within our limits, relevant snow/fire info (I have not been keeping up with this… live in Michigan.)
