The first snow has fallen in Carbondale Colorado the same night that Barack Hussein Obama has become our 44^th president.  I have to mention this because I am so proud to be living here and to be a part of this amazing history in the making.

So, here I am back on track. Before you take out your skis, snowshoes and other winter sports wear think of taking your kids on a few other hikes. I feel like hiking with children is a great way to stay connected to the earth.  Also, if you head out now, your kids will see how the landscape is quickly changing.  If you are reading this entry from another part of the country, rest assured you will still find interesting information.  With these pointers you can start to plan a wonderful family vacation to the Roaring Fork Valley.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the importance of letting your children do the exploring and discovering on the trail (to follow their pace).  Here I offer destinations that enable you to do this while still keeping your interest.  These are great places to visit with your grandparents or not so fit relatives.

Four small destinations that can enchant the young and the old:

Marble, Colorado:  Marble is a small town 22 miles south of Glenwood springs.  In Marble you can find numerous outdoor activities from climbing to skiing.  Much information can be found on the Marble Tourism Association website.  I recommend visiting the Yule Marble Quarry or Crystal Mill.  Both require a short amount of walking that is perfect for children, and yet offers many discoveries.

On your way to Marble or Redstone stop by the Penny Hot Springs.

Redstone, Colorado:   Read Stone is three miles north of Marble on 133. Visit Redstones website to find out about the different hikes and ice climbing activities in the area.

I like to bring Cora to Redstone’s kid’s park. It is beside the river and she can play and then we can walk on the bridge and explore the river’s edge.

Basalt, Colorado:   This is a small town on the way to Aspen on Hwy 82.  Once again here we like to go to the park that is adjacent to the Crystal River (one of the last free flowing rivers in the west) so that Cora can explore the river’s edge and walk on the groomed path.  She can also visit the pond and look at children fishing.  There is no playground equipment here, but there are amazingly grand picnic tables and the parking lot has a Mexican Restaurant.  From Basalt you can also visit Reudi Reservoir (offers camping)

Perham Creek Trail: From Carbondale travel south on HWY 133 for 10 miles. The trailhead

is 100 ft from mile marker 58 (they get smaller towards Redstone) on the right side.

The entrance is marked with two large metal gates.

This trail is a 4.2 mile hike that takes you up a steep first mile and a half but then takes you into a beautiful meadow.  You can see Mt. Sopris from the trail.

Hope you go out exploring,

Don't forget that if you contribute to this site by Nov.10th you could win a outsidebaby.com coolerbackpack.

Heidi