Snow is falling in Carbondale, Colorado today.  Wherever you are living in North America, your hiking, climbing, visiting the park and swimming outdoors days are coming to an end.  I take this as a sign that I should squeeze in just a few more outdoor activities before all the leaves fall off the trees.  Of course, there are plenty of cold weather sports to keep you busy all winter long, but I like to have a memory of a warmer hike to keep my spirits warm during crisp winter days. Also, taking children outside just before the weather turns is a great way to make them connect to the changing of the season, the reason for the change of pace, and activities.

In other blogs I have written about hikes up Red Hill, Thompson Creek, Mt. Sopris, Old Snowmass road, and a few others. Here I offer two more easy hikes that can be done with small children, with or without the help of a spouse.  Hopefully, before Thanksgiving I can write about a few more.

Hanging Lake:  This 2.4 mile trail is a Colorado tourist’s classic, but it is sure to enchant anyone who can ignore the large number of hikers.  The trail takes you from 6,100 to 7,250 feet (1,150 elevation gain) on a very well marked trail.  You will encounter dirt, large rocks, manmade bridges, boulders, and steep inclines on exposed rock (protective railing installed) while hiking along a stream.  Many resting spots have been strategically placed on this mostly shady trail. At the end of the hike you have a wonderful reward; you arrive to a beautiful, emerald-colored, crystal clear lake that is filled by a waterfall. Make sure to check out Sprouting Rock when you are out there.

Remember no fishing or dogs allowed.

This trail is part of the White River National Forest and should take you around two hours without counting rest stops.  Use the USGS Map: Shoshone for topographic information but this is not necessary.

How to get there: Take the Hanging Lake exit along Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon. Westbound travelers must exit a few miles farther west at the Grizzly Creek exit and double back on the eastbound lane to the Hanging Lake exit. Eastbound travelers can drive east from Glenwood Springs directly to the Hanging Lake exit. The return access to Interstate 70 from Hanging Lake is westbound only, so drivers who wish to continue east on Interstate 70 must travel west to the Grizzly Creek exit to get back on track after the hike.

Once you have parked your car at the Hanging Lake rest area (bathrooms and picnic tables are available), follow the paved bicycle path east, or upstream, for about 0.25 mile to a narrow side canyon.

New York Creek Trail:  This trail is significantly longer 4.2 miles one way and has a 2,000 elevation gain.  I have never hiked the whole trail but I recommend this hike if you want your small toddlers to hike a bit of the trail.  The beginning of the hike goes over a river and requires a bit of balance to get across, then for the next mile you are mildly climbing through pine forest and mountain meadows.  It is quite picturesque.  Your children will get to experience many different terrains on a very short hike.

After one mile you hit an old but well established Jeep trail. That is where we turned back down for an afternoon swim at the Aspen Recreation Center.

If you want to camp out there are many sites along the Lincoln Creek road.

If you are planning on doing the whole trail you should get the topo map USGS  New York Peak and visit this website:  Click for link

ACCESS: Drive 10 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 to Lincoln Creek Road. Turn right and drive 3.1 miles on Lincoln Creek Road to the New York Creek Trail turnoff on the right. Although a 4WD vehicle is not necessary, high clearance is a must.

Remember you can win a fifty dollar gift card just by sharing your story or question before Oct. 31st.

Heidi