A few weeks ago while playing in the park I ran into a friend who also teaches early childhood and parenting classes.  I was letting her know about this website and she reminded me of something very important, something that is part of the mission of this website.  She reminded me that sharing the natural world with young children does not have to be complicated, costly or filled with special gear.  It also does not have to be a super hard core backpacking trip or rafting trip.  Small trips to outdoor locations can do the trick. She makes it a point to go on nature walks near her town or to lead toddlers on an outdoor exploration in a field.  This can take a long time, but that is what we want our children to do: to slow down, be connected with something bigger than themselves and for them to discover the life that is present all around them in the cracks of the sidewalk or the field of flowers.

Of course I know all this and I mostly spend my outdoor time at the park, in my front yard, on paved bike trails, or outdoor pool.  Cora, Erik and I go on a lot of wilderness outdoor adventures, but our day to day outdoor exploration takes place near our home.  A few weekends ago we went hiking off of Thompson Creek Road (see information below). This is the perfect trail for a toddler hike. Cora loved to follow the stream, play in the mud by the shore, scale some rocks, and explore moss and different vegetations.  She probably hiked a little over a mile when she got tired.  It took her almost one hour, but she made so many connections.  She rediscovered sage brush and learned about acorns.  It was very fascinating to her that their ‘little hats’ came off.  I remember this as one of my first outdoor discoveries more than 25 years ago.

The author Richard Louv talks about the importance of deeply connecting to one natural place. If children are to learn and understand about the life cycle, the seasons, the effect of rain water, human impact, or the passage of time on an environment, they need to spend time in one specific outdoor location on numerous occasions.  Maybe this way we can support our children’s naturalist tendencies.

 If you live in the Roaring Fork valley or in Carbondale, I highly suggest the Thompson Creek Trail, as time well spent with your children.  For those readers that felt neglected by my coverage of more advanced outdoor experiences I apologize and I will remember to share ideas on how to simply be with your children outdoors and to connect on much more simple terms.

After all, that is what this website is about, to support all parents on their journey through outdoor explorations with their children.  Let it be a first ascent or picnics in the park.

Trail: Thompson Creek Trail

Length:  up to 9 miles one way

Elevation: 8,200 ft.  max. elevation gain: 900

Directions:  Drive 7 miles out of Carbondale towards Spring Gulch ( cross country ski area) on route 106/108. When you see the Spring Gulch parking area on right ( moon shape road that connects with your road.  Look on your left for a dirt road that goes downhill. Take that road, pass the campground about a mile and park on the left hand side.  You will be hiking on the left side of the road by a stream.  When the road takes a steep uphill you have gone too far.

Notes: This trail is a mellow hike with small up/downs over mostly dirt/rock trail. You are following a stream and will encounter different vegetation and spectacular rock walls.  People use this trail for running, biking, and access to a climbing area, or for a leisurely hike.

More information on local Carbondale Colorado hikes, follow this link: White River National Forest

Heidi