An easy 3.5 mile trail loops around Longmont's beautiful Lake Macintosh. This multi-use trail has breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Mt.Meeker,The Flatirons and the entire Front Range on a clear day. Our family includes two rowdy dogs who never tire of sniffing for rabbits and prarie dogs even on the leash. We usualy begin at Dawson Park on Harvard Street and head west toward the dog beaches for some swimming and ball throwing on warm days. Dawson park has a nice playground for the kids equiped with a new restroom. As you round the lake look for large groups Pelicans diving for the bountiful fish found in this lake. You can fish from the shore or in a Kayak or Canoe with a Colorado licence. No motorized boats are allowed. After about 3/4 of a mile from Dawson Park the shore opens up and on the right is the first dog beach before the man-made dam begins. Here the path changes from sidewalk to a well groomed dirt trail over the dam. On the left are marshes filled with many species of birds and butterflies.  On top of the dam are amazing views of rural Boulder County, with cattle and horses, and beautiful rolling hills of farmland. After crossing the dam another dog beach opens up with a nice bench and another restroom. Follow the trail around the lake north through prarie dog land and more wetlands for another mile of so, and it will turn into sidewalk again and meander through one of Longmont's finest neigborhoods.  The houses on the lake are stunning here. Traveling east now, around the lake approximately 2 miles form the start, you will come to Flanders Park.  Flanders is also well equiped with a boat ramp and playground, restrooms and picnic shelters with grills. Well protected from the wind and elements, this would be a great place for a family BBQ! Our toddler playgroup meets here regularly on Tuedsay and Thursday mornings. Flanders is easily accessed from Breakwater Lane, with lots of parking. There is a huge green-belt here for kite flying, and also basketball courts next to the picnic shelters. Finish you walk back to Dawson Park along the lake, and perhaps take in a game of tennis. An easily accessable parking lot here as well. I never fail to be amazed at how the landscape and scenery here changes from day to day. You can't help but smile, and be ever so thankful for living in Colorado after this walk/bike ride around Lake Macintosh. My kids, dog included, absolutely LOVE going to the lake. Hope your family will too!