The heat of the summer is over and winter will start peeking around the corner soon. So autumn is a wonderful time to get the family together and go out and enjoy the stunning Colorado colors. There’s nothing healthier than to break from our screens and get some fresh air and sunshine. Grab some bottled waters and sunscreen and head out the door. Here are some favorite trails close to Denver, plus several family friendly activities to make the hike even more exciting.
TRAILS CLOSE TO DENVER
Echo Lake Park, located along Mount Blue Sky / Mt Evans Scenic Byway, Idaho Springs
This area is approximately 45 minutes west of Denver. It’s a gentle and easy walk a little over half a mile. The trail takes you for a walk around a glacial lake surrounded by pines and bright patches of yellow aspen trees. Admission is free. Campground toilets are near the trailhead and it’s recommended to arrive at 8 am to beat the morning crowds. There is a picnic area and historic stone shelter on the lake’s north shore.
Lair o’ the Bear Park, Idledale
Bear Creek Trail is roughly 35-40 minutes from Denver and a 2 mile, out and back walk. It’s heavily shaded with large cottonwood trees that turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. Bring a jacket as it can be much cooler in those shaded areas. Because it’s a flat walk, it’s easy for little children. Older children and adults will enjoy that the trail takes you behind Dunafon Castle, a stunning 1940s Celtic-style stone castle complete with turrets and a massive 21 foot water wheel visible from across the creek. The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends, so it might be easier to arrive after 2:30 pm. There are shaded picnic areas and porta-johns. Free admission but no dogs in order to protect wildlife.
Roxborough State Park, Littleton
The Fountain Valley Trail is an easy 2.0 to 2.5-mile lollipop loop that winds directly through
towering, 300-million-year-old red sandstone fins. In the fall, the green scrub oaks surrounding the rocks turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and deep red, creating a stunning color contrast. Bring a jacket in the fall because the shaded areas can be cooler. Small children and strollers do well with the well-groomed wide trails. Older children and adults will enjoy the two spectacular elevated overlooks (Fountain Valley and Lyons Overlook) that require climbing a few wooden steps, offering panoramic, postcard-worthy views of the entire valley. Cost is $10 for a vehicle day pass and afternoon entry can help avoid the morning crowds. There are several picnic tables near the visitor center and benches along the trail for snack breaks.
FOOD FARE AFTER A DAY OF HIKING
After a day of hiking, you might want to get something to eat and get off your feet. Here are a couple suggestions near these hiking locations:
Switchback Smokehouse, $20–30 Evergreen
This place is a casual riverside barbecue restaurant with a heated Creekside patio area. It’s very laid back, has self-service so you don’t have to worry about kids being perfectly behaved. Besides their incredible smoke ribs, briskets, and pork, they have a kids menu including mac-and-cheese and hot dogs.
NoNo’s Café, $20–30, Littleton
NoNo’ is an independent, cozy, ’mom & pop’ spot serving up comforting, scratch-made Southern Cajun food. It has a warm and welcoming feel like a French Quarter hotel restaurant. It is famous for its generous portions and sweet treats. While parents can dive into authentic Crawfish Monica, jambalaya, or po-boys, the kids menu handles picky eaters easily with corn dogs and chicken. Their must-try specialties include fresh Beignets (fried French doughnuts covered in powdered sugar) and their famous strawberry cake.
Blackbird Cafe – $20-$30, Kittredge, just outside of Evergreen
This picturesque rustic mountain cabin literally built directly over the rushing waters of Bear Creek. If you must wait for a table, the kids can hang out on the short walking paths by the babbling brook. They even have an indoor play kitchen for toddlers. They serve lunch classics (burgers, skillets, and sandwiches) and also hearty elevated brunch dishes. Their diverse vegan and vegetarian dishes are rated as excellent. Note: they are closed on Tuesday and Wednesdays.
Waterton Tavern, $15-$20, Roxborough/Littleton area
This sports grill is lively and modern, and heavily frequented by local families. They have a small arcade area with a candy claw machine that will keep both young and teen kids distracted while you wait for your food. Their food is great American pub grub, exceptional wings, fresh burgers, and sandwiches with a solid kid’s menu. They are located just outside the canyon entrance.
And other great lunch stop suggestion is an old-fashioned tailgate! That’s something unique we normally don’t get to do. Pick up some deli sandwiches and portable snacks and drinks from the grocers. Toss in some folding chairs and some wet wipes and you’ve got your own ‘Smith Family Restaurant’!
No matter where you go, how long you hike, what leaves or mountains you see, gathering the family is the most important thing. It’s a gift to spend time together, build your team, support each other, and talk, share, and explore together. May your family-team time be treasured!
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