Moderate Hiking Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hey parents! Is your family ready to level up your hiking game? If your kids have mastered easier trails and are looking for a bigger adventure, these moderate trails offer the perfect mix of challenge and fun. Let’s explore four awesome trails that will get your kids excited about hiking while building their confidence!
Cub Lake – A Wildlife Watcher’s Paradise
Get ready for an amazing journey through meadows, forests, and marshlands! The trail to Cub Lake is like a real-life nature documentary. Your kids will love spotting elk in the meadows and watching for birds in the wetlands. The hike is about 4.6 miles round trip, with some uphill parts that will make your kids feel proud when they reach the top.
What makes it great for kids:
– Lots of different landscapes to keep them interested
– Plenty of spots to take snack breaks
– Good chance to see wildlife (bring binoculars!)
– The lake at the end is a perfect lunch spot
– Beautiful lily pads cover the lake in summer
Parent tip: Start early in the morning when wildlife is most active and temperatures are cooler. The last half-mile has some steeper sections, so plan for extra breaks.
Nymph Lake – The Stairway to Mountain Magic
Imagine climbing nature’s staircase to find a beautiful mountain lake covered in lily pads! The trail to Nymph Lake is like climbing the stairs in a giant’s garden. While it’s shorter than some other hikes (about 1.2 miles round trip), it packs plenty of uphill challenge that will make your kids feel like real mountaineers.
What makes it special:
– Lots of interesting rock steps to climb
– Amazing views of Longs Peak
– Beautiful wildflowers in summer
– Option to continue to Dream Lake if energy levels are high
– Perfect length for a morning adventure
Parent tip: This trail can get busy, so arrive early or plan for a late afternoon hike when crowds thin out.
Calypso Cascades – The Waterfall Explorer’s Dream
This trail is like a treasure hunt where the prizes are beautiful waterfalls! The hike to Calypso Cascades (about 3.6 miles round trip) follows a rushing creek upstream, passing several smaller waterfalls before reaching the main cascade. The steady uphill climb is broken up by so many interesting water features that your kids might not even notice they’re hiking uphill!
Cool features for kids:
– Multiple waterfalls to discover
– Lots of creek crossing on bridges
– Cool mountain mist near the cascades
– Plenty of rocky areas to safely explore
– Great photo opportunities
Parent tip: The trail can be slippery near the waterfalls. Bring water-resistant shoes and maybe a change of socks.
Lulu City – Journey to a Ghost Town
Want to combine hiking with history? The trail to Lulu City (about 7.4 miles round trip) takes you to the remains of an old mining town. While it’s the longest hike in our list, the trail follows the Colorado River through beautiful valley meadows with a gentle elevation gain that makes it manageable for fit kids.
What makes it exciting:
– Real ghost town site to explore
– Follows the beginning of the mighty Colorado River
– Lots of wildflowers in summer
– Wide trail good for walking side by side
– Great place for telling wild west stories
Parent tip: Bring a child-friendly book about Colorado’s mining history to make the ghost town more interesting.
Preparing for These Moderate Trails
These hikes are more challenging than beginner trails, so here’s how to prepare:
1. Start Early:
– Most of these trails take 2-4 hours
– Morning hiking means better weather and more wildlife
2. Pack Smart:
– Extra snacks and water (more than you think you need)
– Layer clothing (mountain weather changes quickly)
– Good hiking shoes (not just sneakers)
– Basic first aid kit
– Sun protection
3. Make It Fun:
– Create a scavenger hunt
– Bring a nature journal
– Pack a special summit snack
– Take lots of pictures
– Let kids be the trail leaders sometimes
Safety Tips for Moderate Trails
– Watch the weather – afternoon storms are common
– Keep kids within sight on the trail
– Take frequent breaks
– Turn around if kids are too tired
– Stick to the marked trail
– Carry a basic first aid kit
Remember, these moderate trails are perfect for building your kids’ hiking abilities and confidence. Take your time, celebrate the small victories, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Happy hiking!