Looking for trail recommendations that won't destroy my 6yo's legs. We're staying in Boulder for two weeks in July and want to do maybe 3-4 hikes that are actually fun, not just walking and complaining. Altitude shouldn't be too bad since we live at elevation already. Scenic stuff preferably. Would love to hear what you guys have tested.
Royal Arch is solid - it's 3.8 miles and has that cool rock formation at the end which kids find cool. Fair warning though: the elevation gain sneaks up on you. Bring TONS of water, like more than you think you need.
Hermit Lake in RMNP is my go-to. Not too far, water at the end, and my 6yo loved it. Takes about 45 mins roundtrip. Brings a good snack too - my kid was willing to hike another mile just bc we had goldfish crackers at the halfway point lmao
Just did Ncar trail with my kids that age last month. It's well-maintained, not too long, and you hit the facility at the top which has bathrooms and an interesting building to explore. Breaks up the hike nicely.
Do the Flatirons via Chautauqua. Start on the gentler trails there, not the steep ones. Tons of different routes so if your kid gets tired you can bail early without backtracking forever. Plus there's a good park at the bottom for snacks.
Bear Lake Trail is perfect for that age - it's like 1.4 miles roundtrip and actually scenic so the kid doesn't feel like they're just walking. Also try Chautauqua Park to the Flatiron Vista overlook, probably 2.5 miles and manageable. Both have good payoff views which helps with the motivation.
The key is finding trails with water features or interesting stuff midway. My kid would literally quit at 1.5 miles if it was just trees and dirt, but put a creek or a cool rock formation there and she'd go another mile no problem.
Gregory Canyon Loop is underrated for families. It's only 2.5 miles, shaded most of the way, and feels like a real hike instead of a boring walk. 6yo's will eat it up.
Skip anything over 3 miles round trip. Seriously. A 6yo's legs aren't the issue - it's the complaining and the need for snack breaks every 15 mins. Peaceful Valley to the falls is solid, flat enough that she won't hate you by the end.
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Bear Peak is perfect for that age range - it's like 3.2 miles roundtrip and my 6yo did it without complaining because there's creek stuff to explore halfway through. The views are insane too.
Boulder's great for hikes but honestly watch the altitude if you're coming from lower elevation. A 6yo who normally does fine at sea level can get wrecked at 8000 ft. Start with the easier stuff first day.