Go Take a Hike!

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October will mark a year since my husband and I made the decision that I would quit my full-time job and stay home with our three children (yeah…that’s a whole other post to come). To say that it’s been an “adjustment” is quite the understatement. Don’t get me wrong, I love being able to be home with my babies, but at the same time, I was use to getting out of the house five days of the week, trying new trendy spots downtown to eat on my lunch breaks and taking walks by my office in Old Colorado City BY MYSELF if my heart so desired, on a quick afternoon break.

When I quit my job, it was right as “The Longest Colorado Winter” began, which made getting out of the house with two boys under two even harder! So, my husband (who is a teacher and has summers off) and I made a deal: once summer shined it’s perky little head out to play, we would make the most of it. And we have! We spend more time outside than in and have found some great family-friendly hikes. I’d love to share two of them with you so that you don’t feel home bound like I did.

Palmer Lake Reservoirs

11667390_10153519470237845_8615168199391161873_nThis is a gorgeous hike located in Palmer Lake that I would rate easy to moderate. The whole hike was about 3.5 miles long. When we do this hike, I have my 7 month old on my back in the ergo, my husband has our two-year-old son in a hiking carrier and my 9-year old is happy to carry our water on his back. I suggest starting your hikes early morning so that the sun isn’t too intense. We hiked all the way up to the second reservoir and went a little farther than usual to the other side for a beautiful view and picnic lunch.

On the other side of the 2nd reservoir overlooking the water.
On the other side of the 2nd reservoir overlooking the water.

Reminder: Bring plenty of water and some snacks for along the way, if it’s a hot day, take advantage of the shady areas for your resting spots. Have Fun!11403472_10153519470617845_6606368545868702348_n


The Seven Bridges

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This is another beautiful and family-friendly hike in North Cheyenne Canyon. I would also rate this one as an easy to moderate hike that takes between 2-3 hours to complete. It is a little under 5 miles total. For the endurance of the hike, the rushing creek is always right by your side. You will have to hike in about 1 mile before getting to the actual trail head but once there, it’s super fun! This is a family favorite because the majority of the trail is shaded and the kids love to count the bridges as they hike; they know when they get to the seventh one, it’s time to turn back around. I highly suggest this hike…you won’t regret it! You can also stop to see the Helen Hunt Falls on your way in or out of the area.

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Get Out and GO!

We are making the most of our summer and I hope that you do too! This is only two of many amazing hikes found here in or close to Colorado Springs. Going on a hike doesn’t take too much planning, it’s free, you get in a workout and you are regaining some of your precious sanity by getting out of the house! What more could a mom ask for?

Have you tried these trails? What other ones would you add to my list?

9 COMMENTS

  1. My family loves Seven Bridges! It’s not labeled though, so it’s a little hard to find if you’ve never done it. Do you remember what the marker says at the start of the trail, Sarah? All of Cheyenne Canyon is beautiful so make a day of it, and have a picnic by Helen Hunt Falls.
    I’ll definitely be trying the trail near Palmer Lake! It looks amazing! Thanks for the tips!

  2. Thanks Aleshia!! You are so right, it’s hard to recognize when it starts. Hike a little under a mile on Gold Camp Rd. and we remember seeing a sign that says North Cheyenne Creek. The trail then heads off to the right. There is a large tree that is next to the trail head. A picnic by the Falls is a great idea! Doing that next time.

  3. Sarah, I love the way you made hiking, even with small children, actually seem doable! It is so essential to make the most of good weather. Great job! And the photos are so beautiful as well!

    • Oh! Monica, thanks for those suggestions. I have a bad habit of finding my favorites and repeating. I will try those with the kids for sure!

  4. Thanks for a great post. We are newish to the CO area and still looking for fun new things to do. Love the hike ideas. Glad you are enjoying the summer!

    • Thanks Samantha! Glad you liked the post. There are so many more fun spots here to hike too! Another one we have done with small kiddos is the Pulpit Rock hike. Very short but fun. Black Forest Regional Park is great too. There are some hiking trails, but we just like to hang there and have a picnic and use the playground. Hope you are finding some fun things to do!

  5. We just did hiked to the summit of Mt. Herman from the 716 trailhead. It was really great! About 4 miles round trip with beautiful scenery and an amazing view from the summit. It is a little steep, but my 7-year-old and older kids did very well. I love the things we can find in our own backyard!

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