• Wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. The ultraviolet rays are intense and reflect off of the snow, water and boulders. You can get a painful sunburn even in subfreezing temperatures.
• Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes that are comfortable and provide good traction. Comfortable well fitting socks are a must.
• Hike and travel in groups. Let the slowest person set the pace. It's not a good idea to let the faster kids take off. It is prudent and safer to keep them in sight at all times.
• Vigilant supervision is mandatory along rivers, lakes and any water running from the snow melting or otherwise. Stay away from irrigation ditches.
• Beware of snowfields, those large expanses of snow up in the mountains. We highly recommend keeping the kids away.
• April to July is tick season, so remember to check for ticks after your hike.
• Be aware of lightning. Descend rapidly, avoid isolated trees, and run into a forest if possible. Do not sit or lie down. Get away from lakes or rivers and seek shelter.
• Drink plenty of water. Although water is heavy, thirst on the trail is a hazard. You can purchase a "Camel Bak" reservoir or some other wearable portable water that makes it easier to hike and bike ride.
• Bring snacks. Lightweight snacks should be carried, even if the hike is short.

All ages can enjoy the simple sights along the trail. Splash in the water, play with sticks, and explore the surroundings at whatever pace pleases you. It's the journey, not the destination, that is the memorable part, and your children will remember these experiences long into their adulthood. The following are some suggestions of good, easy family hikes. If you're up for more of a challenge, Gunnison County is a window of opportunity!

Recommended Books and Materials

Timber, Talus & Tundra, by Mary Anne Tarr 2nd Edition (new this summer)
Hiking in Heaven, by Dennis B. Hall
Forest Service Map, available at the Forest Service in Gunnison at 216 N. Colorado (970) 641-0471.
Hartman Rocks Trail and Bouldering Map Satellite Image, by Dave Kozlowski.
Curecanti National Recreation Area Map, available at the Elk Creek Visitor's Center.
Best Hikes with Children 3rd Edition, by Maureen Keilty. Although it lists only one hike (Judd Falls) for this area, the information is pretty good and you can hike in the other areas around the state that are suggested in this book.

Baby Jogger Hikes

County Roads
In Gunnison, Crested Butte, Pitkin, Taylor and all of the surrounding areas, you can take your baby jogger down dirt County roads. Some forest service roads are also suitable for a baby jogger stroll. Be aware of traffic and the times of the day when the roads are busiest. If it's a dry day, lots of dust will be flying when vehicles pass. Be sure not to bring your baby jogger on anything rocky and steep as it is unstable and dangerous. Always remember to wear the safety strap around your wrist.

Gunnison

Hartman Rocks
Approximately one mile west of Gunnison off of Hwy. 50 is County Road 38, Gold Basin drive. You'll see a large brown sign on the right side of Hwy. 50 indicating Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. Turn left onto CR 38. The road skirts around the Gunnison Airport runway. Drive down the road about two miles and you'll see signs indicating a parking lot. Stay on the roads with your baby jogger. There are many short hikes that are out and back. Trail maps are available at sporting good stores. It's easy to get lost there, so be sure to have a map.

Mill Creek
Drive north from Gunnison approximately 3.5 miles. There will be a green sign on the right indicating Ohio Creek. Turn left onto Ohio Creek Road County Road 730. Drive down CR 730 approximately nine miles until you come to County Road 727. This is Mill Creek Road. You can bring a baby jogger, but stay on the road. There are other kid hikes in this area as well. You will need a forest service map for hiking the Mill Creek Trail.

Neversink Trail
Head west on Hwy. 50 out of Gunnison approximately five miles. On your left, you'll see a sign indicating the Neversink Fishing and Picnic Area. Park in the parking lot. A baby jogger is okay on this trail, however, there are some tricky spots. This is a great walking trail along the Gunnison River.

Crested Butte

Lower Loop
You can stroll down Elk Avenue to First Street and then right to Butte Avenue. Head left on Butte Ave. to get to County Road 4. The road turns to dirt at this point. You can also drive out CR 4 and park in the parking area about ¼ mile down the road and it is marked. Stay on the road and stroll past "The Gronk," and to your right is Peanut Lake. You can stop there and watch the ducks. The narrow path leading to the lake is sometimes muddy. Continue on your baby jogger stroll past the Peanut Lake Mine to the Lower Loop. The trail is marked. Stay on the trail until it turns into a jeep road. Take the road down to the river. Enjoy your time at the river before you turn back and head into town.

The Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Recreation Path
From the Town of Crested Butte, it's best to park in public parking by the Chamber of Commerce building at the 4-way stop. Turn right on Maroon St. Stroll down one block, and turn left onto Seventh St. Go two blocks to Teocalli Ave. At the intersection of Seventh St. and Teocalli Ave., you'll see a small green sign indicating directions to the Recreation Path. Turn right on Teocalli Ave. and continue to the end of the street where the path begins. This is a nice stroll even if you go out a short way to the Slate River, or a little further to enjoy the ducks in the protected Wetlands area. The uphill is gradual and manageable. It is steeper once you cross Gothic Rd. to the base of the ski area. From Mt. Crested Butte, you can hop on the concrete path anywhere along Gothic Rd. It's best to park in public parking immediately uphill of Treasury Rd. (near the ski area base) on the right off of Gothic Rd. The concrete trail starts there and heads downhill.

You can also take the bus one way and do the walk one way. Baby joggers can go on the bus. This is also a good family biking trail and bikes can go on the bus bike rack.

Toddler Hikes

The words "toddler" and "hike" don't really go together, but there are many places that these beginning walkers can venture. Any designated hiking area can be taken as long or short as you wish, as long as they are relatively flat with no natural hazards such as cliffs.

Toddlers absolutely love to get outdoors and move around, look under rocks, collect sticks, and explore with curiosity. They will open your eyes to things you would otherwise not have seen on your outing.

Woods Walk
This hike is a must-do with toddlers. From the Town of Crested Butte, go west to the end of Whiterock Ave. This street. turns into County Rd. 12 and takes you up Kebler Pass. Drive up the hill approximately 1/3 mile. You'll see a parking pull-off on your left. Across the street from the parking area, you'll see a log "Trappers Crossing" sign. You'll also see a road called Treasury Rd. Between these two landmarks is the trailhead. As you walk down this narrow path, there will be many trails branching off the main trail. All trails end up back on the main trail, so don't worry. You're close to town and the trails are very short.

Neversink Trail
Refer to the Baby Jogger Hike section for directions. This trail is flat and follows the Gunnison River. It is well shaded and there are all sorts of rocks, bugs, leaves, sticks, and other exciting adventures along its path. There is also a picnic area next to the parking lot for a nice lunch.

Gunnison Mountain Park Nature Trail
This hike is recommended once the hikers are "directional" at about three years old. It was designed by Eagle Scout, Gary Dolezal, in 1973. There are permanent signs explaining the geology and plant life of the area scattered throughout the trail which provide natural stopping points and motivational objects -- "Let's hike up to the next sign." Almont is the origination of County Highway 742. Drive approximately one mile to the park. There is also a picnic area there for having lunch. The Taylor River is across the street and can be seen from the hike. There is also a good view of the Taylor Canyon walls and you may even see some Bighorn Sheep.

Lake Irwin Waterfall
There are a couple of hikes to waterfalls around Lake Irwin, and this is the easiest "flat" one. Drive up Whiterock Avenue in Crested Butte and it becomes County Road 12. The road takes you up Kebler Pass. Drive approximately six miles to the Lake Irwin turnoff. There are signs and the road forks off and up to the right. Drive approximately 2.5 miles to Lake Irwin. When you reach the lake, drive over the dam. Park on the other side of the dam. The path for this hike begins at the lake and skirts the lake on one side. Follow the path that is next to the lake to the point where the lake "turns" towards the large rock formation. Do not turn right towards the rock formation, but stay left at every choice along the way. The path is straight and flat. It dead-ends into a stream with a waterfall on your left. The kids can play in the water and there is a bench across the stream for sitting and viewing. You may need to carry the little ones a bit, but not too much.

Kid Hikes - Gunnison

Beaver Ponds Trail
We include this hike in every issue because it is absolutely spectacular. If you did it last summer, do it again! Approximately 3.5 miles north of Gunnison off of Hwy. 135, turn left onto Ohio Creek Road, County Road 730. Drive approximately 19 miles to the Beaver Ponds Trailhead. This hike through an aspen grove is short and not too steep. The scenery of the Anthracites is spectacular, and there are fish in the beaver ponds. Younger children will enjoy this outing.

Pine Creek Trail
This hike can be taken in conjunction with a Black Canyon Boat tour. Drive west on Hwy. 50 to the far end of Blue Mesa Reservoir approximately one mile west past the Junction of Hwy 92 which crosses over the dam. On your right you'll see a wooden sign indicating the Pine Creek Trail. Park in the parking lot and be ready to descend 232 steps down into the canyon. The steps switch back and there are benches along the way for rest stops. Once you reach the water level, the Pine Creek Trail is flat and follows the old grade of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. There are signs along the way that tell the story of the once fully operational narrow gauge railroad.

Crystal Creek Trail
Drive west on Hwy. 50 to Hwy. 92, which crosses the dam (to Crawford). Once you are on Hwy. 92, it is a 24-mile drive to the trailhead. The drive is beautiful with many stops along the way to view the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The parking area is a wide pull-out next to the highway on your left. The trail is approximately five miles round trip and you should allow two hours for the hike. This hike is recommended for kids who are a bit older and can hike for that length of time. The trail ends at an overlook above Crystal Reservoir. You can also take a short trail that forks off to the left and walk to the top of a hill for an excellent view of the West Elk Mountains. Be sure to visit both areas. The scenery is spectacular throughout the hike. After the hike, you may choose to drive to Crawford for a picnic at the lake.

Kid Hikes - Crested Butte

Lost Lake
This hike is a personal favorite. Drive west on Whiterock St. in Crested Butte until it turns into County Road 12/Kebler Pass. You will drive over the summit of Kebler Pass and a total of approximately 19 miles. You'll see a sign on your left indicating the Lost Lake Slough Campground. Turn left and drive up this road to the campgrounds. The trail head is near the entrance of the campground. This hike takes you around a lake, past a waterfall, past another lake and over some rock formations. The hike is a total of approximately 2.5 miles and you can have all day to do it!

Oh-Be-Joyful
Drive up Slate River Road a few miles until you see a small brown sign indicating the Oh-Be-Joyful turnoff. Drive down the road to a parking area and the Slate River. You can park there and cross Slate River on the bridge by foot, or ford the river in your vehicle (not recommended early in the season). Follow the road to the Wilderness Boundary about 1.5 miles. This part of the hike is the steepest part, and it's not very difficult. Once you reach the Wilderness Boundary, the trail climbs easily along the valley floor. You'll see multiple waterfalls, mountain peaks, still ponds and abundant wildflowers. This is arguably the most beautiful hike on the planet! You do not have to take this hike all the way to Blue Lake or Oh-Be-Joyful pass. Pace yourselves and go a comfortable distance for the whole family. Talk to your children about the Wilderness Act of 1964 (www.wilderness.net). A wilderness area is "where the land is left in a state where human modifications are minimal" (Wikipedia). On your return, get your feet wet and have fun in the Slate River before heading home.

The Caves/Walrod Area Loop
Drive south from Crested Butte on Hwy. 135 approximately seven miles to Cement Creek Road at approximately the 21-mile marker. Turn left and continue down the road for 1.5 miles. You will see a pull-off parking area to your right. At the trailhead, you'll see a sign indicating Farris Creek Trail #409 and other trails. There will be a big green hunting sign from the DOW at the trail head as well. The trail switches back and is uphill for the first part of this loop, but then it gets much easier. At the top of the switchbacks and across a field, you will see "the caves." They are fun to explore but supervision is mandatory. Get back on the trail, keep walking and you'll see a trail junction with #409. Do not take #409, but instead, keep walking along the hillside that parallels the road below. This trail will traverse across the hill and descend into Walrod Gulch. From there, take the jeep road back onto Cement Creek Road, and follow the road back to the parking area. Children as young as four years old have done this hike, but it was challenging for them. You may want to take kids a bit older on this hike. You can do this hike in reverse (start at the Walrod Gulch area) and the uphill isn't as strenuous.

The younger children may enjoy cruising around the Walrod Gulch Area as there is a stream to explore and a jeep road that heads up the gulch but is not too steep. There is also a narrow path that parallels Cement Creek Road in this area that the smaller kids can hike on.

Click here for hikes featured in our Summer 2006 issue. We have listed several hiking destinations not included in this issue including, Long Lake, Dillon Pinnacles, Judd Falls, another waterfall at Lake Irwin, and the Crested Butte Mountain Resort's Chairlift to ride and then hike.

We anticipate adding new hikes with each summer issue.