Let’s go hiking! Warm weather is here and the wilderness beckons. Maybe you are new to Colorado, or new to hiking, or the kids are finally old enough to venture beyond the neighborhood park.
So, you are thinking, I will just lace up those sneakers, grab a candy bar and …
Hold on.
Even a simple day hike requires some planning to be successful, especially if children come along. A two-hour walk in the woods can quickly turn bad if you are not prepared.
Knowing where to go, what to bring and how to cope should difficulties or emergencies arise can mean the difference between a treasured memory and a nightmare.
“As beautiful as Colorado is, it’s very unforgiving,” said U.S. Forest Service public affairs recreation specialist Jane Leche. “Sudden storms could pop up, there are wild animals, insects, things that sting and bite, and then there is the threat of dehydration. Planning is your best offense for having a great family outing in the outdoors.”
This basic guide tells you what you need to know to have fun and stay safe. So get out there and enjoy the trails. But remember: Be prepared.
WHAT TO WEAR
Lightweight hiking boots, “light hikers” or sturdy sneakers with thick soles are fine for easy trails; street shoes or sandals are not appropriate. For more difficult trails and longer hikes, invest in better boots and be sure to break them in.
Dress in layers for Colorado’s unpredictable weather. Synthetics are better than cotton, which holds moisture. Quick- drying pants or shorts and a T-shirt are good layered with a long-sleeved shirt and windbreaker. Bring a fleece jacket or vest if you’ll be at higher elevations. (Yes, fleece, even in July.)
Rain jacket and pants or a poncho. Staying dry can save your life.
Spare socks. An extra dry pair can’t hurt.
Hat. Essential at high altitude.
SUSTENANCE
Smart tip: Be fed and hydrated before you start.
Water: It’s better to have too much than too little. Adults require a gallon of water a day. Count on needing about 8 ounces every half-hour; more is needed if it’s hot or the climbing is strenuous. Don’t take sodas or sports drinks unless it’s a picnic by the car. Water is what you need. And don’t drink from a stream.
Food: Sandwiches, hard fruit such as apples, peanut butter, energy bars and trail mix travel well. Bring a little extra for backup.
COMMON-SENSE RULES
Pack out every bit of your garbage and pick up litter.
Keep dogs leashed.
Stay on the trail. It’s there for a reason.
If you must urinate, walk gently off the trail at least 200 feet downstream of any water. If you must do the other, bury it in a shallow hole and pack out your used toilet paper in a double plastic bag. Human waste and food will not decompose above treeline, so pack it out.
Carry a cellphone only for emergencies and keep it turned off. (Often it won’t work in the wilderness anyway.) It’s not a Starbucks out there.
Leave the iPod or the MP3 player at home. Headphones on the trail are a no-no.
Walk single file past other hikers. Smile and say hello.
Leave nothing in your car at the trailhead unless it’s locked in the trunk. Break-ins are common.
TO YOUR HEALTH
Don’t drink stream water unless you have a water purification or filtration system.
Bring sunscreen and use it often. Even on a cloudy day, you can burn quickly at higher elevations.
Bring a simple first-aid kit containing sterile gauze pads, bandages, antibacterial ointment, aspirin, antihistamine tablets, tweezers, pain reliever and antiseptic wipes.
Bring any medications you may need.
Bring insect repellent that contains DEET. West Nile virus is a reality.
Moleskin is a godsend for blisters. As soon as you feel a hot spot develop, use it. Buy it in the foot-care section of a drugstore or discount store.
GOOD GADGETS
Small backpack. Select a sturdy one that fits and has lots of pockets. About 1,500 cubic inches is big enough. You don’t need a frame.
Trail map. Available online, at the park office or trailhead. Even for a short hike, it’s a good idea to know where you’re going and how to get back.
Pocket knife or multipurpose tool. Don’t take the biggest, because they’re heavy. Two blades, can opener, scissors and awl are useful.
Compass. Bring one, but only if you know how to use it. REI downtown offers classes on Fridays at noon.
Toilet paper. Take half a roll. Remove cardboard tube and fold the paper flat. Pack out used paper in doubled zippered plastic bags.
Flashlight and extra batteries. You probably won’t be out after dark, but it pays to be prepared.
Bandanna. This has hundreds of uses, and it’s lightweight too.
Waterproof matches in a waterproof container. Good to have in an emergency.
Whistle on a neck cord. If you or someone else gets separated from the group, this can get everyone back together. Make sure everyone has one.
Hiking stick. An ordinary stick is fine; you don’t need expensive trekking poles. Good for navigating the trail, stream crossings, general balance.
KID STUFF
Teach children to stay on the trail and within sight at all times.
Children ages 2-4 can hike about a half- mile to 2 miles, but many can’t go that far. Children ages 5-7 can generally cover 3-4 miles over easy terrain, but again, each child is different. Eight- and 9-year-olds can hike 5-6 miles over variable terrain at an easy pace.
Set your group’s goals based on the youngest child’s ability.
Be prepared to carry your child and his pack if necessary.
Younger children should stop every 10 minutes to rest.
Bring wholesome snack foods, water, wipes and tissues, and a change of clothes for the child.
Make it fun. Sing songs, play games, count rocks, look for flowers.
WHERE TO GO
Miles of wilderness trails lie within an easy drive of metro Denver. They range from wide, flat, groomed paths to more challenging trails with switchbacks and steep climbs. They fall within many jurisdictions, from the National Park Service to the U.S. Forest Service, from the Colorado State Park system to Denver Mountain Parks and Jeffco Open Space.
WEST OF DENVER
Elk Meadow in Evergreen, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Roxborough State Park,
O’Fallon Park, the Apex Trail on Lookout Mountain and Red Rocks are among dozens of great places within easy striking distance.
Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood is a municipal park but hardly seems like one, with its vast meadows, abundant wildlife and miles of wooded trails that feel far from civilization.
EAST OF DENVER
Barr Lake State Park near Brighton, the Pawnee National Grasslands near Greeley and the Plains Conservation Center east of Aurora offer excellent opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
GET STARTED
Visit the park’s website. You’ll find out what kind of trails there are, if there’s a fee, how to get there, where to park and other details – such as whether they allow dogs. Many have downloadable trail maps.
Otherwise, pick up a map at the park office or trailhead. There also are many excellent Colorado trail guides available at bookstores, sporting goods stores and outdoor-gear stores.
