This post is about 6 months belated, considering this trip took place over Summer of 2023. This was the 4th year of our mom-kid backpacking trip tradition! At the time of this particular backpacking trip, we had a range of kids ages 8 to 12. Young enough where they still desire being in our company,Continue reading “Backpacking Ice Lake Basin, CO w/ Kids”
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2023 Hikes & Events:
Welcome back for our second season of hikes, family-friendly outings, and overnights in the CO high country and Denver Metro area! Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s coming up for 2023: Our first hiking event of the year is coming up at Mount Falcon–bring on the cheese and wine! Make sure you RSVP for thisContinue reading “2023 Hikes & Events:”
Backpacking Crested Butte to Aspen with Kids
– detailed logistics, packing list, trail specifics, sample itinerary& budget – By Jennifer Mihlbauer-Schiel, July 28, 2022 This is it folks…search no further when planning your iconic backpacking trip between two of the cutest Colorado towns around! I can assure you I had read ALL the blogs, all the AllTrails reviews, and spoke with localsContinue reading “Backpacking Crested Butte to Aspen with Kids”
Colorado Nature Bingo
Free Download of Rocky Mountain Version &/or Plains Version As a mom and former elementary school teacher, I’m always looking for creative ways to engage kids in their natural surroundings. What better way than through BINGO? Better yet…how about a Colorado-themed one? So in preparation for an upcoming kid-friendly group hike at Barr Lake StateContinue reading “Colorado Nature Bingo”
Preparedness: A True & Useful List
We’re focusing solely on PREPAREDNESS by listing the favorite items WE personally always keep in our packs when outdoors! By Jennifer Mihlbauer-Schiel & Jolene Stewart I can’t count the times I’ve hunted random blogs for the Holy Grail of MUST HAVES on the trail—only to feel like I’ve entered a curated space of advertisements. Continue reading “Preparedness: A True & Useful List”
“Lean-To Hike” Near Evergreen, CO
Kid Friendly Hike, Full of Surprises, & close to Denver
Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake Trailhead
Quick trail highlights: –Length: 6.2 miles –Route type: out & back –Elevation Gain: 994 ft. –Permit: Only for parking during high season https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087515/ticket/10087516 –Other: Dogs allowed on leash; leave no trace –Trail Characteristics: streams, ponds, meadows, alpine lakes, waterfall, pines, Continental Divide, wildlife such as moose, wildflowers -Consider checking out the All Trails AppContinue reading “Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake Trailhead”
Mt. Bierstadt: The “Friendly 14er”
I’m convinced one of the most “Colorado” things to do is summit a 14-er, so I defer to the whole “when in Rome” sentiment as a new transplant to the state. Now technically I’m not really a new transplant—more like a “new, old transplant” since I lived here once before (from 2008-2016). All toContinue reading “Mt. Bierstadt: The “Friendly 14er””
Backpacking Big Pine Lakes
Via Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail, Inyo National Forest, CA This is the backpacking trip I’ve been waiting for all year, with 3-generations tackling the North Fork Trail together to Big Pine Lakes! It’s Mom (me), daughter (Gwendolyn), Grandma (AKA Mom or Mitzi) and Aunt Mihl (my sister Heather) all joining in for aContinue reading “Backpacking Big Pine Lakes”
Backpacking Lost Lake w/ Kids
Yesterday we returned from a single-night backpacking trip to Lost Lake near Nederland via Hessie Trailhead, located just outside of Indian Peaks Wilderness. We originally planned Diamond Lake for the trip, but didn’t secure the wilderness permit in time. Luckily, Lost Lake doesn’t mandate a permit. Also, this was a kid-centered trip, since my friendContinue reading “Backpacking Lost Lake w/ Kids”
Trading for Trails 