Don’t let the mileage of Columbine Lake intimidate you - if you have an adventurous kid that’s maybe a bit older, they can totally handle this trail! It’s mostly flat with a few short steep sections until you start to get closer to the lake. Once there, there are some rocks to climb up over but nothing you and your kid can’t tackle (this was my daughter’s favorite part!).

The hike itself has it all - forested sections, open grassy fields with views, a few waterfalls (depending on time of year), and of course - beautiful Columbine Lake which is a very unique light green color. There are large boulders to perch from to enjoy the lake while you take a well-deserved snack or lunch break. 

The only drawback to this one is that the road to get there is BUMPY. You’ll drive about 5 miles on a dirt service road that is rutted out. While it’s a bit of a slog, the hike is well worth the trek to the trailhead.