There are two things I love when it comes to hiking with small kids -  water (lakes, creeks, rivers, waterfalls) and some kind of destination. This trail has both! The trail up to Broome Hut, a little backcountry hut with a pit toilet, is a bit steep and exposed hence the moderate to hard rating but it’s short. There’s also a shaded creek tucked to your left pretty much the entire way up so there are plenty of great spots to take snack breaks and cool down.

Once you get close to Broome Hut, you’re above treeline, and it’s gorgeous with mountains all around. There are a few scenic picnic tables to sit down at, have another snack, and just chill. Bonus: just behind the hut if you keep walking back towards your right, there is a beautiful little waterfall, perfect for some more splashing! If you’re there in summer, there will be tons of wildflowers over here as well.

TRAIL TIPS

• Short on parking. The parking lot for this hike is pretty tiny and there isn’t easy overflow so come early! I recommend this anyway because some of the trail is exposed and will get hot for littles as the day goes on.

• Kids might get wet! Pack extra clothes/socks or water shoes for the kids if they’ll be in the water.

• High elevation hike. Elevation-wise, you’re starting higher at 10,540 ft. so I wouldn’t recommend taking out-of-town guests who haven’t acclimated as the incline will be tough.