TRAIL TIPS

• CHECK THAT THE TRAIL IS OPEN BEFORE YOU HEAD TO THE HIKE. You can access trail closures HERE. They close the trail often for muddy conditions. I only made this mistake once :)

• Plan for non-peak times. Their website instructs to arrive before 9am or after 3pm on weekends in the summer as the parking lot is typically full otherwise. We came in the early winter and had no issues.

• Great easy trail for visitors. Since you’re not at high elevation, this is a great trail for older adults or out-of-towners.

• Minimal shade. There is little shade here and while I haven’t been in the summer, I would suspect that it will get very hot here!

• Consider for sunset. I haven’t done this for sunset but have heard it’s a must do! It’s on my summer bucket list for sure.

MAKE A DAY OF IT

• Stargazer Alpaca Farm - I found Stargazer somewhat randomly looking for something else online and I’m so glad I did! The owner, Cindy, offers private tours of their alpaca farm - just email her to set up a time! She does a bit of education on the animals, their background at the farm, and then you get to go meet them and pet/feed them for as long as you like. She has over 50 of them! My kids LOVED it and didn’t want to leave. Alpacas can be pushy, so if you have a really little one or a kiddo who can be scared of animals, this probably isn’t your thing. 

• Sunflower Farm - Back when we lived in Denver, we would drive all the way to Longmont frequently just to visit Sunflower Farm. It’s like a playground, zoo, and botanic garden all rolled into one. You can spend hours here playing in the treehouses, making s’mores by a bonfire, and meeting the animals. They have hours open to the public called “Farm Fest” - it’s only on certain days though so make sure you check out the calendar before you go.