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Children's Hiking at Peaceful Valley
With so much natural beauty to explore, kids forget about TV and video games. We have access to the best the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Don’t be surprised when they fall asleep the minute their heads hit the pillow after a day of hiking.
You will notice the wide variety of hikes available at Peaceful Valley. We offer the following hikes that are great for all ages and abilities (don’t forget to check out our hiking page for more the more intense hikes we offer.)
3-Bears: After an hour’s horseback ride through Lodgepole pine forests and unique rock outcroppings, you will arrive at your aspen grove lunch spot. After lunch your counselors will lead the group on a hike to the top of Papa Bear Rock. We have taken folks of all ages on this moderate hike. Once on top you will experience one of the most amazing views of the Colorado Rockies. Families have the opportunity to take pictures that are worthy of a Christmas card.
Castle Rock: This hike leaves directly from the main lodge bright and early Monday morning. What better way to begin your vacation at Peaceful Valley Ranch than a sunrise hike before breakfast! Families climb there way up the ridge overlooking Peaceful Valley to a large rock outcropping. Once on the top, the views of the entire ranch are unbeatable. It is fun for the children to try to find their cabin in the valley below. Hikers return in time for breakfast to share their experience with everyone.
Peaceful Valley Chapel: This short and easy hike is ideal for all hikers. Leaving from the lodge it is no more than 20 minutes to the chapel (this includes resting!). Following the path the horses use to get up and down the mountain to and from the corral and the upper pasture, hikers walk along a pine tree and aspen lined trail. Once at the top you have the opportunity to explore the chapel and its breathtaking views. Don’t forget the hike down! The views of the divide peak through the trees and really make you appreciate the beautiful world around you.
Long Lake: This is an amazing area located in the Roosevelt National Forest. This low intensity hike is great for children and adults alike. The wildflowers are some of the best of Colorado. It is fun to try to stump our Naturalists with names of the different plants along the trail. The wildlife is also abundant. There are usually families of ducks swimming and playing in the lake and birds and squirrels chirping and frolicking in the trees.
Children's Program links: