Follow a trail, ride it or walk it, and be respectful of everyone's right to use the trail.
Hiking or biking with family and friends is a great way to get outdoors, exercise, and most of all HAVE FUN! Did you know you can also play games on the trail? How about a scavenger hunt or BINGO? Make a list of things you might see on your adventure – cross them off as you find them. Do a little research before you go. Need a few ideas to get you started? Check out our examples. Be safe on the trails – go with an adult and bring your outdoor essentials (see list below).
Plan It!
Remember everyone has a right to use the trail. Here are some ways for everyone to enjoy the outdoors:
- Know Before you go – check weather conditions and our what to bring list below.
- Choose the right path – some trails are designated for only certain use, check all the signs and maps.
- Trash your Trash – keep the trials clean and dispose of waste in a garbage or recycling bin.
- Leave what you find – try not to disturb the natural surroundings.
- Be careful with fire – only make fires in designated camping areas with no fire restrictions, make sure you have an adult with you who knows how to put out a fire.
- Respect wildlife. Be kind and respect other visitors.
What To Bring
- Day Pack filled with: (check off the items as you put them in your pack)
- Rain gear
- Lots of water
- Snacks
- Map or G.P.S (Do you know what G.P.S. stands for?)
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen/Sunglasses or Cap
- Insect repellant
- Whistle (Why a whistle? Just in case you get separated from your group - stay in one place, sit down, and blow the whistle count to 30 and blow it again. Do this until your family finds you.)
- Walking stick or Hiking Poles
Colorado Resources
Fun Ideas
Geocaching: a fun way to add some adventure into a hike. The way it works: Other Geocachers leave a little something behind in box or in the ground for you to find! To locate the box you have to get the coordinates from an internet site and use a handheld GPS device or compass and map to find it! Visit Here for Happy Hunting- http://www.geocaching.com/ Plant and Wildlife Identification: Along the trail there are hundreds of plants and wildlife to view and identify.
Click on these links to find guides for your next hiking adventure:
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/viewing/index.php
http://wildlife.state.co.us/wildlifespecies/profiles.aspx
Become an author and write or draw your own nature guide: Draw or write in a journal the things you see on the trail. Keep adding to it when you go out again. Outdoor Photography: Bring a camera and snap some photos of your favorite scenes, plants, trees or wildlife. Develop of print the photos and make a collage or memory book of your experiences! Enjoy the view: Summer or Winter, you and your family can capture some of the views Colorado has to offer year round. Here are some ideas to get you started!
http://www.coloradophotohikes.com/colorado-trails.html
http://www.trails.com/toptrails.aspx?area=10017
