Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

Kids Hike – Lily Lake RMNP

One of our favorite hikes is up in Rocky Mountain National Park called Lily Lake. It’s a very easy to navigate hike with great accessibility. It’s one of my go-to trails when it’s just me and the kids because I know it’s safe and I won’t have to carry Emmy.

The main loop is just shy of a mile and can be navigated with a stroller.

Back in 2018 Cory made it around with our double stroller and a busted Achilles in a boot.

Now the kids hike on their own!

We brought lunch to enjoy while watching all the wildlife. I LOVE summer in the mountains so much.

We choose to add some elevation and distance by going up over the ridge. There are many other trails that connect to the main Lily lake trail so you can add distance if you like. You can also paddle on the lake and the kids want to bring our boards next time.

If you are in the Estes Park area we can’t recommend this trail enough! We have also visited in the fall and winter….all beautiful!

Previous years:

Kids Hike – Fountain Valley Loop Trail In Roxborough State Park

We were so excited to have our friends join us for a hike this week! Our goal has been to get out on at least one hike a week (on average) so 52 hikes for the year. I need to go back and count up how we are doing since the year is almost half over already.

We decided to do Fountain Valley Loop Trail in Roxborough State Park.

It’s about a 2.6 miles without too much elevation gain.

There are a couple overlooks you can hike to and they are well worth it.

Our kids range in age from 4 to 9 years old. They all hiked the entire way and did SO well! The hike in the rocks is so gorgeous. We also did this hike back in November and it was equally as beautiful.

In the afternoon we cooled down with a trip to the pool. Hoping these kids turn into fish by the end of the summer.

Do your kids like to hike?

Rainbow Lake Hike – Frisco

We decided that we needed some time in the mountains and it is officially hiking season! We have tried twice to complete this hike and were turned around both times. We decided on Rainbow Lake Trail in Frisco for an easy two mile hike.

The first time we got caught in a rain/hail storm in August, then the trail was icier than we expected in December and we didn’t have traction. The mountains here are always unpredictable.

August 2021
December 2021

This trail is so easy to get to and right outside the town of Frisco.

The sun was shining and the weather was perfect.

We love this boardwalk portion that takes you through a little wetlands, full of snow melt.

There are many bridges and fun rocks to climb. I really love this hike, it’s so good for kids.

We actually made it to the lake this time and enjoyed some time wading and making new friends.

After our hike we went down to main street in Frisco to grab some lunch.

This was about five minutes from the trailhead.

Little downtown Frisco is SO cute.

Earth Day 2022

Happy Earth Day! I hope you found a way to celebrate the earth and the beauty of nature.

Cory had to work but the kids and I got to run up to Rocky Mountain National Park. Seemed fitting since it’s national parks week.

We found Lumpy Ridge to hike since most of the trails deeper in the park are still covered in snow.

There were so manny wild flowers and bees and birds out.

Lots of stairs, a couple tumbles and a few tears but it was all worth it for the views and the time out together.

After our hike we grabbed lunch then stopped at a playground.

This season of life where the kids love to play and move their bodies is the best. Anytime I can say yes to a playground I will.

On the way home we grabbed a pie to share with Cory to make up for leaving him out of our adventure.

How did you celebrate the earth today?

A Day Trip to the Paint Mines

We had the best day yesterday exploring the Paint Mines , the Paint Mines are a natural feature south of Denver.

“The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of El Paso County’s most unique open spaces. The Paint Mines are named for their colorful clays that were collected by American Indians to make paint. Brightly colored bands, caused by oxidized iron compounds, are found in varying amounts throughout the many different layers of clay.

The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is located in the northeast section of the County near Calhan with approximately 750 acres. The paint mines have evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago. The park features fantastic geological formations including spires and hoodoos that form through erosive action that creates incised gullies and exposed layers of selenite clay and jasper. The park includes a restroom facility, four miles of trails, interpretive signage, and many natural wonders.” – SOURCE

There is so much to explore.

Cannon and Emerald loved climbing around and finding hidden caves.

If you are in the area I highly suggest a visit.