Info on hiking (Colorado Springs, Canon City, Manitou Springs: relocating, hotel, work)

[lildreamer]

Does anyone have any advice on family day hiking trails near The Springs? Where to buy good hiking shoes? What to bring on a day hiking trip? We are arriving in The Springs first week of June. We will be staying in a hotel until we find a house to live in. I have a nine year old and a seventeen year old to keep entertained. Also any advice on beginners white water rafting trips?
Thanks for any help!

[Charles]

I took my daughter up this hike from Palmer Lake to the Palmer Reservoirs. Head north from Colorado Springs and take the Palmer Lake Highway 105 exit west to Palmer Lake. Take any of these little streets to the far west end of Glenn Avenue. Just park there somewhere. It's legal and safe. Hike west about one mile then another mile. Gorgeous, close, moderate, free.

80132 - Google Maps

[lildreamer]

Absolutely beautiful Charles. This will definitely be one of the first places we will be checking out. Thanks!

[Maynerd]

I recommend the Cheyenne Canyon area for day hikes. The Mount Cutler trail is a great start -- only about a mile long. Then, go up to the Seven Bridges trail or the Saint Mary's Falls Trail. Terrific views, and all right here in the city. Obviously, Garden of the Gods is best explored on foot. What to bring for a day hike? Water, water, and water. A camera. Sunscreen. Something to snack on. That ought to be enough. Carry too much, and it becomes too much like work.

As for whitewater rafting trips, there are a number of outfitters on the upper Arkansas, near Buena Vista, and a bunch in the Canon City area. Any of them will be able to show you a good time. I recommend the stretch just above Royal Gorge, and then through the Gorge (water-level permitting). The Canon City outfitters would be best for this.

Enjoy. Colorado is a great place to take advantage of the outdoors. Sadly, too many people don't.

[lildreamer]

Thanks Maynerd! Take advantage of the outdoors is exactly what I plan to do.

[Moman1]

Originally Posted by Maynerd

I recommend the Cheyenne Canyon area for day hikes. The Mount Cutler trail is a great start -- only about a mile long. Then, go up to the Seven Bridges trail or the Saint Mary's Falls Trail. Terrific views, and all right here in the city. Obviously, Garden of the Gods is best explored on foot. What to bring for a day hike? Water, water, and water. A camera. Sunscreen. Something to snack on. That ought to be enough. Carry too much, and it becomes too much like work.

As for whitewater rafting trips, there are a number of outfitters on the upper Arkansas, near Buena Vista, and a bunch in the Canon City area. Any of them will be able to show you a good time. I recommend the stretch just above Royal Gorge, and then through the Gorge (water-level permitting). The Canon City outfitters would be best for this.

Enjoy. Colorado is a great place to take advantage of the outdoors. Sadly, too many people don't.

I agree with Maynerd on every account. You really can't go wrong anywhere.

As for the hiking equipment, I would suggest Dick's on Powers. They may be a bit on the expensive side, but they will have the best selection.

[dmggk]

We have small children and we've really enjoyed North Cheyenne Canyon, as well as Red Rock Canyon....near Manitou Springs, there are some neat red rock formations there and a variety of hikes. There are SO many wonderful places to hike here!

[lildreamer]

Thanks for the replies. I will head to Dicks for hiking shoes when we arrive and then hit the trails. I am so excited.