Field Notes: Local Hikes

If you are interested in hikes near Longmont that are less than 25 miles away, please check out this post. 

This page is for hikes that we have done in the general vicinity of Longmont. This is a place for me to keep track, write a few notes, and post a photo or two. It will be updated regularly as we get out and about. We hike with a preschooler, so our hikes tend towards the family-friendly.

Cub Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, 38 miles from Longmont

2.3 miles to Cub Lake and 2.3 miles back. We made it about 1.5 miles with our slow but steady 3-yr-old. Beautiful all the way but a little singed from the 2012 fire. We will try again some day and attempt to get all the way to the lake.

Devil's Backbone, Plaster Mill Rd, Loveland, 20 miles from Longmont 

12 miles of trails which connect to Rimrock Open Space and then Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. About 1.5 miles from the parking lot to the keyhole. This is a really nice easy hike that is only 20 miles from Longmont. Located in Loveland, it is surrounded by communities of homes so it does not feel like you are escaping into nature. Still, the rock formation is stunning and feels quintessentially western. The keyhole - an impressive rock arch - is a great destination for kids and adults will appreciate the view of Longs Peek, Meeker, the Twin Sisters and more.