Fowler Fire Ring

Huts: Kid Tested & Kid Approved

SUMMER & WINTER HUT TRIP IDEAS FOR YOUR FAMILY OR EDUCATIONAL NON-PROFIT GROUP

Taking kids on a hut trip can be an amazing adventure - full of experiential learning opportunities and great times for all. The reward is undeniable - hut trips are an affordable* outdoor Colorado experience, to be remembered and cherished for years to come. Like our state's 14ers, there's a long list of huts that can be checked off - so let's get planning!

While it is impossible for us to evaluate your family or group's skill-level, outdoor experience or level of fitness, the huts listed below have shorter approaches and area hikes that lend themselves to groups with kids. We have divided our hut-specific information for kids' trips into summer and winter sections that link to our website's hut description pages. Keep in mind that unless you are a seasoned hut-tripper, taking kids on a summer trip is a perfect place to start - the whole family can experience the outdoors while enjoying the comforts and amenities of one of our huts.

*When booking your family or group trip, don't forget to mention that you have children - kids 12 and under at the time of the trip pay half price at most huts, and our Backcountry Exploration Program offers significant discounts to non-profit educational groups using the huts mid-week.

Trip Planning

Once you've reviewed our suggestions, please feel free to give us a call at (970) 925-5775 to ask any additional questions and to check on availability. We can't plan your trip for you since only you can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your group, but we may be able to provide further details to help you make a final decision.

SUMMER

Just exploring in the vicinity around a hut is an adventure in itself, but here are a few favorite summer trips that include a kid friendly hike either from the hut or to get to the hut. Also keep in mind that while we strongly encourage non-motorized travel to the huts, almost all of the huts are accessible by 4-wheel drive roads in the summer.

If you want to drive to the hut and hike with children in the vicinity around the hut...

If you want to hike with children in order to get to the hut...

Kids' first summer hut to hut hiking trip...

Here's a Kid Tested and Kid Approved itinerary for a fun first time hut-to-hut hiking trip with kids. You'll need good maps as there are many converging roads and trails in the area, particularly where FS Road 100 (Wurtz Ditch Road) and FS Road 145 (Slide Lake Road) meet. Remember to pack light!

Winter

Trips with children in the winter are challenging and should only be undertaken by experienced hut groups. If you have backcountry winter experience, and now have kids, here are a few options.

Activities

Going on a hut trip with your family can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. You really don't need to bring too much with you in terms of games - the beauty of a hut trip is that they are simple and kids naturally find joy in exploring the hut and the surrounding environment. That said, if you'd like to have a few specific activities planned, there are literally thousands of websites and blogs that can give you ideas. Here are a few for all ages and varied interests:

Several books containing information and activities appropriate for the hut environment, suggested by educators, are listed below.

Unplug

Be on the same page with your group about use of electronics while at a hut. Although cell phone coverage is not guaranteed at any of the huts, adults may choose to have cell phones for safety purposes - but please leave those and other electronics packed away unless needed. Your family should also consider leaving your children's electronic devices at home (or at least in the car) - an out of sight out of mind approach will help everybody focus on their family, friends, and amazing surroundings.

Bob from the Find My Campground website says it best when blogging about camping with children, which is also appropriate for hut trips:

"Most important: Be with your kids. Be present. Leave behind your cell phone and computer. Immerse yourself in the moment and in their excitement. Be enthusiastic. Make the memories for you and your kids. This is that time you are going to look back on and smile!"

Reservations & Trip Planning