A Family Adventure in New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region

This summer, our family set out to explore New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region as part of a partnership with Visit Monadnock. What we discovered is that this corner of the state is the perfect destination for active families. Between the hiking, biking, farm adventure, and family-friendly attractions, we barely scratched the surface of what the region has to offer.

What is the Monadnock Region?

The Monadnock Region is located in the southwest corner of New Hampshire, centered around the iconic Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. But it’s more than just a mountain - this area includes charming small towns like Keene, Jaffrey, and Peterborough, plus countless lakes, forests, and cultural gems. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or downtown strolls, it’s a beautiful spot for families to slow down and connect.

Our Family-Friendly Itinerary

Friday: Arrival at the Inn at East Hill Farm

We kicked off our trip at East Hill Farm, an all-inclusive, family-focused getaway at the base of Mount Monadnock. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel at home. We toured the property, swam in one of their three pools, and sat down to a hearty turkey dinner. That evening, the kids loved the glow party that was fun with dancing, lights, and plenty of energy burned off before bed. 

View from the pool in front of our room at East Hill Farm in Troy, NH

East Hill Farm had animals to meet, amazing meals (all included), and family-friendly activities.

Saturday: Farm Fun and Downtown Keene

After a made-to-order breakfast (literally anything you can dream up), the kids jumped into farm life. They had the option to milk cows and goats, pet bunnies, pet goats, and check in on the chickens. We spent the morning pedaling a boat around the farm’s pond and joining activities like ice cream making and friendship bracelet crafts. Lunch was included before we packed up and headed to Keene.

Our first stop in town was the Keene Bike Park, a pump-track-style park where the kids zipped around on bikes and scooters. Then we checked into the Carriage Barn Inn, a cozy inn right in downtown Keene. We explored the charming shops, grabbed burgers and fries at Fritz, and treated ourselves to frozen yogurt at YOLO Café. To top it all off, we listened to live music at the town bandstand - a perfect summer night in Keene.

Keene had a ton to offer - shops, food, culture, and nature.

Sunday: Mount Monadnock & Spofford Lake

We set alarms for an early start to hike Mount Monadnock. Parking reservations are required ($16) at the park headquarters, so we reserved in advance. We hiked the White Dot Trail up and descended the White Cross Trail. It is a 3.9-mile loop with 1,774 feet of elevation gain. It’s a challenging climb with open slab and spots that require a bit of fancy footwork, but our family made it to the summit and back in about four hours. The views stretched across all of New England and were worth every step.

Afterward, we celebrated with giant portions of ice cream at Kimball Farm in Jaffrey, then headed to Ware’s Grove Beach on Spofford Lake. Non-resident admission costs a small fee, but it was well worth it: a sandy beach, concessions, playground, and warm, clear water with a sandy bottom made it a family favorite.

That evening, we returned to Keene and had dinner at Buba Noodle Bar. The kids devoured bao dumpling sandwiches and crab rangoon spring rolls, while Matt and I enjoyed pho and ramen. 

Mt Monadnock is a challenging, yet rewarding climb.

This small ice cream from Kimballs was HUGE!

Monday: Bookshops & Rail Trails

On our final morning, we checked out of the inn and enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Yellow Bell Café. Before heading home, we stopped at Toadstool Bookshop, an independent bookstore where the kids picked out new reads. Our last adventure was biking a section of the Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail, a flat, scenic path perfect for families. 

Delicious huevos rancheros at Yellow Bell Cafe

Best Things to Do with Kids in the Monadnock Region

If you’re planning your own family trip, here are some highlights we recommend:

• Stay at East Hill Farm – a perfect mix of farm fun, activities, and relaxation for families.

• Hike Mount Monadnock – best for older kids who can handle a moderately challenging hike.

• Swim at Ware’s Grove Beach – sandy shores, playground, and clear lake water.

• Bike the Keene Rail Trail – flat and family-friendly, great for all ages.

• Visit Keene Bike Park – a fun spot for kids on bikes or scooters.

• Explore downtown Keene – from live music on the green to shops and kid-approved eats like Fritz and YOLO Café.

• Pick out books at Toadstool Bookshop – a cozy local spot perfect for rainy-day browsing.

• NEXT TIME - We didn't get a chance to visit the Keene Children's Museum, participate in the rail trail passport program, or visit some of the other, small hikes in the area. I'd also love to go back and visit the town of Peterborough because I've heard such good things! 

  

  Swimming at Ware's Grove Beach was a big hit.

  
  

  

  We could have easily spent a week at East Hill Farm - so many activities!

  
  

Why Families Will Love the Monadnock Region

This trip proved that the Monadnock Region is a playground for active families. From swimming and biking to hiking one of the most famous peaks in the world, there’s something for every age and ability level. Add in charming towns, delicious food, and family-friendly accommodations, and it’s a destination we can’t wait to return to.

We only just began to uncover all that this region has to offer, and we’re already planning our next trip back.  Visit Freelance Adventurer or Visit Monadnock instagram for more photos and videos!

You might also enjoy these similar adventures:

- Family Friendly Northern White Mountains Weekend 

- 24 Hour Affordable Getaway in the White Mountains with Kids

- Ogunquit Maine for Families

Stonehouse Pond Loop

Stonehouse Pond and 150 foot cliff face.

My parents were in town visiting last weekend from Oregon.  When I asked my mom what she wanted to do for the day, she replied, "I don't know.  Walk around a pond or something?"  Matt new the perfect place to go on a summer day - Stonehouse Pond in Barrington, New Hampshire.  

Matt is very familiar with this piece of NH Fish and Game property because he has frequently climbed and ice-climbed the 150 foot granite cliff on the far shore.  It's also a well known spot for anglers as it is stocked with brook trout.  The hike around the pond is a short one (my guess is about a mile) and provides views of the pond and surrounding area from the top of the cliff.  It was just what my mom was looking for and we all enjoyed this local little hike.

View from top of Stonehouse Pond Cliff

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Stonehouse Pond Loop Hike in Barrington, New Hampshire

Sign from Route 9/202

Getting there:  The Pond is located on Route 9/Route 202.  From the Lee Traffic Circle, take Route 4- East for seven miles.  Take a right onto Cooper Hill Road.  After about a mile it will connect to 202 East.  Turn right onto 202 East.  After a mile, turn right onto the dirt road.  There is a large wooden sign marking STONEHOUSE POND.  Drive to the end of the dirt road where there is a parking area.  There is no cost to park and no bathroom facilities available at the trailhead.  Stonehouse Pond can be found using an iPhone or Google Maps as well.

Matt checks out the view on our hike.

Trail:  Unfortuantely, the trail is not well signed or marked.  There are many footpaths, offshoots,

Trail

and choices when going around the pond.  It's sort of a choose-your-own-adventure.  We stuck to the most well worn trails, keeping the pond always at our right.  The trail is fairly easy until you start "climbing" to the cliff.  Here, the trail got steep and uneven.  After about a half mile, we emerged at the top of the cliff.  **Be careful not to throw rocks or objects off since it is both a popular climbing and swimming area below!

After enjoying the view, we again had to choose a trail to decend.  Our first choice turned out to be quite steep so we returned to the top and then hiked down another one.  I could see it being easy to get a little lost since non of the trails are signed or blazed.  Take are to look for landmarks and give yourself plenty of time and provisions to return.

Difficulty:  Moderate.  There are some steep areas when climbing up and down the cliff.  Because of the numerous trails, it's possible to take a steeper or more challenging trail.

Distance: About 1 mile loop.

Enjoying the view from the summit of the cliff.

Recommendations:

- Even though this is a short hike, bring proper hiking footwear and provisions (water, snack, and rain gear).  

- Take care around the cliff.  Do not through objects from the top.  The cliff face is a popular climbing spot and there could also be swimmers or boats below.

- There are no bathrooms or water at the trail.  Plan accordingly.

- The dirt road to the parking lot is covered in deep pot holes and can be difficult terrain.  Take care!

"Walking around a pond" was the perfect family weekend activity and Stonehouse Pond was the perfect place to do it.  On the way home, we stopped at Calef's Country Store  on Rt 9/125 intersection for a giant pickle and Moxie. What is more New England than that?

Three Generation Selfie at Stonehouse Pond

You might also enjoy these adventures:

- Winnie the Pooh Trail in Barrington, NH

- Stratham Hill Park in Stratham, NH

- Mt. Agamenticus in York, ME

Wetting a Line on the Kancamagus

Falls Pond near Rocky Gorge on the Kancamagus Highway

Three years ago Matt and I met our friends from Long Island in the White Mountains.  We spent a day driving down the Kancamagus Highway finding spots to swim, fish, and picnic.  The post is titled Kancamagus Cool Down.  Now, exactly three years later, we met to do it again.  We hit up two new spots - Church Pond and Falls Pond - and returned to an old favorite - Sabbaday Falls.  It was a perfect summer day - sunny with a breeze.  We enjoyed our reunion with our friends and some White Mountain spots we truly enjoyed.

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Rocky Gorge

The Kancamagus Highway (also known as Route 112) runs through the southern White Mountains.  The scenic drive connects Highway 16 in Conway to I-93 in Lincoln.  The entire road is 56 miles and provides access to hiking trails, campgrounds, and stunning views.  There are no stores, gas, or other amenities along the highway.  In addition, almost all the stops are on National Forest Land so vehicles need a pass.  You can purchase this with cash or check at any of the pullouts using an envelope and tag system.  On the date we visited, the charge was $3 a day. We met our friends Joe and Jeanne at the Ranger Station/Visitor Center at the start of the "Kanc" in Conway.  Our plan was to make three stops where we could stretch our legs with a short hike and the guys could fly fish.  Our three stops are listed below.



Stop 1: Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond
Nine miles down the Kanc from the visitor center in Conway is Rocky Gorge.  This scenic are is a small rocky canyon that the Swift river pounds through.  It forms a powerful cascading waterfall of cool mountain water.  Although not a good swimming area, it's a great place to stop for a view, bite, or short walk.  From the parking area - follow the trail across the bridge to access to Falls Pond and the Nanamocomuck Ski Trail (also available for hiking).  Lovequist loop is a short, family friendly, 1 mile loop around Falls Pond.  Matt was able to catch-and-release fish in the Swift River but didn't have any luck at the pond.

Sign for Lovequist Loop at Rocky Gorge

Matt fly fishes in the Swift River at Rocky Gorge

Stop 2: Church Pond
Fourteen miles down the Kanc (5 miles from Rocky Gorge) is Passaconaway Campground.  At the end of the left camping loop is a trailhead to Church Pond.  Church Pond Trail is a 1.1 mile out-and-back.  The entire section was flat and easy.  There were two shallow (but wide) stream crossings at the beginning but no other technical issues after that.  The trail travels through forest and bog lands (or 'moose-country' as Matt called it).  Bog bridges guide your way so no worries about wet feet there.  The pond was lovely with views of surround mountains and forest.  The water was bath-water warm and no fish were caught.

Bog bridges on Church Pond Trail

Trail Sign in Passaconaway Campground

Views at Church Pond

Stop 3:  Sabbaday Falls
Fifteen miles down the Kanc (1 mile from Church Pond) is the parking lot for Sabbaday Falls hiking and picnicking areas.  Before venturing to the falls, we enjoyed our lunch in the picnic area.  Then we took the short walk (0.2 miles) up the Sabbaday Falls Brook Trail to the falls.  The trail allows you to walk around the three tiers of falls.  At the base is an emerald pool.  Joe and Matt were both able to catch-and-release small trout with their fly rods here.

Emerald pool at base of Sabbaday Falls

Sabbaday Falls

Upper Sabbaday Falls

Our drive was a perfect summer day.  We enjoyed each others company and the beauty of the White Mountains.  I hope to do it again with them in another three years!

Baby Lucien enjoyed the hikes too!

You might also enjoy these adventures:

- Kancamagus Cool Down

- Advice for Hiking in the White Mountains

- White Ledge Trail

The Best Road Trip - 15 nights in Iceland - Cost, Advice, and Itinerary

Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland

Hard to say something is the best, right?  I mean, I've been on some pretty awesome road trips - Newfoundland, California, Colorado, Michigan, Pacific Northwest, Southwest National Parks, Ireland....the list goes on and on.  But I can say - Iceland trumps them all.  The natural beauty is incomparable - it's AMAZING! Combined with the ease of foreign currency (all you need is a credit card), the delicious food, and the tourist-friendly attitude, makes this island THE BEST place to visit.  Yes, it's cold.  Yes, it's rural. No, there are no beaches to lay out in a bikini.  It's not that kind of vacation.  If you are looking for a natural wonderland and long roads where the only traffic is the sheep and horses on the side of road, then go here.  Below you'll get a review of our 15-night itinerary as well as some tips and tricks for your trip.  Happy Travels!

Dynjandi Waterfall, Iceland

THE BEST ROAD TRIP - 15 Nights in Iceland 

Outside of Reykjavik 

This trip wasn't cheap...but it was cheaper than I expected.  With a day job as a middle school science teacher, I don't have a huge slush fund for travel.  However, by saving $100 from each paycheck for three years (money that should have probably gone into some sort of Roth IRA retirement account), I saved $5,000 - my expected cost.  As it turned out, the trip cost - for everything - about $4,000 a person (3 person trip).  This included...

$760 - Round-trip Direct Flight from Boston
$1,936 - Payment to Iceland Unlimited (2 week budget car rental, 15 night budget accommodations, Ferry to Westfjords, Whale Watch Trip, Blue Lagoon Entrance, and Travel Agent Services [24-hour contact, map, meeting, cell phone, gps])
$421 - Expenses - 1/3rd of the gas, snacks, souvenirs, snacks
$569 - Food and Drink (Lunches and Dinners only. Breakfast was always included by guesthouses.  We often only went out for one large meal a day to save money)
$300 - Extra Excursions (Horseback Riding, Silfra Snorkel, Glacial Bay Boat Tour)
$160 - Third of cost for broken windshield (cracked along trip and had to replace)
______
TOTAL: $4,146

And it was worth EVERY PENNY!  I'm starting to save for a return trip (the Roth IRA can wait...)

5 Things I didn't know until I went to Iceland...

Hraunfossar waterfall

1.  There are waterfalls EVERYWHERE. - Yes.  I knew there were waterfalls there.  I had done my photography research on Godafoss, Gullfoss, and all the other "fosses".  What I didn't realize is that you can't throw a puffin in this country without hitting ten waterfalls.  Driving along fjords all day, we'd see literally hundreds of falls coming off the mountains and draining into the fjord.  It was amazing and beautiful.  Perhaps next time I go, I'll try to stop more often for the "little ones" (they aren't little by US standards) and spend less time at tourists favorites.

Lupines Everywhere!

2. In July, the country is covered in lupine flowers, sheep, and horses. - Oh my goodness! The beauty!  It's hard to describe, but we would drive for a full day through what looked like one massive field of purple lupines.  It's memorizing.  Icelanders also have large herds of sheep and horses that roam freely through the island.  Every glance is picture-perfect.


3.  Everyone speaks English. - Well, ok...I DID meet one woman who didn't at a rural gas station in North Iceland, but everyone else in the gas station did.  Since there are so many European tourists, English has become the "tourist language" and most menus, products, and signs were in English - even in rural areas.

Walking on ice - bring a jacket

4. The food is good. - I had expected food choice would be limited due to the remote and isolated location.  We found that restaurants served excellent and diverse menus.  Portion size was fair and so was cost.  Remember, you don't tip your servers in Iceland and tax is included in the cost of the food, so a $30 meal isn't that bad when you consider it includes tax and gratuity.  Oh...we also noticed there are a lot of pizza places.

5.  It's chilly. - I mean, I knew this I guess.  The summer prior, I had kept pretty close tabs on the daily weather in Reykjavik, but it was still surprising to be mid-July with a high of 55 F.  Bring lots of layered clothing and sunscreen.  The harsh northern sun will get you. Don't forget your swimsuit too - Hot tubs everywhere!

And now for the itinerary ... Click on the day and follow the link to the write up about that day.  

15 Nights in Iceland (in July)

Day 1 (July 8) - Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik Introduction - Arrive in Iceland at 6:30 am. Take Flybus to Blue Lagoon for opening at 8:30 am.  From Blue Lagoon, take Flybus to Reykjavik.  Check into Guesthouse Aurora and explore local spots.

Day 2 (July 9) - West Iceland - Lupines, Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and Craters - Get rental car from Enterprise and drive west.  Explore Hvakfjordur fjord and the Glymur waterfall. See other sights along the road. Stay at Hotel Borganes.

Day 3 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day 3 (July 10) - Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Beaches, Churches, and Mountains -  Explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula and glacier.  Stay at Guesthouse Kast.

Day 4 (July 11) - The Wild Westfjords - Winding Roads, Mountains, Puffins, and a Ferry-  Take 9 am ferry  in Stykkisholmur alon Breidafjordur bay.  See Latrabjarg cliff and puffins!  Stay at Radagerdi hostel in Patreksfjordur.

Day 5 (July 12) - Westfjords Waterfalls and Coastal Villages  - Explore more of the Westfjords including Patreksfjordur, Talknafjordur, and Bildudalur.  Visit the Dynjandi waterfall and Isafjordur.  Stay at Hotel Edda Isafjordur.

Day 6 (July 13) - Westfjords Continued - Hot Tubs, Waterfalls, and Sorcery -  Explore the capital of sorcery and witchcraft while exploring more fjords and beauty.  Stay at Guesthouse Laugarholl.

Day 7 (July 14) - Northwest Iceland - Black Beaches, Driftwood and Icelandic Horses- Drive by fertile farmland and barren mountains roads.  Take an afternoon tour on Icelandic horses.  Stay at Guesthouse Holar. 

Day 8 (July 15) - Akureyri - Shopping, Food, and Drink - Drive to the capital of the north.  Explore the town and stay at Guesthouse Gula Villan.

Day 6 - Drangsnes Hot Tubs

Day 9 (July 16) - North Iceland - Whales, Waterfalls, and Nature Baths - Head for Lake Myvatan.  On the way stop and see Godafoss waterfall.  Go on 3 hour whale watching tour in Husavik.  Stay at Guesthouse Stong.

Day 10 (July 17) - Myvatn - Craters, Sulfur Pots, and Steam Vents - Drive to Eastern Iceland.  Stop to see Dettifoss - Europes most powerful waterfall.  Stay at Icelandair Hotel Herad.

Day 11 (July 18) - East Iceland - Hot Tubs, Lobster, and (more) Waterfalls - Drive through East Fjords and fishing villages.  Stay at Guesthouse Arnanes. 

Day 12 (July 19) - Southeast Iceland - Icebergs and Glaciers - See glacial lagoon through a boat tour.  Explore Vatnajokull National Park, Svartifoss Waterfall, and Vik.  Stay at Hotel Edda in Skogar.

Day 13 (July 20) - The South Coast - Waterfalls, Waterfalls, and Snorkeling - Drive the south coast and stop to see many waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui. Snorkel Silfa in Thingvellir National Park. Spend the night at Guesthouse Lambastadir. 

Day 14 (July 21) - The Golden Circle - þingvellir National Park, Geysers, and Gullfoss - Visit Thingvellir National Park.  See geysers and Gullfoss waterfall.  Return rental car and stay at Reykavik Hostel Village.

Day 15 (July 22) - Reykjavik- Hot Dogs, Happy Hour, and Sunshine City- Enjoy the last day in Iceland by exploring Reykjavik on foot. 

Day 16 (July 23) - Fly home - Morning flight back to Boston.

Day 12 - Glacial Lagoon

In conclusion, this trip might have been a "once in a lifetime adventure", but I can't accept that.  I HAVE to go back!  Who needs a retirement plan anyhow?

Please leave any questions and comments here.  Don't forget to like The Freelance Adventurer on Facebook and on Instagram @FreelanceAdventurer

Westfjords Selfie

Day 13 - The South Coast - Waterfalls, Waterfalls, and Snorkeling

A hike behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Day 13 was all about water.  We packed three of the big and famous waterfalls in the country into this day.  In the evening, Leanne and I popped into þingvellir National Park to snorkel the Silfra Fissure - an underwater gorge where two tectonic plates are pulling apart.  Here is how to recreate our adventure...

Day 13 - The South Coast - Waterfalls, Waterfalls, and Snorkeling

Feeling the mighty power of Skogafoss Waterfall!

We discovered that the south coast of Iceland was fairly packed in the summer.  Tourists spending just a few days in the country can rent a car or take a Reykjavik Excursions coach out to this area for the day.  After days without crowds, it was almost stressful being surround by other tourists.

We started the morning early, and WET!  I really wanted a photograph in front of the Skogafoss waterfall near our guesthouse.  I dragged Leanne out of bed to get there before the crowds.  Unfortunately, the morning light put the waterfall in the shade and it was difficult to get the perfect photograph.  It was still awesome feeling the power and spray of the massive falls.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Hike

After we dried off and had breakfast, we headed out on the Ring Road (Rt 1) to Seljalansfoss.  A moderate 30 minute walk will take you up to the falls. It's a great little hike because you get to actually walk behind the falls in a carved-out cavern.  It was the second time that day I got to feel the mist of a gorgeous fall.

After our hike, we drove to the town of Selfoss to look for a lunch spot.  We decided to inquire in the town library where we could find a local seafood place.  The librarian was very helpful and directed us 10 minutes out of town to the village of Stokkseyri where we enjoyed a delicious seafood chowder, bread, and cocktails at the Fjöruborðið cafe.  I highly recommend the restaurant.

After lunch, we visited the waterfall Urriðafoss which was located just a short ways off the Ring Road (near Selfoss).  It was a wide cascade and we were the only ones there.

Silfra Fissure

Since we had a 5 pm meet up for our Silfra sorkel, we decided it was best to check in to our guesthouse early.  Lambastidir Guesthouse is located just outside Selfoss center on small and quaint farm.  We were excited that our room had a private bath and there was a hot tub and sauna on the property.  It also had a delicious continental breakfast in the morning.

Leanne and I suited up in warm clothes and drove into  þingvellir National Park.  We had scheduled our snorkel two weeks prior with Dive.is.  We were instructed to meet our group at the visitor center within the park.  After our group of 20 was all together, the guides had us following them in car to the dive site (5 minutes drive).  There, we were suited up in a thermal coverall, dry diving suit, wet suit gloves, wet suit hood, and a snorkel and mask.  As science teachers, Leanne and I were totally geeking-out over the fact that we got to dive in a divergent plate boundary between the Eurasian and North American Plate.

Snorkeling in freezing water between two tectonic plates!

The water was cold and clear.  There is little to no life, and was amazing to see the rocky gorge below us and we snorkeled along.  We were in the water for a total of 30-40 minutes.  Any longer and I think my nose and fingers would have gone numb.  I was skeptical about the experience at first, but I have since decided that it was totally worth it.  After the dive, you are welcome to purchase photos from your trip (we abstained since Leanne had a waterproof camera with her), and they treated us to hot chocolate and cookies.  Still hungry, we did a 8 pm stop back at the visitor center for hot dogs and soft serve before driving the hour back to Lambastidir Guesthouse.

Underwater views in Silfra Fissure

We ended the night with a midnight dip in the guesthouse hot tub.  I was getting used to this.

Turf House alongside the road in Pingvellir National Park

READ ABOUT THE NEXT DAY HERE: Day 14 - The Golden Circle - þingvellir National Park, Geysers, and Gullfoss

Please leave comments or questions below, or visit us on our Facebook page at The Freelance Adventurer for more photos and stories or visit us on Instagram @FreelanceAdventurer.

3 Great Hikes in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Hiking in Steamboat Spring, Colorado

Steamboat Springs is a perfect town to explore the outdoors - hiking, biking, skiing, and tubing are just a taste of the activities the town has to offer.  My host, Courtney, took us on a number of hikes in our one-week stay.  Here are my favorites....

Hot Springs

Strawberry Park Hot Springs - The Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a natural hot spring that has been built up by a local entrepreneur.  The hot springs now boasts multiple pools, camping area, restrooms, and massage.  Visitors are welcome to drive in, but we combined our love of hiking with soaking for this Steamboat adventure.  The trailhead for this hike is a little "hidden".  To get there, park at Mad Creek Trailhead on Routt Country Rd 129.  Instead of taking the Mad Creek Trail, walk down the parking lot toward the road and you should see a worn path (not marked) walking away from the parking lot.  You'll pass a gate the trail marked Hot Springs Trail 1169 will go off to the right.  It is a moderate uphill hike through aspen forest along the Hot Springs Creek.

When you arrive at the Hot Springs, make sure to walk up to the check-in counter.  All guests must pay to use the hot springs.  Cost is $12 adults (Sun-Fri) and $15 (Saturday and Holidays), $7 for teens, and $5 for kids.  The hot springs was a great spot and very family friendly.  They had running water and restroom facilities.  We brought a pack lunch and enjoyed it "pool-side" before hiking back down the same way.  Overall, this is a 5 mile round trip hike.

Hot Springs Sign

Trail to Upper Falls

Upper and Lower Fish Creek Falls - Fish Creek Falls is a popular destination in the Steamboat Springs area.  This 280 ft falls is located only 1/4 on an easy road from the parking lot and is sure to be bustling with tourist on a warm summer day.  However, 99% of the visitors will turn back after the falls and not continue the 2 miles to the Upper Creek Falls - another gorgeous waterfall surrounded my wildflowers in the summer months.  To visit these falls, take 3rd street north and turn right on Fish Creek Falls Road.  The parking lot is four miles down this road.  This is a US Forest land.  Cost is $5 per car.  Hike down 1/4 mile down the overlook trail to the bridge overlooking Lower Fish Creek Falls.  From here, continue on this trail.  The trail winds through aspen and conifer forest to arrive a second waterfall surrounded by wildflowers and providing views of the valley below.  Overall, our hike was 5 miles out-and-back.

Lower Fish Creek Falls

Hiking through wildflowers up to Rabbit Ears

Rabbit Ears - This mountain peak is located outside of Steamboat Springs in Kremmling, CO.
 Because of it is mostly hiking through meadows, we saw amazing wildflowers along this hike as well as great views of distant mountains.  The trailhead is tricky to find.  Take East US 40 to Dumont Lake turnoff and continue onto National Forest Road 315.  This road goes for about 1.5 miles until you see a large stone monument on your left.  Turn left at the monument into a small parking area.  Park in the first lot begin walking down the road.  At a second parking lot, you will bear right - there will be a sign marking 291.  This is your trail.  The trail (or road) winds through meadows up to the "Rabbit Ears" rock formation.  Admire the volcanic rock along the trail and multitude of wildflowers in summer.  It is 3 miles of moderate trail to the summit (10,694 ft elevation).  Return the way you came for a total of 6 mile hike.  There is no charge for parking and no bathroom facilities.

Approaching the Rabbit Ears

This is just a taste of Steamboat Springs' MANY wonderful hikes.  I recommend a trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado for hiking and adventuring!


Please leave comments and questions below...