Family Hiking Challenge!

UPDATE: They no longer offer this program! Bummer!!

https://www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/education/passport

Looking for a fun outdoor family activity this summer? If you are near Larimer County in Colorado there is a hiking challenge called Passport to Your Open Spaces.

Passport to your Open Spaces

From prairies to mountains and forests to wetlands, Larimer County’s open spaces deliver the best of Colorado’s great outdoors. Explore your open spaces using the passport as your guide! Win cool prizes!

Posts are located in eight Larimer County open spaces. Two posts have been placed on each open space in easy (short hike) and hard (long hike) locations. Each post has a plaque affixed to it with a unique image. Place your passport over the plaque and make a rubbing of the image to “stamp” your passport. Don’t forget to bring a crayon or pencil with you!

Collect 8 rubbings to win a prize, 12 rubbings to win a passport T-shirt, or all 16 rubbings to win a prize and T-shirt and be entered into a drawing for grand prizes! See below for this year’s grand prizes.

How Did It Work?

• Collecting Stamps: Visitors were tasked with finding these posts, each adorned with a unique image. By using a crayon or pencil, you would make a rubbing of the image onto your passport, effectively “stamping” it.

Prizes for Exploration:

• Collect 8 stamps for a small prize like a collapsible water bottle.
• 12 stamps earned you a Passport T-shirt.
• All 16 stamps entered you into a grand prize drawing, which included items like an REI tent, annual passes to Larimer County parks, and even a stay at Hermit Park Open Space.

Locations:

• Trailhead kiosks at these Larimer County open spaces:
  • Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
  • Devil’s Backbone Open Space
  • Red Mountain Open Space
  • Eagle’s Nest Open Space
  • Hermit Park Open Space
  • Ramsay-Shockey Open Space
  • River Bluffs Open Space
  • Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area 

Tips for Beginner Hikers

• Start Small: Begin with short, easy trails to build endurance and confidence.
• Footwear: Invest in good, comfortable hiking shoes or boots with ankle support.
• Hydration: Bring at least 1-2 liters of water; hydration is key.
• Pack Light: Only carry what you need. A lighter pack means less strain.
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or fruits for quick energy boosts.
• Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Navigation: Always have a map or GPS, even for familiar routes.
• Weather Check: Dress in layers and check the weather forecast.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and respect nature.
• Safety: Inform someone of your hiking plan, including where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
• Pace Yourself: Hike at a comfortable pace to avoid exhaustion.
• Rest: Take breaks to enjoy the scenery and prevent fatigue.
• Basic First-Aid: Carry a small first-aid kit for minor injuries or emergencies.
• Know Your Limits: Don’t push beyond your physical capabilities.
• Stay on the Path: Trail erosion is reduced when you stick to designated paths.

Tips Hiking with Kids:

• Choose the Right Trail – Opt for shorter, less strenuous trails initially to build up stamina and interest. Look for trails with points of interest like waterfalls or wildlife.
• Kid-Friendly Gear:
  • Child Carrier Packs – For younger kids, consider a comfortable carrier that doesn’t strain your back.
  • Kids’ Backpacks – Lightweight, with fun designs to make them excited about carrying their own gear.
• Snacks and Hydration – Keep snacks accessible and frequent. Kids burn energy quickly, so small, regular snacks can prevent meltdowns. Use fun water bottles or hydration packs tailored for kids.
• Engage Them – Turn the hike into a game or a treasure hunt. Ask them to look for different plants, animals, or rock shapes.
• Dress for Success – Ensure they wear layers that can be removed or added. Good, fitting shoes are crucial to prevent blisters. Consider waterproof gear if the weather might be unpredictable.
• Safety First – Teach them basic safety like staying on the trail, not touching unknown plants, and what to do if they get separated.
• Rest Stops – Plan for more frequent breaks. These can be opportunities to explore, snack, or just rest.
• First-Aid for Kids – Include kid-specific items like band-aids with fun designs, antihistamines for bug bites, and perhaps a small toy to distract in case of minor injuries.

We had a blast doing this challenge as a family! We got our free T-Shirts and I wanted to get a family picture with our shirts on BUT they didn’t want to humor me this time! Lol