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I wanted to take my 6 year old daughter up her first 14eer this weekend, felt she is really ready as far as stamina and focus, but because of the snow that fell friday, decided to do Flattop, because there would be less snow.... but still a great challenge for her as it was 9 mile round trip and 2849' elevation change. I have never been up Flattop before,and it was a beautiful hike! Wonderful views of Hallet's peak, and Long's Peak in the distance. It made it interesting to start off in the thick forest around Bear lake, and finish up above tree-line with the snow. Our daughter did great, though she insisted on crawling along on parts of the upper trail through the snow pretending she was a sled dog! With her playfulness, it took us 7 1/2 hrs to complete the hike! On top it was about 35 % F , beautifully sunny, a little windy (though the wind died for a perfectly calm late afternoon). and the snow on the trail leading up was the perfect softness for walking on. For my husband and I, and our little girl, it was wonderful outing; and i was so proud of how little Fiona handled herself.
One thing i have learned, about doing hikes with our little kid, is bring lots of food and fluid, more than you think. She needed to eat almost every hour or so: included treats with the healthy stuff. Allow an hour per mile, as even really in-shape kids need to play and investigate, especially on really long hikes, also need time for all the clothing adjustments...they don't like being uncomfortable, ie too hot or cold!. Be prepared to tell lots of stories, or engage somehow in conversation to prevent boredom. Bring stuff for blisters, change of shoes, socks. More fun if they can have a friend to hike with, if you can find one that can keep up! Also, if it is good enough for you, it is good enough for them;what i mean is they should be wearing the same quality Gortex, fleece, thermal underwear, boots, etc that you would wear, esp in these kinds of outings
Elk in the Park
Fiona and Neil about half way up
View of Hallet's
Trudging on snow covered trail
Goofing around
Pretending to be a tired sleddog
Trail sign on Flattop
Eating on top.
Relaxing
View of Hallet's with snow field
View of Long's
posing by rocks overlooking snowfield
Posing against (Hitching post?) Hallet's in background
Interesting bug in the snow Fiona found!
Lying in the snow
Fiona takes this picture of Dad!
Someone offers to take a family shot of us at a beautiful overlook halfway down
Back down by Bear Lake, Fiona doesn't want to leave! But tomorrow is school.
Full moon on drive back
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
The lovers of the outdoors thank you.... 9/16/2008 2:29am
for introducing the next generation to the Colorado mountains. Fiona will someday need to be the defender of outdoor stewardship. You are giving her a reason to want to. She‘ll always remember that day in the snow with Mommy and Daddy.
WOW - A 6-year old... amazing! I‘m hiking with my 9 and 7-year olds but they are all smaller 3-5 mile hikes... I‘m not sure I‘m ready to take them up a 14 yet... but you‘ve inspired me to challenge them a little more... They sure love the great outdoors!
Great trip report and pics! I hope that your family can continue to climb together. We started our 14ers project in 2001 when our youngest was 7, and now we have a dozen left, and will hopefully complete in 2010. And yes, we sang a lot of songs, played word games, and even given a few bribes along the way. But there was no better invention than the iPod for the kids to take the edge off of those 6+ hour hikes. As teens, they are still excited to go. Lots of luck to you guys!
This trip report was inspirational... I did Flattop and Hallet in August... on the scramble to the top of Hallet I heard a noise to my right and there was someone in shorts and a Marine T shirt literally sprinting from rock to rock all the way to the top... then I looked to my left and there was a nine year old girl picking her own way to the top dressed all in pink...being over 60 these sights make one humble and feel pretty old.
I am sure that these experiences will bring strength and courage in whatever she faces... keep up the good parenting.
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