Yesterday we took our cousins and Mimi the dog hiking on Douglas Mountain.

We hike the mountain every year and after trying out the Eagle Scout trail from the new trail head off Douglas Mountain Road last spring we have generally opted for the shorter - although steeper - Ledges Trail from the old trail head.

We chatted with several families with children on the mountain yesterday who aren't fans of the Eagle Scout trail. It's much longer than the 1/4 mile to the top from the Ledges Trail. And I was asked a couple of times at the trail head where the short trail to the top was.

I'm not sure if it was Mimi the dog or simply the kids that attracted questions, but several other people along the trails and at the top of the mountain commented on not being prepared for the length of the Eagle Scout trail and about how the mountain used to have a nice short trail and that the new trail 'was too long.'

Having made the mistake once before, I told them I knew just what they were talking about. And although the new Eagle Scout trail is not that long, it's just not what visitors expect when their friends suggest they hike the mountain because it has a short trail and yeah, even little kids can do it.

It seems there's mixed reviews about the new trail so the comments we heard yesterday from families with young children weren't unusual.

So if you're taking your little ones hiking and want to find the Ledges Trail - the one that's a steep climb but only 1/4 mile - park at the new trail head off Douglas Mountain Road. Then walk back out to the road, take a left and follow the paved road up the hill to the old trail head.

There is NO signage to direct you to the Ledges Trail from the new trail head and that's unfortunate. But once you find it, the Ledges Trail is well-marked and easy to follow.


The Ledges Trail

The stone tower is all the motivation the kids need to make the climb up the mountain.

Of course the Webkinz came along for the hike.

We found a nice shady spot to relax and have a snack.

Mimi made lots of new friends on the trail because there were lots and lots of dogs hiking with families yesterday. People with dogs always stop to chat and my kids really enjoyed all the friendly dogs and people.

See more photos from our hike on Douglas Mountain

E-mail this entry to a friend