Trail hike with cooking?
We are visiting next month. Is there a short 1 mile hike near Denver where you are allowed to do cooking? We could carry our own small stove.
My grandson wants to do this with his dad.
Near Denver, there are a few options for short, easy hikes where you can enjoy some outdoor cooking with a small portable stove. It’s important to note that fire restrictions can be strict, especially in summer months, so a portable stove or backpacking stove is generally the safest and permitted option rather than open campfires.
Here are some good options:
- Staunton State Park: Located about 35 miles southwest of Denver, Staunton State Park has several short trails under a mile that lead to scenic picnic spots. You are allowed to use portable stoves in designated areas or picnic shelters. This is a great beginner-friendly area.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park: About 45 minutes west of Denver, the park has short loop trails like the Panorama Point Trail (~1 mile) with picnic areas nearby. Portable cooking is allowed at picnic tables or campgrounds.
- Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests: Many trailheads near Boulder (e.g., Walker Ranch or Mud Lake area) have short easy trails with nearby dispersed sites where small stoves are allowed. Always check current fire restrictions before going.
Tips for a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Carry your own lightweight backpacking stove rather than trying to build a fire; it’s safer and allowed almost everywhere.
- Bring all cooking supplies and be sure to pack out all trash.
- Check park websites for current fire restrictions or temporary closures, especially in summer months.
- Choose trails with picnic tables or designated areas if you want to stop and cook; otherwise, dispersed cooking on forest land is allowed but follow Leave No Trace principles.
With a 1-mile hike, your grandson and his dad can easily enjoy a quick outdoor meal while experiencing nature, without having to carry heavy gear or hike long distances. Combining a short hike with a picnic or stove-cooked snack makes for a fun and manageable adventure for young kids.
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