Front Porch Notes

Your Monthly Mix of Colorado Living, Home Inspiration & Local Finds

Hello Friend,

Welcome back to Front Porch Notes—your monthly stop for local adventures, homeowner tips, market insights, and a few fun discoveries along the way.

This month we're talking summer hikes, Denver's best ice cream spots, the paint colors designers are loving right now, and a simple homeowner hack that can make your shower doors sparkle.

Let's jump in.

Colorado's Family-Friendly Hiking Bucket ListOne of the greatest perks of living in Colorado is having endless opportunities to explore the outdoors. Whether you're planning a family outing, entertaining visitors, or simply looking for a new weekend adventure, these trails offer something for everyone.

1. Emerald Lake Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park | 3.6 miles out-and-back | Easy-Moderate | Estes Park
   Passes Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before arriving at the breathtaking Emerald Lake basin. One of the most rewarding short hikes in Colorado.
   Website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/emeraldlake.htm
2. Chautauqua Trail – Flatirons Loop | 2–4 miles | Easy | Boulder
   Wide, well-maintained trails with iconic Flatiron views. Great for families, beginners, and leashed dogs.
   Website: https://bouldercolorado.gov/services/chautauqua-park
3. Bear Creek Trail | Up to 6 miles | Easy | Morrison
   A shaded trail that follows a gentle creek through a canyon. Perfect for warmer summer days.
   Website: https://www.jeffco.us/1342/Bear-Creek-Lake-Park
4. Bridal Veil Falls Trail | 1.8 miles out-and-back | Easy | Telluride
   A short hike leading to Colorado's longest free-falling waterfall.
   Website: https://www.telluride.com/discover/trails/bridal-veil-falls/
5. Ouzel Falls Trail | 5.4 miles out-and-back | Moderate | Rocky Mountain National Park
   A beautiful forest hike featuring multiple waterfalls and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
   Website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/wild-basin-area.htm
6. Hanging Lake Trail | 2.4 miles out-and-back | Moderate | Glenwood Canyon
   One of Colorado's most photographed destinations with its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Reservations required.
   Website: https://visitglenwood.com/hanginglake/
7. South Valley Park – Coyote Song Trail | 3.4 miles | Easy | Littleton/Ken Caryl
   Red rock formations, open meadows, and frequent wildlife sightings make this a local favorite.
   Website: https://www.jeffco.us/1350/South-Valley-Park
8. Waterton Canyon | Up to 12 miles | Easy | Littleton
   A flat gravel trail along the river where bighorn sheep are often spotted. Great for strollers and bicycles.
   Website: https://www.denverwater.org/recreation/waterton-canyon-strontia-springs-reservoir
9. Mount Falcon Park – Castle Trail | 2.5–5 miles | Easy-Moderate | Morrison
   Historic ruins, incredible Front Range views, and plenty of shade.
   Website: https://www.jeffco.us/1335/Mount-Falcon-Park
10. Castlewood Canyon State Park – Inner Canyon Loop | 2 miles | Easy | Franktown
    Dramatic canyon walls, a seasonal waterfall, historic dam ruins, and abundant wildlife make this a fantastic family adventure.
    Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/CastlewoodCanyon

A hidden gem featuring dramatic canyon walls, seasonal waterfalls, historic dam ruins, and abundant wildlife.

Challenge of the Month: Pick one trail you've never visited and make it a summer adventure.

Denver's Must-Visit Ice Cream Spots

After a hike, you've earned dessert.

Summer is officially ice cream season, and Denver offers no shortage of incredible places to cool off.

Fresh Paint, Fresh Perspective

If you're looking for one of the easiest ways to refresh your home, paint continues to deliver one of the biggest returns for the smallest investment.

This year's trends are moving toward warmth, comfort, and nature-inspired colors.

Designer Favorites

• Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
• Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130)
• Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
• Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
• Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)
• Benjamin Moore October Mist (1495)
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172)
• Behr Blank Canvas (DC-003)

Whether you're preparing to sell or simply updating your space, a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room.

Homeowner Hack

Say Goodbye to Hard Water Stains

One thing I see in homes all the time—especially when preparing a property for the market—is hard water buildup on shower doors.

The good news? There's an easy fix.

What You'll Need

• Dishwasher rinse aid (here are a few examples, generic or name brand)
  • Finish Jet Dry Rinse Aid Agent
    Link: https://www.finishdishwashing.com/products/rinse-aid/
    
  • Cascade Platinum Aid Dishwasher Rinse
    Link: https://cascadeclean.com/en-us/products/platinum-rinse-aid-original-scent/
    
  • Lemi Shine Liquid Dishwasher Rinse Aid
    Link: https://lemishine.com/products/shine-dry-rinse-aid
• Sponge with an abrasive side

Steps

1. Apply rinse aid directly to the glass.
2. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Scrub with the abrasive side of the sponge.
4. Rinse thoroughly.

For heavier buildup, you may need a second application.

It's a simple trick that can make a bathroom feel cleaner, brighter, and more polished in less than 30 minutes.

Until Next Month

My goal with Front Porch Notes is to be more than just your real estate resource. I want this to be a place where you discover local adventures, homeowner tips, community happenings, and ideas that make life in Colorado even better.

If you're thinking about buying, selling, investing, remodeling, or simply wondering what your home is worth, of course I'm always happy to help.

Until next month, get outside, try a new trail, enjoy an extra scoop of ice cream, and make the most of summer - and share pictures with me on on Instagram @jodie.colorado.girlie

See you on the porch,

Jodie