Kinikinik, Colorado facts for kids
Kinikinik is a small, quiet place in the mountains of western Colorado, in the United States. It's not a city or a town with its own government, but more like a neighborhood where people live and visit. You can find Kinikinik along a road called State Highway 14, high up in the beautiful Poudre Canyon. It's located west of a bigger city called Fort Collins, right before you reach Cameron Pass.
What is Kinikinik?
Kinikinik is known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it's part of a larger area, in this case, Larimer County, Colorado. The community mainly has a general store, which is like a small shop selling many different things. There are also summer mountain resorts and vacation homes where people come to relax and enjoy nature.
Location and Surroundings
Kinikinik is nestled in the scenic Poudre Canyon, which is famous for its natural beauty. The community sits on the east side of Cameron Pass, a mountain pass that crosses the Continental Divide. This location makes it a perfect spot for outdoor adventures. The nearby Cache la Poudre River flows through the canyon, offering clear waters. The area is also surrounded by the vast Roosevelt National Forest, full of trees and wildlife.
Fun Things to Do
If you visit Kinikinik, there are many fun activities to enjoy in the great outdoors.
- Fishing: The Cache la Poudre River is a popular spot for fishing. You can try to catch different types of fish in its cool waters.
- Hiking: The mountains around Kinikinik are part of the Roosevelt National Forest. This means there are many trails for hiking, where you can explore the forests, see amazing views, and maybe even spot some local wildlife.
The Name Kinikinik
The name "Kinikinik" comes from a plant called kinnikinick, also known as Bearberry. Early settlers in the area named the community after this plant, which grows naturally in the region. It's a small, low-growing plant with bright red berries.
Kinikinik is also famous for a unique reason: it's one of the longest palindromic places in the United States, and even in the world! A palindrome is a word, number, or phrase that reads the same forwards and backward. For example, "racecar" is a palindrome. "Kinikinik" reads the same both ways, which is a fun fact about this small mountain community.
