31 Family Hiking Trails Near Denver

31 Family Hiking Trails Near Denver

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We recently completed our month-long hiking challenge and so I’ve now hiked more family hiking trails near Denver than ever! Denver is such a mecca for family hiking trails that it’s hard to narrow it down, but here are 30 of our favorite family-friendly hiking trails near of Denver!

For more about the challenge, see our post here!

For my criteria, these hikes are all less than 4 miles (most between 1 and 2.5 miles) and less than 600ft of elevation gain. They have also all been tested by my two kids! They also had to be within an hour’s drive of Denver. I have links to each hike on AllTrails or park maps for you to examine the specific details and make your own decisions as to whether it’s a good fit for your family.

Family Hiking Trails Near Denver: Denver Metro Area

We’ll start out with the trails closest to home, including a few urban trails! If you want to stay close to Denver proper, check out these trails.

Cherry Creek State Park

*State Parks Pass required for this trail. Daily fee of $11 without pass.*

Located in Arapahoe County, this state park is just 20 minutes southeast of Denver. While there are loads of recreational opportunities in Cherry Creek State Park, including the reservoir, it also offers great family-friendly trails!

Our family loves the Cherry Creek Pipeline Trail. This trail winds through the wetlands of the park for 1.4 miles and offers a lot of loops and segments off of the main trail. This trail is flat and smooth, but can get thin in parts, particularly if you take some of the off-shoot trails.

Sand Creek Greenway Trail

This 14-mile urban trail follows Sand Creek in North East Denver and features beautiful views. It’s a great trail to see wildlife without leaving the metro area. You can pick up this trail at multiple points. We recommend starting at the Star K Ranch open space or the Bluff Lake Nature Center. And you definitely don’t need to walk the entire 14 miles 😉

Bluff Lake Nature Center Trail features a small lake, wildlife and native vegetation - 31 Family Hiking Trails Near Denver - Exploring Through Life

Bluff Lake Nature Center

Speaking of the Bluff Lake Nature Center, there is a fantastic loop around the lake itself! This oasis in the middle of Stapleton is a great trail for beginning hikers who want to feel like they are getting out without going far. The 1.4-mile trail goes around the lake and features various viewing points and wildlife. There are some small hills, but mostly a wide and flat trail.

South Platte River Trail

If you really want to see Downtown Denver, hop on the South Platte River Trail at Confluence Park and head south. You’ll hike past the aquarium, children’s museums and Elitch Gardens, find great views of the Denver skyline and end up at the Denver Broncos Stadium (about 1.5 miles one way). It’s a super fun segment of the trail that ultimately follows the South Platte River way south.

Check out our 36-mile bike ride along this trail here.

DeKoevend Park

One of our favorite trails in the Denver area is the Highline Canal Trail – a 71-mile trail that winds through the entire metro area. Starting at DeKoevend Park you can follow the trail north with great views of the park and several open spaces. The trail is wide and flat. Great for bikes as well! After you turn around and return to the park, head across the park to play in the creek or on the great playground!

Hudson Gardens

Hudson Gardens is a nonprofit botanical garden and event center in Littleton, just 12 miles south of Downtown Denver. Access to the gardens is free and you can see so much! There is a pond, wetlands, natural gardens, curated flower gardens, rose gardens and more! It’s also right along the South Platte River Trail, with access to that trail as well.

Family Hiking Trails Near Denver: Jefferson County

If you are looking for hikes in Denver’s Front Range, nowhere is more full of family trails than Jefferson County Open Space. These family hiking trails are all within an hour of Denver and are some of our family’s absolute favorite.

Lair O’ The Bear/Bear Creek Trail

Lair O’ The Bear Park is one of the Denver area’s family favorites! With lots of options, our family loves to follow the Bear Creek Trail from the parking lot to the “castle.” It’s a fun option for kids! The trail is wide and relatively flat. It offers views of the creek (and lots of places to stop and play in the water), fun plant life and views of the Dunafon Castle, a beautiful event venue. The trail continues on past the castle, but with this as a turn around spot, it makes the hike 2 miles exactly.

Mount Falcon Park

Mount Falcon Park is a fantastic park just west of Denver. There are several hikes that are family-friendly but our favorite is to hike up to the lookout tower where you can see Chatfield State Park, Downtown Denver and more. Along the way, you can also stop at an old summer cabin from the 1930s that has been turned into a covered picnic area. Park in the north parking lot and take the Castle Trail to Meadow Trail to Tower Trail.

Wondering what to take with you on a hike with kids? Check out our gear list.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park features aspen trees, ponderosa pines and beautiful views - 31 Family Hiking Trails Near Denver - Exploring Through Life

Mule Deer Trail, Golden Gate Canyon State Park

*State Parks Pass required for this trail. Daily fee of $9 without pass.*

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is one of the most beautiful in Colorado! It is a MUST in the fall, but is exceptional in any season. A great family trail is the Mule Deer Trail. It weaves through aspen groves and mossy pines and offers views of the rest of the park! The loop is 9 miles, but there are several options for shorter hikes, from turning around early or taking one of several “alternate” returns. Start at the Ole’ Barn Knoll Trailhead and take the Lower Mule Deer Creek trail after 0.9 miles to make a 2.5-mile loop.

Hummingbird and Songbird Loop

This hike in Reynolds Ranch County Park is a great one if you want a bit of a climb followed by an easy jaunt through a beautiful meadow! This hike is about 2.7 miles and a little over 400ft in elevation gain. So it’s not a hike for someone getting acclimated to the elevation. Get all the details on the loop here. Make sure to hike clockwise starting across S Foxton Road from the back of the parking lot. This is a more moderate trail for kids who can handle a climb.

Davis Pond Loop, Staunton State Park

*State Parks Pass required for this trail. Daily fee of $9 without a pass.*

Stauton State Park is Colorado’s newest state park (opened in 2013) and offers some great programs, including a track chair program for anyone wheelchair bound who wants to enjoy many of the chair-friendly trails. We love hiking to Davis Pond and enjoy relaxing (or fishing!) at the pond before heading back to the trailhead. We saw deer and lots of birds on this trail as well.

Sunny Aspen and Lodge Pole Loop

If you are hiking in the fall, this trail in Meyer Ranch Park off of US Hwy 285 is a must! You hike through gorgeous aspen groves and don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve escaped civilization. There are two options here depending on how far and high you want to hike. Take the Lodge Pole Trail from the parking lot and you can either cut across on the Lodge Pole Trail or hop onto the Sunny Aspen Trail for a larger loop.

Deer Creek Canyon Park

Deer Creek Canyon Park is a gorgeous park with great views of the southern metro area. We like to hike up Meadowlark Trail, which also gives you great views of the mountains on the backside of the park. This trail is a climb, so feel free to turn around at any point. But you can also take Meadowlark to Plymouth Creek Trail to loop back to the parking lot. Plymouth Creek Trail however is very rocky and is popular among mountain bikers, so it’s definitely for more experienced kids.

Wondering how to keep your kids entertained on a hike? I’ve got 11 games and activities here.

Coyote Song Trail is picturesque with red rocks and sloping gradual trails - 31 Family Hiking Trails Near Denver - Exploring Through Life

Coyote Song Trail

Coyote Song Trail in South Valley Park is one of the best family hiking trails near Denver. It’s a great one for visitors because it’s flat and easy and offers gorgeous views of red rocks and other rock formations. You can follow the trail out and back or loop with several other trails that go through the park. Please note that as of August 2020, the south parking lot is closed, but the north parking lot is open. Please check the park website for updates.

Dinosaur Ridge

Want to add some fun science to your hike? Check out Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison. On this hike you can see real dinosaur footprints and views of Denver! You can also check out the visitor’s center to see fossils and learn more about the Dinosaur Highway through Colorado.

Junction House Trail and Shadow Pine Loop

Flying J Ranch in Jefferson County Open Space is a really easy park to access for a quick hike! The trails are nice and easy with lots of aspen trees and a marshy meadow. We even saw some small kids on Strider bikes if you want to give your kids a mountain biking experience! You can go out and back on the Junction House Trail or add the Shadow Pine Loop.

Lookout Mountain Trail

Lookout Mountain Trail is another great option for out of town visitors because it offers great views of Downtown Denver and the Clear Creek area in Golden. At the top of the mountain you can find Buffalo Bill’s gravesite and a museum in his honor as well! There are several hike length options, but the most family friendly is the 2-mile out and back from the parking lot on South Lookout Mountain Road.

Genesee Summit Trail, Genesee Mountain Park

Another great option in Golden is the Genesee Summit Trail in Genesee Mountain Park. I like this trail because it’s always fun for kids to get to the summit of something! It gives them such a sense of accomplishment. And Genesee Mountain Park offers great views and wildflowers in the summer as well!

Family Hiking Trails Near Denver: Boulder County/Area

These trails are pushing the “one hour” driving limit depending on where in Denver you are. But they are all worth the drive! Boulder is a hiking mecca from the Royal Arch to the Flat Irons, but these Boulder area hikes are some of the best family friendly trails!

If you are loving these trails and want to find them all in one easy list, I’ve got a PDF printable list for you in my VIP section! If you don’t know the password, check your latest newsletter OR sign up for my newsletter on the right hand side of the page or at the end of this article!

Anne U. White Trail in Boulder is so fun with tons of rocks and a creek to explore - 31 Family Hiking Trails Near Denver - Exploring Through Life

Anne U. White Trail

This hidden gem of a trail sneaks through a canyon and over a creek again and again! If your kids love rocks Anne U. White Trail is THE hike for you! It’s so fun with lots of rocks to climb on and hop over. The trail is 3 miles roundtrip but you’ll have a great time no matter how far you hike. The parking lot here is small, so plan to get there early on weekends or holidays.

Fowler Trail, Eldorado Canyon State Park

*State Parks Pass required for this trail. Daily fee of $10 without a pass.*

Eldorado Canyon State Park is tucked away in Eldorado Springs and is a fascinating park. Eldorado Springs is a quirky little community (please drive safely) that you pass through before entering the park. The park is world famous for rock climbing and the Fowler Trail lets you spectate as climbers traverse the 900ft rock face on the opposite of the canyon. There is a severe drop-off on this trail so it’s not for kids who will test your anxiety by wandering too close to the edge!

Bluebell Mesa Trail at Chautauqua Park

Chautauqua Park is home to the Boulder Royal Arch that is a popular (and difficult hike), but there are tons of other trails! Bluebell Mesa Trail is a 0.45-mile trail up into Chautauqua Park that is perfect for families. It has great views of Boulder and the Flat Irons and winds through some beautiful pine trees. You can either head back on the same trail or loop back on the Bluebell-Baird Trail.

The Bobolink Trail in Boulder is an urban trail with a creek and a really easy, flat path. There are grassy fields, a community park and a view of the mountains! Kids can play in the South Boulder Creek, ride bikes or walk along this trail. It’s a great place to spend a morning or afternoon! But there is not a ton of shade, so be aware when visiting in the summer!

Family Hiking Trails Near Denver: Douglas County

Douglas County is south of Denver and includes several state parks and regional parks that offer great hiking! The two trails in Castlewood Canyon State Park are both just over an hour from downtown Denver, but I have still included them because they are some of my kids’ favorites. Everything else on the list is in the 30-45 minute range from downtown.

Front Range Sunset viewed from the Daniel's Park Trail - 31 Family Hiking Trails Near Denver - Exploring Through Life

Daniels Park Trail

Daniels Park Trail is a flat trail that follows along North Daniels Park Road in Sedalia, CO. The trail itself is easy and not very exciting, but the views. of the Front Range are unbeatable!!! You can see all of the front range with panoramic views! Our favorite time of day to do this hike is at sunset because you can watch the sun set behind the mountain peaks. Simply gorgeous! Go as long or short as you want. If you park near the picnic area at the south end of the park, follow the trail north and you may be able to see bison once the wooden fence meets the chainlink fence.

Creek Bottom Trail, Castlewood Canyon State Park

*State Parks Pass required for this trail. Daily fee of $9 without a pass.*

Enter the West Entrance of Castlewood Canyon State Park for this trail and park at the last parking lot before the road exits the park. Hike out on the Falls Spur Trial to Creek Bottom Trail for about half a mile to get a great view of the water fall in Cherry Creek. This is an easy and peaceful trail! If you want to get adventurous, however, you can follow a trail that leads down into the creek bed shortly after the half mile mark. It will require you to climb over some boulders, but will get you down to the water to play!

Castlewood Canyon Nature View Trail, Castlewood Canyon State Park

*State Parks Pass required for this trail. Daily fee of $9 without a pass.*

This trail is on the other side of Castlewood Canyon State Park (there is no through road) so go in at the east entrance and park at the main parking lot. This is a flat and paved, stroller-friendly path that offers tremendous views of the canyon. There are various lookouts and places to stop and enjoy the scenery. This is a great evening hike.

Highlands Point Trail

My kids love this trail because it is short but has great views for the effort once you get to the top! Plus, there’s a playground at the bottom so you can play after you finish hiking! Grab this trail at Red-tail Park in Highlands Ranch (head to the far side of the park and you’ll see the trail). You can access the point from a few directions, but with kids, Red-tail Park is a good idea for the playground! The trail is 0.8 miles up to the point where you can experience views of Downtown Denver, the Front Range and several 14er peaks!

Fountain Valley Trail has astounding views and offers a moderately challenging family hike - 31 Family Hiking Trails Near Denver - Exploring Through Life

Fountain Valley Trail, Roxborough State Park

*State Parks Pass required for this trail. Daily fee of $9 without a pass.*

The Fountain Valley Trail Loop is one of my favorite hikes near Denver. It’s just challenging enough for the kids and has gorgeous views of the Fountain Formation – a great ridge of red rocks. This trail also features meadow views, wildlife viewing (we’ve seen deer nearly every time we visit) several lookouts. The loop is 2.2 miles, but I almost always track more with the walk from the visitor’s center and checking out the various lookouts.

Willow Creek Trail, Roxborough State Park

*State Parks Pass required for this trail. Daily fee of $9 without a pass.*

This trail is the other family friendly trail at Roxborough State Park and is one of Denver’s best! It’s significantly shorter than the Fountain Valley Trail but offers views of red rocks and travels through wooded areas. From the Willow Creek Trail you can also add on the South Rim Trail for a larger and longer loop. That trail is rated moderate. This trail starts at the first parking lot when you enter the park and lets out at the visitor’s center. You can walk back to your car on the road, or continue on a paved path behind the visitor’s center that connects to the upper parking lots and then a small trail that runs adjacent to the road back to the first parking lot.

Castle Rock Rock Park

If you have ever driven south on I-25 or on State Route 85, you have definitely seen the Castle Rock Rock for which the city is named. It towers over Castle Rock and is pretty intimidating! But the hike up to the rock is surprisingly family friendly! Start at Rock Park off of Front Street. When hiking, you can choose to go up either the west or east side and make a 1.4-mile loop. The west side has some drop-off, the east side is more gradual. At the top you can see the large boulder up close and personal, view Pikes Peak, Downtown Castle Rock and more!

Denver Audobon Nature Trail

This is a fun and easy trail located at the south end of Chatfield State Park. However, because it’s an area that is leased by the Denver Audobon Society, you don’t need a State Parks Pass to enter. You can park at the Audobon educational center and follow the approximately 1-mile loop around a small pond. This is a designated bird area, so keep a lookout!

Waterton Canyon

Waterton Canyon is a super popular hiking, running and biking trail near Chatfield State Park. It’s a nice gradual incline with a wide berth and views of the South Platte River and surrounding canyon. This is also a stroller-friendly trail if you want to use a stroller for your little ones. Another reason this trail is so popular is that there are wild big horn sheep who live in the canyon and can be seen occasionally climbing the canyon or even walking along the trail. Try to go early in the morning or in the evening for your best chance at seeing the sheep. The trail is 12 miles long, we usually hike up to the first lookout (about 1.5 miles) and then turn around.

Looking for more stroller-friendly hikes? I’ve got a list!

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Denver and the surrounding areas have so many hikes it can be overwhelming. To help you choose, here are 31 of the best family hiking trails near Denver!

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