The Best Child-Friendly Hiking Trails in Denver, Colorado

Hiking as a whole family is one of the best ways to explore the outdoors, get some fresh air, and get everyone’s body moving. The best way to prepare for a hike with your children is to choose a trail that is age-appropriate and child-friendly. Below we will cover the best child-friendly hiking trails in and around Denver, Colorado. We’ve included information on location, difficulty, and if there are any stroller-friendly trails. We’re happy to say—there are plenty of parks to choose from!

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

The Alderfer/Three Sisters Park includes 1,135 acres and 16.1 trail miles to explore. There are 9 child-friendly hiking trails to walk, ranging from about 1 mile to 4.2 miles depending on how long you want to be out. The easiest trail is the Wild Iris Loop at 0.7 miles, but the most popular kid-friendly trail is the 2.5-mile Three Sisters and Little Brother Loop, which is also great for dogs.

• Location: 5136 South Le Masters Rd (West Trailhead) / 30357 Buffalo Park Rd (East Trailhead)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Stroller friendly: Yes (some)

Lair o’ the Bear Park

The Lair o’ the Bear Park is a much smaller park, encompassing 394 acres and has 8.2 trail miles. Six trails are deemed child-friendly and range from 0.7 miles to a whopping 8.7 miles! The most popular trail is the Bear Creek Trail to the Castle. Yes, kiddos can see a castle on this 2-mile easy hike! This is also the only Lair o’ the Bear trail that is stroller-friendly.

• Location: 22550 State Highway 74
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Good for strollers: Yes (Bear Creek Trail to the Castle only)

Related:

• Denver, Colorado: Free & Cheap Activities for Families
• Visiting Boulder Colorado: Things To Do In Boulder With Kids
• Best Family Mountain Vacations in North Carolina
• Top 10 Tips for Hiking with a Baby | Baby Hiking Gear

Red Rocks Park

Red Rocks Park is one of the most iconic parks for hiking in the Denver area, with breathtaking views and an impressive natural rock amphitheater. There are two child-friendly hiking trails with a Moderate difficulty. The Red Rocks Trading Post Trail is the most popular at 1.5 miles and includes stairs. Unfortunately, there aren’t any stroller-friendly trails at Red Rocks Park.

• Location: 18300 W Alameda Parkway
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Good for strollers: No

Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve

For families who love to explore wildflowers, bugs, and more, take a hike at Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve. This 100-acre park includes 2.8 trail miles and a Nature Center where kiddos can enjoy free nature-themed programs. All trails are kid-friendly, and one trail, the short 0.2-mile Buffalo Bill Grave Site and Lookout Mountain Summit, is stroller-friendly.

• Location: 910 Colorow Rd
• Difficulty: Easy
• Good for strollers: Yes (Buffalo Bill and Lookout Mountain Trail only)

Cherry Creek State Park

At the Cherry Creek State Park, families can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, and other water activities. Almost all trails are kid-friendly and 5 trails are considered stroller-friendly. If you’re in it for a long hike, the 6.7-mile Cherry Creek Reservoir Loop Trail is the most popular. But if you want a shorter hike, check out the 1.4-mile Cherry Creek Pipeline Trail.

• Location: 4201 South Parker Rd
• Difficulty: Easy
• Good for strollers: Yes (some)

Matthews/Winters Park

Covering 2,435 acres and including 13.7 trail miles is the Matthews/Winters Park which is close to Red Rocks Park. There are many child-friendly hiking trails, with the 3-mile Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trail being the most popular. A 3.7-mile trail, Dinosaur Ridge, is moderately-difficult but popular with children. Dinosaur Ridge is also the only stroller-friendly trail at Matthews/Winters Park.

• Location: 1103 County Highway 93
• Difficulty: Easy to Hard
• Good for strollers: Yes (Dinosaur Ridge only)

Mount Falcon Park

Mount Falcon Park is a massive park at 2,252 acres and including 12.2 trail miles. There are some cool historical sites for kids to walk to, including a castle and a wooden tower. Many of the trails are kid-friendly, with the 3.2-mile Turkey Trot Trail being one of the most popular trails. The only stroller-friendly hiking trail for those with little ones is the 1.8-mile Mount Falcon Lookout Trail.

• Location: 21074 Mount Falcon (West Trailhead) / 3852 Vine St (Morrison Trailhead)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Good for strollers: Yes (Mount Falcon Lookout only)

Apex Park

Apex Park is unique because even calendar days are designated for bikers, and odd calendar days for hikers. With that being said, there is only one trail that is kid-friendly at Apex Park, and that is the 3.5-mile Apex Trail to Enchanted Forest Trail Loop. It is a moderately-difficult trail with a good variety of uphill and downhill hiking. Unfortunately, there aren’t any stroller-friendly trails at Apex Park.

• Location: 121 County Highway 93
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Good for strollers: No

Roxborough State Park

This 4,000-acre state park, the Roxborough State Park, is great for catching glimpses of wildlife with the family. Keep in mind that this park is not dog-friendly. There are a few child-friendly hiking trails, including the 2.6-mile Fountain Valley Loop Trail (easiest to hike) and 2.8-mile South Rim and Willow Creek Loop Trail. The Fountain Valley Loop Trail is also the only stroller-friendly hiking trail at Roxborough State Park.

• Location: 4751 E Roxborough Dr
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Good for strollers: Yes (Fountain Valley Loop Trail only)

Tips for Hiking with Children

Before you pack the kiddos up and head to one of these child-friendly hiking trails for your next family vacation, make sure you prepare so everyone can have a great time exploring! Here are some kid-friendly hiking tips to consider:

• When in doubt, choose trails with shorter distances and gentle inclines
• Pack snacks, water, a trash bag, sun protection, bandaids, and sun protection
• Bring along baby hiking gear as needed (baby carriers, hiking backpacks, or trekking poles)
• Check the weather ahead of time to prepare accordingly
• Join your children in exploring nature and discovering park finds!

Conclusion

Bringing your kiddos with you on a family-friendly hike is one of the best ways to exercise together and explore the natural world. Just make sure to prepare ahead of time and be cautious about hiking an extra-long trail. Thankfully, Denver offers quite a variety of hiking trails for all needs and preferences, whether you’re looking for an hour of outdoor fun or a day trip. Happy hiking!