10 Best Hikes with Kids Near Denver, Colorado
Discover the 10 best kid-friendly hikes near Denver, Colorado—easy trails, scenic views, and fun adventures perfect for families and young explorers.
Team Hi Market
Jun 2, 2025
Some of the best childhood memories don’t come from screens. They come from muddy boots, fresh air, and laughs echoing through the trees.
Hiking with your kids isn’t merely a break from city noise. It is a chance to explore, unplug, and make memories with your little explorers.
But let’s be real, picking the perfect hiking trail for kids can feel like solving a puzzle. To make it easier for you, we have compiled the best 10 kid-friendly hiking trails near Denver. So, lace up your hiking boots and pack some snacks.
These trails are perfect for wildlife spotting, learning about nature, and family bonding. Just remember: sunscreen is your best friend, and water and snack breaks are mandatory (because hangry kids are no fun).
1. Bruin Bluff Loop at Lair o’ the Bear Park
The Bruin Bluff Loop starts right at the Lair o’ the Bear trailhead; just park and go! The trail winds through pines and oaks, with Bear Creek adding the perfect splash of adventure. There are picnic tables nearby waiting for the tiny, tired legs. Just try to come early, as the trail is very popular. The best time to visit is during summer, otherwise, you’ll end up cleaning mud or ice off your clothes and shoes.
Length: 1.6
Estimated Time: 42 minutes
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Picnic tables, proximity to Bear Creek, a small stream, and a forest of pines and oaks.
Why is it kid-friendly: Mostly flat ground for zooming sprints and a splashy play zone.
2. Lake Loop Trail at Crown Hill Lake Park
Walk around the beautiful lake on the 1.3-mile paved loop. Kids will cheer as they watch ducks fight for their breadcrumbs (duck drama incoming!). Spot geese, play around a little, and then flop on the bench for snack time. Want to make the hike a little educational? Visit the Wildlife Sanctuary area around Kestrel Pond to the northwest.
Note: Wildlife Sanctuary closes on March 1st every year for nesting. This year, it’ll open on June 30, 2025.
Length: 1.3
Estimated Time: 23 minutes
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Nice bathrooms, a couple of gazebos, picnic tables, and peaceful views of mountains, a lake, and wildlife.
Why is it kid-friendly: Short length and fully paved for speedy scooters, and an up-close duck show.
3. Fountain Valley Loop at Roxborough State Park
Kick off at the visitor center and weave through towering red rocks that will have your little explorers gasping, “That’s a giant cherry pebble!” Who knows, the giant cherry pebble may spark a lifetime interest in geology or history. You may even end up spotting a deer dart through the meadows. They have great picnic tables for lunch, too!
Note: Roxborough State Park charges entry fees per vehicle or person entering without a vehicle. You can also get their annual pass.
Length: 2.5
Estimated Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Red rock formations, meadows, and wildlife.
Why is it kid-friendly: Mostly flat ground to play around and spot animals.
4. Coyote Song Trail at South Valley Park
Hit the trail early in the morning and watch your kid’s eyes light up at the sight of sunrise. Pause by the lake to play “I Spy” with wildlife. Then, watching red rocks along the way, sprint to the picnic spot because who doesn’t love a snack break with a beautiful view? Just don’t blame us when your kids refuse to leave.
Length: 2.9
Estimated Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Beautiful views of the lake and red rocks, plenty of wildlife and wildflowers, and a well-maintained trail with picnic areas.
Why is it kid-friendly: Very well-marked trail to play around and try outdoor activities like biking and horseback riding.
5. Flatirons Vista Trail
The Flatirons Vista hiking trail will make you feel like you are starring in a nature documentary. Watch your kids dart through meadows with eyes wide at the view of Flatirons. Just watch out for rocks (sturdy shoes help) and the bicycles. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. The best time to plan a family outing is from March to October. The area is subject to seasonal closure.
Note: The City of Boulder has specific regulations for dogs that vary seasonally and by trail section.
Length: 3.4
Estimated Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Features: Views of Flatirons, open meadows, and wildlife.
Why is it kid-friendly: Open fields to run free and geology 101 in real time.
6. Sunny Aspen, Old Ski Run, and Lodge Pole Loop at Meyer Ranch Park
Sunny Aspen, Old Ski Run, and Lodge Pole hiking trail loop at Meyer Ranch Park is a history lesson waiting to be told. The pine forest and the remnants of the old ranch will make your kids’ eyes sparkle with curiosity. The trail does have some gentle climbs like a mini-mountain conquest, so pack your spikes if ice or mud crashes the party.
Length: 4.2
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Views of the mountains, forest, ranch ruins, and wildlife.
Why is it kid-friendly: Exploring the ranch ruins, learning about the history of Meyer Ranch Park, and the thrill of uphill victory.
7. Turkey Trot Trail at Mt. Falcon Park
Hike up the Turkey Trot trail to see the red rocks and Denver twinkle below. Let the kids scramble towards the ruins of John Brisben Walker’s castle and watch them gain an interest in history. Keep an eye out for steep inclines and potential rattlesnakes. The open meadows are perfect for a ball game or running around.
Note: The area is subject to seasonal closures.
Length: 3.2
Estimated Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Views of red rocks, Denver, wildlife sightings, and historic ruins.
Why is it kid-friendly: Challenging enough to earn bragging rights, explore epic ruins, and enjoy outdoor activities like running and horseback riding.
8. Rawhide Trail and Wrangler’s Run Loop at White Ranch Park
This easy 2.4-mile loop leads you to a beautiful stream. Rest or play, the choice is yours. Breathe in the calm, but keep a close eye on your kids. It’s easy to lose track of them amid the crowd. The views? So captivating that you might even forget to take pictures.
Fair warning: the trail markings aren’t always obvious. Bring a map or a GPS device with you, unless you are into accidental adventures.
Want more (or less)? You can mix things up by hopping onto connecting trails. It’s kind of like a build-your-own-hike menu.
Note: The area is subject to seasonal closures.
Length: 2.4
Estimated Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Peaceful views, diverse wildlife, and a small stream.
Why is it kid-friendly: Endless “Mom, watch this!” show-and-tell moments, and an opportunity to try outdoor activities like mountain biking, snowshoeing, and running.
9. Raccoon Trail at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
The Raccoon Trail feels like a choose-your-own-adventure book, only with pine-scented air and a little wildlife instead of plot twists. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the meadow while hearing the satisfying sounds of tiny shoes crunching the gravel and wandering through shaded forests. Don’t miss out on the small stream on this hike!
Cell coverage is spotty at best, so you should plan ahead. Bring a map, a plan, and maybe a walkie-talkie for fun.
Fair warning: snack breaks might turn into impromptu picnics with squirrels as the audience.
Note: Golden Gate Canyon State Park charges entry fees per vehicle or person entering without a vehicle. Annual passes are also available.
Length: 2.5
Estimated Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Beautiful views of meadow, forest, diverse wildlife, and a small stream.
Why is it kid-friendly: Plenty of squirrels to chase and outdoor activities to try (like snowshoeing and running).
10. Van Bibber Park Trail at Van Bibber Open Space
The Van Bibber Park Trail is the kind of trail where everyone runs around in the open space, and little hands inevitably try to steal your snacks. Some parts of the trail get a bit busy, but showing up early usually does the trick. It has more open areas than shaded areas. But you might find a nice spot along the way to lay out some snacks.
Length: 5.2
Estimated Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Beautiful views of open space, forest, and diverse wildlife.
Why is it kid-friendly: Space to run wild, and the thrill of trying outdoor activities like bird watching, biking, running, and horseback riding.
Get Your Hiking Supplies at Hi Market
Forgot your sunscreen? Need an extra bottle of water? Craving more snacks? Swing by Hi Market, a convenience store and gas station, to get all the hiking supplies for a safe and comfortable family outing. You can find our stores at E Colfax Avenue and Zuni Street.
Conclusion
Exploring natural beauty on hiking trails near Denver with your children is more than just a fun day out. It is a chance to create core memories that last a lifetime. It’s where laughter echoes through the trees, curiosity sparks at every turn, and your family grows closer with each step. So gear up, head outside, and let nature be your family’s favorite classroom and playground.
And remember, the secret to a great adventure is to be fully prepared. Head to Hi Market for all the essentials you might need for a perfect hike. Here’s to happy trails and unforgettable family moments just waiting to happen!
