Written by: Brittany Tuttle
Winter is here! One of our most frequently asked questions recently in our state-wide hiking group for moms in Colorado is for easy, kid friendly hikes around the Front Range. These trails are all great for little legs to hike on their own, as well as easy hikes for carrying babies, beginners or to bring out-of-state visitors.
Before you head out into the trails with your kiddos in tow, brush up on the Leave No Trace Principles so that you can teach the next generation of hikers how to care for these areas we all love to recreate in.
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Impact
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Others
Always leave areas better than you found them!
In addition, please review our winter safety blog post to reference layering and gear recommendations for winter safety! Make a habit of checking weather forecasts, recent and current leading up to hike day, to try to gauge snow/ice conditions + check trail conditions using sites like All Trails and our community facebook page. We think it’s a good idea to *always* carry microspikes for traction, sometimes hiking poles, and also ensure our hiking boots have good traction / aren’t worn out. Kids are low to the ground and can withstand slipping and learning to navigate snow in regular boots for the most part; but for the adults, especially those carrying special cargo, keeping yourself upright is a great way to help with your family’s safety. Further, we recommend bringing extra layers, food and water in your car for additional safety! You don’t have to carry everything on the trail, but it is a peace of mind to know you have additional supplies waiting back at the trailhead. Maybe even some hot cocoa still warm in a thermos for a special treat!
Now for some hike recommendations!
*SOUTH DENVER*
Fountain Valley Loop at Roxborough State Park
Often referred to as a “Mini Garden of the Gods”, if you are looking for stunning views and very possible wildlife sightings, Roxborough State Park should be at the top of your list! Fountain Valley Loop is about 2.3 miles in length with an elevation gain of 344 ft. The incline is very gradual and there are no steep drop offs or sides of the trail that become hazardous for little explorers. You can also do the Overlook as an out and back for 1.5 miles total for a shorter option!
Dogs and bikes are not allowed in the park and you must have a valid state park pass or pay the day use entry fee. Another kid friendly loop in this part is the Willow Creek Loop (1.4mi total)! More Information on AllTrails.
Coyote Song Trail at South Valley Park
If you’re looking for a slightly longer hike with your littles, check out Coyote Song Trail at South Valley Park. This is on the Southwest side of the Denver Metro area and is roughly 3 miles with 320 ft of elevation gain. The trail is mostly exposed with minimal shade which can be good to get sun in winter but something to consider if very windy! More Information on AllTrails.
*EVERGREEN*
Brothers Lookout at Alderfer Sisters Park
For the adventurous climbers in your life. At 2 miles RT and 430’ gain, this trail offers plenty of rock climbing opportunities for kiddos to safely make a hike more interesting, ending with stunning views from a ‘summit.’ See more via AllTrails.
Evergreen Lake
Low key 1.4 mile total walk around the lake with half being boardwalk/sidewalk. We have ‘hiked’ and biked this trail for stunning lake views. See more via AllTrails.
*GOLDEN TO BOULDER CORRIDOR*
Rawhide & Wrangler Loop at White Ranch Park
This is a nice 2.4 mile loop with a bit of rolling gain (320’) with beautiful views near but not in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Learn more on AllTrails.
Prairie Vista Loop
Easy, low elevation gain (190ft) 2 mile hike along highway 93 between Golden and Boulder. This parking lot requires a $5 fee or to have a Boulder-registered license plate. You can pay by cash or by card with additional pennies in tax. Sweeping views of the flatirons. See more via AllTrails.
Red Rocks/Anemone Point
This is a recent fave! My toddler LOVED climbing the red rocks. We only made it to Realization Point and back, making it about a 2.75mi day from where we parked, but you can make your own hike here. Parking fills up FAST! See more via AllTrails.
Tenderfoot Trail
Lovely views from Flagstaff Road out of Boulder on this hike up to a ‘summit.’ This parking lot requires a $5 fee or to have a Boulder-registered license plate. You can pay by cash or by card with additional pennies in tax. This particular trail clocks 1.6mi and 300’ gain, and you can also make other loops here instead. See more via AllTrails.
*NORTHERN COLORADO*
Wells Gultch Nature Trail at Lory State Park
This is a local NoCo favorite for littles! About a 2.5 mile loop with a fun little tiny waterfall right at the beginning. Don’t forget your spikes! There are great views of the reservoir on the second half of the loop. You will need a state park pass to park at Eltuck Picnic area and the trail starts right across the street. It is also a self-guided nature trail, stop at the park office to get the self-guided trail guide! See more via AllTrails.
Horsetooth Falls
A site to see when the falls are frozen! About 3 miles round trip. My son likes to bring his spikes and climb on the base of the falls when it’s frozen. You will need a Horsetooth Open Space pass or pay $10 to park at the lot. See more via AllTrails.
For more ideas: Check the all-season Denver-area Toddler Hiking blog post or NoCo Todder Hiking Recs blog post for additional ideas as those are for the most part all winter accessible too!
Remember: Every small child has their own personal limits and abilities when it comes to hiking, especially in colder conditions! Make sure to layer appropriately with a general rule of thumb being 1 more layer than you as an adult, and don’t forget the sunscreen in the winter! Reflections off snow are intense! We love Badger brand kids sunscreen with clear zinc lately!
If your kiddo taps out during the hike and does not want to continue walking, or is having a hard time and needs some cuddles - the Trail Magik Kid Carrier (Affiliate code: Coloradohikingmoms) or, in winter, A SLED! are some options for giving toddlers a break while out hiking.