Toddler-Friendly Hikes Near Denver
By: Kait Christmas
November 21, 2023
One of our most frequently asked questions in our state-wide hiking group for moms in Colorado is for easy, toddler friendly hikes within an hour of Denver. These trails are all great for little legs to hike on their own, as well as easy hikes for beginners or to bring out-of-state visitors who are getting used to the elevation before tackling a more challenging hike.
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.
Always leave areas better than you found them!
Bruin Bluff Loop at Lair O’ the Bear
This trail is at a very popular park, roughly 40 minutes from the heart of Denver. Because of the popularity, plan to arrive by 8am or after 4pm in the warm summer months. The trail is around 1.5 miles in length and around 216 ft of elevation gain. There are multiple access points to Bear Creek where kiddos can splash and play before or after the hike, and there is an outdoor classroom area with picnic tables that makes for a great place for lunch!
More Information on AllTrails.
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.
A few things to note is that Roxborough State Park is notorious for poison Ivy/oak varieties lurking on the sides of the trails, so staying on trail is a must. Roxborough is also home to a large number of rattlesnakes, and sightings are common through the warm summer and fall months, so keep the kiddos close by. 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.
More Information on AllTrails.
Mount Falcon Lookout at Mount Falcon West Trailhead
This trail is short and sweet with some amazing views, and less than an hour away from Denver. This trail is only 1.4 miles point to point, with 180 ft of gain. Mount Falcon has 2 trailheads - the East and the West. This trail is at the West Trailhead in Indian Hills off of Parmalee Gulch Rd and also has options to extend to connecting trails if you want a longer adventure. There are bathrooms at the trailhead and a nice pavilion with picnic tables at the lookout point, which makes for a great spot for lunch or a picnic dinner!
More Information on AllTrails.
Genesee Summit Trail at Genesee Park
Another short and sweet hike close to Denver - this is only 1.1 miles point to point with 170 ft of gain. This trail is close to Denver and right off i70, making this a great option for when you are short on time or just looking for a quick adventure. Check current trail conditions as this one tends to get icy and muddy depending on the time of the year.
More Information on AllTrails.
Sleepy S Trail at Elk Meadow Park
Popular place to see herds of elk and a nice easy hike close to the town of Evergreen. This is another point to point trail, just over 2 miles and 255 ft of gain. This trail runs through a meadow so the trail is mostly exposed with little shade, but there are no steep drop offs for toddlers to get curiously close to. Bathrooms are at the trailhead and there are options to extend the hike to make it longer.
More Information on AllTrails.
Owl’s Perch/Lodge Pole Loop at Meyer Ranch Park
Close to Denver and right off 285, this 1.5 mile loop with just under 200 ft of gain is super kid-friendly with many options to extend your hike with connecting trails in the park. In the fall, there are aspen groves that, if you time your visit right, turn a beautiful gold color in late September/Early October.
More Information on AllTrails.
Davis Ponds Loop at Staunton State Park
This trail in this popular state park is not only kid-friendly, but also very accessible for the whole family. The visitors center offers motorized/all-terrain chairs for day use, and the trail is wide and packed to accommodate all-terrain strollers, wheelchairs, etc. This is a 2.3 mile loop with 236 ft of elevation gain and leads to 2 stocked fishing ponds. There are picnic tables at the pond, so it makes a great place to rest, have a snack and throw some rocks in the water. Staunton State Park does require a valid state park pass or day use fee.
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, so best to go in the morning or the evening during the summer months. Wildlife is plentiful in this area, with high possibilities of seeing elk, deer, various species of bird, snakes and more. This is also a great beginner biking trail!
More Information on AllTrails.
Red Rocks Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks Park
A great way to see the park outside of the amphitheater, the Red Rocks Trading Post Trail is a 1.5 mile loop with 350 ft of gain and beautiful views of rock formations. This could be more of a challenging hike for the littlest of hikers, as some areas are just rocks instead of dirt, and also quite a few stairs throughout the trail.
More Information on AllTrails.
Raccoon Trail at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is very popular in the early fall for all of the wonderful golden aspen groves throughout the park - and Raccoon Trail tends to be the star of the show. The trail is a 2.6 mile loop with 456 ft of elevation gain, making this one of the more moderate options on the list. In the summer, there are gorgeous wildflowers in the meadow, in the fall you’ll see the changing aspens, and in the winter, it makes for a great snowy hike with gorgeous views. This trail is great year round and perfect for hiking tots to explore and test their limits. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is beaming with wildlife and it is common to see Mule Deer, Moose, Black Bears and more. A valid state parks pass is required or daily usage fee. There are also backcountry campsites through the park that require an advanced reservation with short hikes in - great for beginner backpacking trips.
More Information on AllTrails.
Remember: Every small child has their own personal limits and abilities when it comes to hiking, but a general rule of thumb or a good goal to build their endurance up to is 1 mile per age of the child. This is definitely hit or miss depending on the ever-changing moods of toddlers, so take it with a grain of salt!
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 is our favorite option for giving toddlers a break while out hiking or backpacking. It is a lightweight and packable carrier that attaches to your backpack when you need it, allowing you to get more mileage in while your hitchhiker gets the break they need. Designed for toddlers 12 months up to 43 lbs, the Trail Magik is the perfect solution for building your little’s endurance on the trail.
Happy Hiking!