10 Family Friendly Hikes Near Denver, CO
All under an hour away
Are you looking for the best hikes with kids near Denver, CO? Then this is the list for you!
This list consists of 10 short, easy hikes in the Denver area and front range that have unique features that make the trails a little more interesting.
Not only will your kids love these trails, but you will too.
Get outside more this summer, take the whole family, and share for experiences they will never forget.
Happy hiking!
*Simply Shauna content is written 100% by a human and is not AI generated. All blog posts and recommendations are based on my real experiences and things I’ve actually done.
1. Dinosaur Ridge Trail
Where: Morrison, CO
Driving time from Denver: 22 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 2.2 mi
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: Who doesn’t love dinosaurs?! On this hike, you get to see some of the most well preserved dinosaur tracks in the country.
There is an entirely paved road from the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center to the top of the hill where the fossil tracks are.
There is a pretty steady incline, so don’t hesitate to take a break, but the walk is relatively short.
If you’re nervous about walking there is a tour guide van you can ride to the top instead.
This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about the geological history of the area, fossils, and of course, dinosaurs, while also getting some exercise.
2. Triceratops Trail
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 20 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 1.0 mi
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: This is another must do hike for families and kids fascinated by fossils and archeological findings.
It’s tucked behind the School of Mines in Golden and is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.
This is the perfect short walk that is entirely paved except for walking down the stairs to the footprint sites.
It’s a great option if you’re wanting to get outside and do some exploring for just a short time.
Make sure you go visit downtown Golden, CO for a sweet treat after.
3. Trading Post Trail—Red Rocks Amphitheater and Park
Where: Morrison, CO
Driving time from Denver: 26 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 1.6 mi
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: This hike has super cool rock formations you won’t see anywhere else, not to mention it’s connected to one of the most iconic music venues in the country.
You’ll have a blast on this short, dusty loop looking at all of the towing red rocks along the path.
After your short hike, walk up the steps of the Red Rocks Amphitheater and soak up all the views.
4. Zorro Trail
Where: Morrison, CO
Driving time from Denver: 20 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 1.9
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: This is a great hike for families because it’s a short hike with minimal elevation gain and sweet views.
You can even see Red Rocks Park in the distance once you reach the top.
The trail itself is well maintained and gorgeous, especially in the spring.
If you go in May, you’ll like like see some pops of color with wildflowers scattered along the trail.
5. Waterton Canyon
Where: Littleton, CO
Driving time from Denver: 33 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 12.6 (you can turn around at any point)
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: The trail is basically completely flat, making it an easy hiking trail near Denver that’s perfect for families with strollers, wagons, or bikes.
It’s also great for seeing wildlife—I’ve seen bighorn sheep every time I’ve hiked here!
The trail follows the South Platte River the entire way deep into the canyon.—the views are almost therapeutic.
There are multiple picnic tables and restrooms along the path where you can stop and enjoy your surroundings.
6. Peaks to Plains and Welch Ditch Loop
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver:
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 2.5 mi
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: Take the whole family to one of the most popular trails in the Denver metro area.
You have to the option to make it an out and back hike if you choose to stay on the paved trail or take the bridge which connects you to the Welch Ditch Trail to make it a loop.
This trail takes you deep into Clear Creek Canyon and follows the creek the whole way.
There are nice restrooms if you park at the Gateway Trailhead parking lot in Golden, which is what I’d recommend.
For more detailed information, check out this post: Everything You Need to Know about the Peaks to Plains Trail
7. Mt. Zion Trail
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 30 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 0.5 mi
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: This hike is basically some stairs up to a lookout point.
So if you’re not wanting to walk that far, but still get excellent Colorado mountain views and take some cool family photos, this is the spot.
You’ll park at Windy Saddle Park where there is a small bathroom and some seating.
Have yourself a little mountain picnic and soak up the sun outdoors with minimal effort.
8. Buffalo Bill Trail
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 30 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 0.2 mi (connect to the Lookout Mountain Trail to make it longer)
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: Make learning and history fun!
Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and then go for a little walk in the woods after.
The Buffalo Bill Trail takes you to the grave up Buffalo Bill, which is a pretty short walk, but you can make it longer by walking to the Lookout Mountain Trail nearby.
9. Brother's Lookout via Sisters and Ponderosa Loop
Where: Evergreen, CO
Driving time from Denver: 38 min
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Trail length: 2.1 mi
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: This is simply just a cool hike in the mountains.
It’s a little bit more technical and rocky compared to the other hikes on the list, which is why it is rated as a moderately challenging hike.
It’s still a relatively short time and great for families who are down for an outdoor adventure.
10. Castle and Walker's Dream and Meadow Trail
Where: Morrison, CO
Driving time from Denver: 37 min
Trail difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Trail length: 3.9 mi
Why it’s a perfect hike for families with kids: Want to go on a hike that ends in castle ruins? Look no further than this unique trail at Mount Falcon Park.
This is another trail that may be more challenging for small children given the length of the trail, but a great option for big kids who love to explore.
The trail takes you through both woods and open spaces and leads you to old castle ruins.
There are great views of the surrounding mountains and downtown Denver along this trail as well.
Have fun exploring with the whole family! Get outside and make memories this summer.
