Best Hikes with Kids

Hiking with little kids can be a real challenge. Their excitement is unmatched, but their stamina? Not so much. As a dad who dreams of taking your kids on longer hikes or even backpacking trips one day, you’ve got to start small and gradually build their endurance. Luckily, there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes within an hour of the Denver Metro area that are perfect for families looking to foster a love of the outdoors while preparing little ones for more adventurous hikes in the future.

Here are some of the best hikes to get your kids started on the right foot.

1. Lair o' the Bear Park (Evergreen, CO)

Just 30 minutes from Denver, Lair o' the Bear is a great spot for families with young children. The Bear Creek Trail offers a flat, well-maintained path with plenty of shady areas and spots to stop and explore. At just over 1 mile (or more if you’re up for it), it’s short enough to keep little ones engaged while introducing them to the joys of hiking. The proximity to Bear Creek means kids can splash around in the water, making it a fun and refreshing stop along the way.

2. Red Rocks Trading Post Trail (Morrison, CO)

Red Rocks is known for its iconic amphitheater, but it’s also home to a great family-friendly hike. The Trading Post Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that’s both easy and scenic, with stunning red rock formations to keep the kids interested. There are plenty of short hills to give them a little challenge without wearing them out. Plus, it’s an excellent spot to build excitement about exploring the outdoors in a famous Colorado location.

3. Alderfer/Three Sisters Park (Evergreen, CO)

Another Evergreen gem, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park offers multiple short trails that can be pieced together for a longer adventure if the kids are feeling up to it. The Wild Iris Loop is just under a mile and provides gentle terrain, while the Sisters Trail offers a little more of a challenge at 1.5 miles. This park is a great place to slowly build their stamina while giving them a taste of what a longer, more rugged hike could look like in the future.

4. Mount Falcon Park (Indian Hills, CO)

Mount Falcon’s Castle Trail offers a range of hiking options, but for families, the 1.7-mile hike to the ruins of John Brisben Walker’s castle is the perfect adventure. There’s just enough incline to test young hikers’ legs, but the payoff—a cool old stone structure—is worth it. Plus, the views of Denver and the mountains are incredible.

5. South Valley Park (Littleton, CO)

South Valley Park’s Coyote Song Trail is a 1.6-mile out-and-back hike that’s ideal for young kids. It offers stunning views of red rock formations, flat terrain, and wildlife sightings, keeping kids engaged throughout the hike. The trail is wide and easy to navigate, giving kids a sense of accomplishment while still being manageable for little legs.

Building Stamina for Future Adventures

While these hikes are perfect for little ones, they also serve a larger purpose: building the stamina necessary for longer and more challenging hikes in the future. Starting with shorter, easier trails will help your kids gradually get used to hiking, while making sure they have fun along the way.

To prepare them for backpacking trips or more difficult hikes down the line, make each hike progressively longer or more challenging. Introduce short uphill sections, uneven terrain, and new environments, so they can start developing confidence and endurance. Eventually, they’ll not only be able to keep up with you on longer hikes but will also share in your love of the outdoors.

Hiking as a family is about more than just reaching a destination—it’s about sharing the journey, teaching resilience, and instilling a passion for adventure. By starting small and gradually building your kids’ stamina, you’ll set them up for success and create lasting memories along the way.

So grab your gear and hit the trails—your next family adventure is waiting!

Tell us what you think? What are your favorite hikes to take your family on?