Explore nature together with these scenic, low-stress trails in the Denver Metro area and Huerfano County.
When summer hits in Colorado, there’s no better way to spend a day than out on the trail with your family. My little family loves to spend time in the mountains — from the Denver Front Range and Huerfano County where my dad lives. Whether you’re exploring near the Front Range or discovering the beauty of Southern Colorado, the state is full of beginner-friendly hikes perfect for families, especially with curious kids in tow. Here are nine of our favorites, each offering a unique experience, from historical landmarks to valley views and hidden meadows.
Located just outside Morrison, this shady riverside trail is ideal for families with younger kids. The wide, well-maintained path meanders along Bear Creek and offers plenty of spots to stop and throw rocks in the water or enjoy a trailside picnic. It’s also a great place to spot birds, deer, and the occasional fox.
Starting from the west entrance, you can take a gentle loop to the Walker Home Ruins, a site full of history and big views. The trails here have just enough incline to feel like a hike, but they’re never too steep for school-aged kids. On clear days, you’ll get sweeping views of Red Rocks and downtown Denver. We love to head to this park with out of town guests and to just get out for quick “hikes”! We also recently went for a little “hike” and picnic dinner for Mother’s Day… one of my favorite Mother’s Days so far!
This hidden gem southeast of Denver feels like another world. Families can explore trails like the Inner Canyon Trail or the Lake Gulch Trail, which winds water, large rocks and even a small waterfall when runoff is high. Keep your eyes peeled for lizards sunning themselves on the rocks! My kids (4.5 and 3) just recently did a 2.25 mile loop and loved climbing rocks and seeing the dam ruins.
Locals affectionately call this one the Haunted House Meadow Hike. You’ll begin on the Dodgeton Trail and branch off toward Baker Creek, winding through aspen groves and quiet pine forest. Not far from the main trail lies an open meadow with stunning views—and a curious past.
The name comes from a story passed down through generations of Cuchara locals. In the early 1900s, a family from Kansas, the Colors, built a two-story cabin at the edge of the meadow—possibly to start a sawmill operation. One brutal winter, two of the men left the house in search of firewood during a snowstorm and never returned. As the firewood ran out, the mother broke furniture and wall coverings to stay warm before bundling her child and heading toward the old wagon road (now Highway 12). She was picked up by a local family and taken to La Veta. Despite search parties returning to the cabin after the snow melted, the missing men were never found. The foundation stones of the house can still be seen if you look closely in the grass.
Though not officially maintained, this local-favorite hike is rich with both beauty and story. The trail begins about 50 yards past the Dike Trailhead. As you climb, you’ll reach a rocky ridge offering sweeping views of the Cuchara Valley below. It can be a little steep, but my kiddos completed this and loved climbing rocks along the trail and at the top. Plus we found a lizard!
What makes this hike extra special is the painted rock formation at the summit, known locally as KT Ridge. The “K” and “T” stand for Kansas and Texas, painted by Boy Scouts in the 1930s after a race to the summit. For years, only the K and T remained visible, but a “C” for Colorado showed up sometime in the ’60s. There’s even a faded outline of Texas above the “T” if you look closely. While the story adds to the magic, remember: Leave No Trace—no new paint, please.
Perfect for families staying in town, the La Veta Trail System includes several easy loops that weave through open meadows and cottonwoods. There are benches for snack breaks and plenty of open space for kids to run. It’s a nice intro to hiking for toddlers or grandparents alike.
This short, scenic hike leads you past two alpine lakes with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and skipping stones. The trail is flat, shady, and easy to follow—great for a warm afternoon. You can even bring along a fishing rod and try your luck at fishing!
Just an hour from Denver, Staunton’s Davis Ponds Loop offers a peaceful stroll around a set of picturesque ponds surrounded by forest. It’s wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, with benches and fishing platforms for little ones eager to cast a line.
Tucked in the San Isabel National Forest, this short and rewarding hike offers a panoramic view of the Cuchara Valley. Begin at the Cordova Pass trailhead and follow the West Peak Trail for about ¼ mile. Then veer left onto Vista Point Trail #1309A and climb gently for ½ mile to reach the overlook ridge.
A favorite family tradition of ours is doing this trail with the Cuchara Valley Recreation Program during the Sunset and Stars hike. My dad leads this special event: we head up to the ridge just before sunset with picnic dinners, then stay to watch the stars appear. On a clear night, the views seem endless—and when the constellations start to glow, it’s truly magical. You’ll hike down by flashlight, so bring extra batteries and layers. Even in July, it gets cold at the top! (Fun fact: my almost-two-year-old made it in 2022 all on his own!)
Before heading out, make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, layers, and a small first-aid kit. And wherever you go, Leave No Trace: pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, and avoid marking or painting on rocks or trees. Many of these trails are part of what makes Colorado so special—let’s keep them beautiful for generations to come.
Which trail will you explore first?
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