Hiking with kids, particularly small ones, can be a challenge. Check out these hikes that are not far from the city, ranging from easy to a bit more challenging. They have excellent views and an abundance of wildlife. 

 

Some Great Hikes Close to Denver for Kids

Bluff Lake Nature Center

Only minutes from Denver, you'll find an oasis and one of the best birdwatching areas along the Front Range. Bluff Lake Nature Center has more than 1.5 miles of walking and running trails around the tranquil lake. (Bikes and dogs are not allowed in order to protect wildlife.)

 

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

You could spend a full day exploring all that Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge has to offer. This nearly 16,000-acre sanctuary is home to more than 300 animal species, and you can see them on the trails, in the nature center, or on their scenic self-guided Wildlife Drive auto tour. (If you do the drive, you’ll be able to go through the bison habitat and might see them up close!)

 

Hikes in Lakewood for Kids

Bear Creek Lake Park

This 2,624-acre park has two lakes and a reservoir and miles of easy hiking trails, from a short 0.7-mile loop to a longer 6.6-mile loop. Some of the trails allow bikes. This delightful park also has a swim beach.

 

Hikes in Jefferson County for Kids

North Table Mountain Park

In Jefferson County, which includes Golden, there are tons of well-maintained trails and parks. North Table Mountain Park has more than 15 miles of trails with panoramic views of Denver and the Rocky Mountain Range.

 

White Ranch Park

Not far from there, the full Rawhide Trail, a 4.1-mile trail in White Ranch Park, is a more difficult hike that might be more suited to older kids or those with previous hiking experience. There are shorter and longer loops that give you the flexibility to adjust the length of the hike to suit your family’s needs. If you complete the full trail, it will take you through meadows filled with grasses and wildflowers into forested hills. You’ll be rewarded for your hard work with the Princess Anne View, which looks across a unique and gorgeous canyon to the towering Ralston Buttes.

 

Hikes in Littleton for Kids

Audubon Nature Trail

The 1.3-mile Audubon Nature Trail in Littleton is an easy loop hike. Admission is free and dogs are welcome if they are leashed. This trail is good for spotting birds and wildlife and is known by some as “Animal Tracks” because of the hoof, paw, talon and webbed prints embedded in the cement. In addition to an easy hike, there is also an education center where kids can learn all about birds through programs and nature activities.

 

Waterton Canyon

Nearby, Waterton Canyon Trail is another fun option for kids of all ages. This wide and relatively level trail follows the South Platte River. Children will almost always be able to spot the Bighorn sheep that live in the canyon and can often be found on the trail or the cliffs that border it. You can set your own length on this out-and-back hike or follow the route length suggested in the book.

 

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