Our Family’s Favorite Trails for Little Legs, Happy Dogs, and Big Colorado Views
When we’re not leading guests on adventures with Colorado eBike Tours, you’ll usually find our family outside exploring Colorado on foot.
With two kids under 10 and an energetic 2½-year-old dog, we’ve become experts at finding hikes that check all the boxes:
✔️ Easy enough for young hikers
✔️ Fun enough to keep everyone entertained
✔️ Dog-friendly
✔️ Beautiful views
✔️ Bathrooms (when possible!)
✔️ Easy parking
Not every family hike needs to be an epic mountain climb. Sometimes the best memories come from throwing rocks in a creek, spotting deer, or stopping every five minutes because someone found “the coolest stick ever.”
Here are our favorite family-friendly hikes, organized by region.
Best Kid & Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Denver
1. Waterton Canyon
Distance: Walk as far as you’d like (2–6 miles is popular)
Difficulty: Easy
Bathrooms: Yes, at the trailhead
Parking: Large free parking lot
Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome
One of Denver’s best family hikes, Waterton Canyon follows a wide gravel road beside the South Platte River.
Kids love looking for bighorn sheep, and because there are no steep drop-offs, parents can relax a little.
The gradual elevation makes this perfect for younger hikers or grandparents joining the adventure.
Why we love it:
- Wide trail
- River views
- Wildlife almost every visit
- Great for strollers with larger wheels
2. Lair o’ the Bear Park
Distance: 1–3 miles
Bathrooms: Yes
Parking: Large lot
Dogs: Yes
If your kids love playing in creeks, this one is hard to beat.
Cub Creek runs beside much of the trail, offering plenty of places to stop and splash during warmer months.
The shade keeps temperatures comfortable even during summer afternoons.
3. Alderfer/Three Sisters Park (Evergreen)
Distance: 1–4 miles
Bathrooms: Yes
Parking: Large trailhead
Dogs: Leashed
This park has enough trail options that you can customize your hike based on everyone’s energy level.
Huge rock formations keep kids entertained, and the mountain views are spectacular.
4. Matthews/Winters Park (Morrison)
Distance: 2–3 miles
Bathrooms: Seasonal
Parking: Plenty
Dogs: Yes
This hike feels surprisingly wild despite being close to Denver.
You’ll likely spot wildflowers, birds, and even mule deer while enjoying views toward Red Rocks.
Best Kid & Dog-Friendly Hikes Around Boulder
Boulder might just be Colorado’s best city for combining easy hiking with incredible scenery.
After your hike, reward everyone with ice cream on Pearl Street.
(Need ideas afterward? Check out our blog on the Best Things to Do in Boulder and our guide to When is the Best Time to Visit Boulder?)
1. Chautauqua Trail
Distance: 1–2 miles (or longer)
Bathrooms: Yes
Parking: Paid lot (fills early)
Dogs: Yes (leash required)
Nothing says Boulder quite like hiking beneath the Flatirons.
Families don’t have to tackle the entire trail system.
Even a short walk offers unforgettable views and plenty of picnic spots.
Tip: Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends.
2. Dry Creek Trail
Distance: About 2 miles
Bathrooms: None
Parking: Easy
Dogs: Very dog-friendly
A quieter Boulder trail that doesn’t require climbing mountains.
Open grasslands, gentle walking, and lots of room for energetic dogs make this one of our favorites.
3. Bobolink Trail
Distance: 3 miles
Bathrooms: Seasonal portable toilets
Parking: Free
Dogs: Yes
This peaceful trail follows South Boulder Creek through meadows with fantastic mountain views.
Perfect for bird watching.
4. Boulder Reservoir Trails
Distance: Variable
Bathrooms: Yes
Parking: Paid during summer
Dogs: Allowed in designated areas
More of a scenic walk than a hike, but wonderful for younger kids.
Bring swimsuits during summer.
Worth the Drive: Amazing Family Hikes Within Two Hours
Sometimes it’s worth hopping in the car.
These hikes feel like mini vacations.
Breckenridge
Sawmill Reservoir Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles
Bathrooms: Near trailhead
Parking: Limited downtown parking
Dogs: Yes
This gentle forest hike ends at a peaceful alpine reservoir.
Kids love climbing over logs and searching for chipmunks.
The elevation keeps summer temperatures wonderfully cool.
Trollstigen Trail & Isak Heartstone
Distance: Around 1 mile
Bathrooms: Nearby
Parking: Shuttle or designated parking
Dogs: Yes
Who doesn’t want to hike to a 15-foot wooden troll?
This is one of Colorado’s most magical family adventures.
The giant troll sculpture hidden in the forest becomes an instant favorite with younger kids.
Estes Park
One important note:
Dogs are NOT allowed on Rocky Mountain National Park hiking trails, but there are excellent dog-friendly hikes just outside the park.
Lake Estes Trail
Distance: 3.8-mile loop
Bathrooms: Multiple
Parking: Excellent
Dogs: Yes
Flat, paved, and absolutely gorgeous.
You’ll often see elk grazing nearby while walking around the lake.
Perfect for families with younger children.
Kruger Rock (Hermit Park)
Distance: About 4 miles
Bathrooms: At entrance
Parking: Good
Dogs: Yes
A little more challenging but incredibly rewarding.
The summit views are breathtaking and make a great goal for older kids.
Family Hiking Tips
We’ve learned a few things after countless family adventures:
- Start early to beat afternoon thunderstorms.
- Pack twice as much water as you think you’ll need.
- Bring extra snacks—always.
- Let kids set the pace.
- Keep dogs leashed, especially around wildlife.
- Download maps before you lose cell service.
- Celebrate every tiny victory (“You made it to that tree!”)
Remember, successful family hikes aren’t measured in miles.
They’re measured in smiles.
After the Hike… Explore on Two Wheels!
If you’re visiting Colorado—or even if you’re a local looking for your next family adventure—consider slowing things down and seeing the city from a different perspective.
At Colorado eBike Tours, we guide small groups through Denver, Boulder, and beyond on comfortable electric bikes that make exploring easy for nearly every fitness level. Our tours are packed with local stories, hidden gems, and scenic stops that families, couples, and visitors alike love.
If your family can handle a short hike, chances are you’ll love cruising with us, too. It’s one more fun way to experience Colorado together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these hikes good for young children?
Yes! Most of these trails are between one and three miles with gentle terrain that works well for younger hikers.
Which hike has the best bathrooms?
Waterton Canyon, Chautauqua Park, Lake Estes, and Sawmill Trail all have restroom facilities nearby.
Where can I see wildlife?
Waterton Canyon is famous for bighorn sheep, Lake Estes often has elk, and many Boulder trails offer frequent bird sightings.
Can dogs go everywhere?
No. While most city and county open-space trails welcome leashed dogs, Rocky Mountain National Park does not allow dogs on hiking trails, so choose nearby alternatives around Estes Park if you’re bringing your pup.
What should I bring?
Water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, a small first-aid kit, waste bags for your dog, and layers—even in summer, Colorado weather changes quickly.