Welcome to Colorado Springs! As locals who live and breathe this mountain air, we know the secret: this city is one giant, breathtaking playground. From the majestic shadow of Pikes Peak to the whimsical red rock formations, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner. But when you’re traveling with kids, the question isn’t if you should go hiking, but where. How do you find a trail that will wow the whole family without resulting in tired legs and meltdowns?
You’ve come to the right place. We’ve laced up our boots and scouted the terrain to bring you the ultimate guide to family-friendly hikes in Colorado Springs. These aren’t just walks in the park; they’re accessible adventures packed with geological wonders, cascading waterfalls, and the kind of panoramic views that will make your kids forget all about their tablets.
So, pack the snacks, fill the water bottles, and get ready to create some core memories. Here are our top picks for easy trails that deliver big on scenery and fun for all ages.
Table of Contents
- Before You Go: Tips for High-Altitude Hiking with Kids
- The Can’t-Miss Classics
- Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
- Stroller-Friendly & Toddler-Approved Parks
- Find Your Perfect Family Basecamp
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Start Your Colorado Springs Adventure with Springline Stays
Before You Go: Tips for High-Altitude Hiking with Kids
Colorado Springs sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. While the air is crisp and clean, it’s also thinner. A little preparation goes a long way to ensure everyone has a great time on the trail.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Start drinking extra water a day or two before you arrive and keep it up. Bring more water on the trail than you think you’ll need.
- Acclimatize: If you’re coming from sea level, plan your easiest hikes for the first day or two of your trip. Give your bodies time to adjust.
- Sun Protection is Key: The sun is more intense at altitude. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.
- Layer Up: Mountain weather is famously fickle. A sunny morning can turn into a chilly, windy afternoon in a flash. Dress everyone in layers you can easily add or remove. A light, waterproof jacket is always a good idea.
- Snack Power: Pack plenty of energy-boosting snacks. Hiking burns calories, and well-fed kids are happy kids.
- Leave No Trace: Teach your children the importance of respecting nature. Pack out everything you pack in, stay on designated trails, and leave rocks and flowers where you find them.
The Can’t-Miss Classics
These are the iconic trails you’ve seen on postcards. They are popular for a reason—jaw-dropping beauty and incredible accessibility for families.
1. Perkins Central Garden Trail at Garden of the Gods
If you only do one hike in Colorado Springs with kids, this is it. Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark, and the main trail is a paved, 1.5-mile loop that is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. It winds through the heart of the park’s most dramatic red rock formations, like Kissing Camels and Sentinel Spires.
- Why it’s great for families: It’s paved, relatively flat, and offers world-class scenery just steps from the car. The sheer scale of the rocks will mesmerize kids and adults alike. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities for little ones to scramble on smaller, designated rocks.
- Trail Details: 1.5-mile loop, minimal elevation gain, paved.
- Insider Tip: Go early in the morning (before 9 AM) or on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds. The light is softer for photos, and you’ll have more space to enjoy the views.
- Getting There: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. The main parking lot near the trail entrance fills up fast, but there are numerous other lots throughout the park with connecting trails.
After exploring the paved paths of Garden of the Gods and the historic streets of Old Colorado City just down the road, having a comfortable home base nearby is a game-changer. For groups of up to 8, the Views | 2 mins to OCC is literally around the corner, offering a fire pit for s’mores and stunning Pikes Peak views to cap off your day.
2. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Often called the “local’s Garden of the Gods,” this 1,474-acre park offers a similar landscape of stunning red rock fins and canyons but with fewer crowds and more trails to explore. The main loop from the first parking lot is wide and relatively flat, perfect for a family outing.
- Why it’s great for families: It offers a choose-your-own-adventure vibe. Stick to the easy lower loops or let older kids tackle some of the rockier, more moderate side trails. The off-leash dog park area also makes it a huge hit if you’re traveling with your four-legged family member.
- Trail Details: Various interconnected loops, from 1 to 5+ miles. The main loop is about 2.5 miles with gentle rolling hills.
- Insider Tip: Don’t miss the quarry area, where you can see the marks left from when the rock was harvested to build many of the historic buildings in Old Colorado City. It’s a fun, tangible history lesson.
- Getting There: 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.
3. Helen Hunt Falls
What’s better than a hike? A hike that ends with a waterfall! This short but beautiful trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a perennial family favorite. The walk to the base of the 35-foot waterfall is incredibly short and easy from the parking lot.
- Why it’s great for families: The instant gratification of a beautiful waterfall is a huge motivator for kids. For those with more energy, a slightly more strenuous 0.6-mile (round trip) trail continues up a series of stone steps to the top of the falls for a different perspective.
- Trail Details: Less than 0.1 miles to the base of the falls. 0.6 miles round trip to the top of the falls with ~200 feet of elevation gain.
- Insider Tip: Continue driving up Gold Camp Road (when it’s open seasonally) past the falls for spectacular overlooks of the city. The road itself is a scenic adventure.
- Getting There: 3440 N Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Escape the crowds and discover the spots that Colorado Springs residents love. These trails offer unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Paint Mines Interpretive Park
It’s a bit of a drive east of the city, but trust us, it’s worth it. The Paint Mines are a geological wonderland of colorful clay formations, hoodoos, and spires that look like something from another planet. The 4-mile loop trail takes you above and through these incredible formations.
- Why it’s great for families: The vibrant colors—from yellow and purple to pink and white—are captivating for children. It’s a fantastic open space for them to explore (while staying on the trail, of course). The landscape is unlike anything else in the Pikes Peak region.
- Trail Details: 3.4-mile loop with about 350 feet of elevation gain. You can easily do shorter out-and-back sections.
- Insider Tip: There is very little shade here, so go early in the morning or on a cooler, overcast day. Bring extra water and sun protection. Please remember to stay on the trails to protect the fragile formations.
- Getting There: 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808 (Approx. 45-minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs).
5. Seven Bridges Trail (First Few Bridges)
Located just past Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Cañon, the Seven Bridges Trail is an iconic local hike. The full trail can be challenging, but the first section is perfect for an adventurous family. As the name suggests, the trail follows a babbling creek and crosses seven numbered wooden bridges.
- Why it’s great for families: Kids love the quest of finding the next bridge! The creek is perfect for splashing on a hot day, and the sound of the water is incredibly peaceful. It feels like a true mountain adventure without being too difficult.
- Trail Details: The goal is the bridges, not the destination. Reaching the third or fourth bridge and turning back makes for a wonderful 1.5-2 mile round trip hike. The trail is rocky and requires sturdy shoes.
- Insider Tip: Parking is located along Gold Camp Road just before the trailhead. It’s a popular spot, so arrive early. The trail starts at the end of the parking area, Trail #622.
- Getting There: Follow N Cheyenne Canyon Rd past Helen Hunt Falls to the parking area for Trail #622.
6. Bear Creek Nature Center
This is a fantastic first stop for families new to the area. The nature center itself has interactive exhibits about local flora and fauna. Outside, a network of easy, well-marked trails winds through forests and along Bear Creek.
- Why it’s great for families: It’s educational and fun. You can pick up a trail map inside and look for signs of wildlife. The trails are mostly flat and wide, making it a safe and engaging environment for even the smallest hikers.
- Trail Details: Multiple loops, most under 1 mile. The Songbird Trail is a particularly lovely and easy 0.5-mile option.
- Insider Tip: Check the Nature Center’s schedule for guided walks and kids’ programs, which are often free or low-cost.
- Getting There: 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
7. Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park
While technically closer to Denver, Roxborough is an easy day trip and so spectacular it’s worth including. It’s often called “Denver’s Garden of the Gods.” The main Fountain Valley Trail is a gentle, dirt path that offers stunning views of tilted red rock formations.
- Why it’s great for families: The trail is wide and has very little elevation change, making it great for all fitness levels. The contrast of the red rocks against the green scrub oak and blue sky is unforgettable.
- Trail Details: 2.3-mile loop with 200 feet of elevation gain.
- Insider Tip: This is a State Park, so a parks pass or daily fee is required for entry. It’s also a designated wildlife refuge, so keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and foxes. No dogs are allowed in this park.
- Getting There: 4751 E Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125 (Approx. 1-hour drive from Colorado Springs).
Stroller-Friendly & Toddler-Approved Parks
Sometimes you need a guaranteed smooth path. These city and regional parks offer beautiful scenery with paved or wide, crushed-gravel trails perfect for strollers, scooters, and little legs.
8. Palmer Park
This massive urban park is a geological anomaly right in the middle of the city. It features unique rock formations, cactus, and sweeping 360-degree views of the entire Pikes Peak region. Several trails are wide and smooth enough for rugged strollers.
- Why it’s great for families: It’s incredibly convenient and offers a huge variety of scenery. The overlooks are accessible by car, so you can get the million-dollar view even if the kids aren’t up for a long walk. There’s also a great playground and dog park.
- Trail Details: The Templeton Trail is a popular option. Check the park map at the entrance for paved scenic loops and easy gravel paths.
- Insider Tip: Drive up to the main scenic overlook for one of the best sunset spots in all of Colorado Springs.
- Getting There: 3650 Maizeland Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
Planning a multi-day hiking adventure with the whole crew? Having a basecamp with amenities to keep everyone entertained is key. The Epic Family Home is perfect for this, sleeping 11 and featuring its own mini-golf course, sauna, and hot tub—the ultimate reward for tired little hikers (and their parents!).
9. Fox Run Regional Park
Located in the northern part of the city, this park feels like a slice of the deep national forest. It’s known for its tall Ponderosa pines, two ponds, and a fantastic playground. A well-maintained 4-mile trail system weaves through the woods.
- Why it’s great for families: The trails are mostly shaded by the tall pines, making this an excellent choice for a hot summer day. The paths are wide and generally smooth, suitable for sturdy strollers.
- Trail Details: Multiple interconnected loops. The main Fox Run Loop is about 2.5 miles.
- Insider Tip: The ponds are a great spot for a picnic, and the Gazebo is a beautiful landmark within the park.
- Getting There: 2110 Stella Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.
10. Quail Lake Park
A simple, flat, and paved loop around a lovely lake with Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain as the backdrop. What’s not to love? This is the perfect spot for a relaxed evening stroll or a place to let toddlers safely burn off some steam.
- Why it’s great for families: It’s completely paved, totally flat, and just the right length for little ones. You can watch people fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the lake. There’s also a playground.
- Trail Details: 1-mile paved loop.
- Insider Tip: This is a fantastic spot to get a classic “reflection of Pikes Peak in the water” photo on a calm day.
- Getting There: 915 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
11. A Leisurely Stroll in Manitou Springs
While the infamous Manitou Incline is strictly for elite athletes, the town at its base is a hiker’s paradise of a different sort. A walk through historic Manitou Springs is a fun, easy urban hike.
- Why it’s great for families: You can follow the creek through the center of town, stopping to dip your toes in. The main event is tasting the water from the eight different mineral spring fountains scattered throughout the town—each has a unique taste! Grab a map from the visitor center and go on a scavenger hunt to find them all.
- Trail Details: As long or short as you want it to be! A walk up and down the main street is about 1.5 miles.
- Insider Tip: Bring an empty water bottle so you can take a sample from your favorite spring home with you. After your “hike,” reward the family with a treat at one of the many ice cream shops or the old-fashioned penny arcade.
- Getting There: Park in one of the paid lots or along the street in Manitou Springs, CO 80829.
Find Your Perfect Family Basecamp
After a day of exploring the best family hikes in Colorado Springs, there’s nothing better than returning to a comfortable space that feels like home. You need a place to kick off your dusty boots, relax, and refuel for the next day’s adventure. A vacation rental provides the space and amenities—like a full kitchen for preparing trail-ready snacks and a hot tub for soothing sore muscles—that a hotel room simply can’t match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the absolute easiest, can’t-miss hike in Colorado Springs?
The Perkins Central Garden Trail at Garden of the Gods is the easiest and most iconic choice. It is a 1.5-mile paved loop that is wheelchair and stroller accessible, offering world-class views of the famous red rock formations with virtually no elevation gain.
Are strollers suitable for trails in Colorado Springs?
Yes, many trails are stroller-friendly! For paved paths, choose the Perkins Central Garden Trail or the loop at Quail Lake Park. For wider, smoother dirt or gravel trails suitable for a jogging or rugged stroller, try Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Fox Run Regional Park, or Palmer Park.
When is the best time of year for family hikes in Colorado Springs?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather, with warm, sunny days and fewer crowds than the summer peak. Summer is also beautiful, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and start your hikes early. Many lower-elevation trails are accessible year-round, but can be icy or muddy in winter.
What essentials should we pack for a family hike in Colorado Springs?
Always pack more water than you think you’ll need, along with salty and high-energy snacks. Sun protection is crucial: bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Dress in layers, including a light rain jacket. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must, and a small first-aid kit is always a good idea.
Start Your Colorado Springs Adventure with Springline Stays
Colorado Springs is a city that invites you to get outside and explore. Its trails are gateways to wonder, offering lessons in geology, biology, and the sheer joy of a view earned. We hope this guide helps your family find the perfect path to adventure.
When you’re ready to plan your trip, skip the booking fees and impersonal service of big travel sites. Book your stay directly with Springline Stays. You’ll get the best rates on our handpicked properties and the personalized service of a local team that loves this city as much as you’re about to.
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