Adventure in Colorado certainly doesn’t stop once you have little ones join you earthside. Whether you are in the mood for epic mountain views, serene lakes, or lush forests, our favorite family-friendly hikes in northern Colorado are ideal for families with children of all ages. You don’t need to live in Boulder to have easy access to incredible hikes, (although should you be in the area, we’ve been around and have Boulder hiking recommendations as well).
The Marley & Moose team created this list from personal hiking experience and have included some age specific tips, tricks, and local secrets under each hike to best guide your next adventure!
Tips for Family Hiking:
- Start Early: Morning hikes can help you avoid summer afternoon thunderstorms and crowds here in Colorado.
- Pack Snacks and Water: Keep everyone hydrated and energized, you will never regret packing a few too many snacks
- Layer Up: Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains of Colorado so tuck a long sleeve shirt or light jacket in your bag just in case
- Take Breaks: Rest often to enjoy the scenery and keep the hike fun for kids, a 30 minute hike covering a half mile is far better than finishing a loop with miserable kids.
- Leave No Trace: Teach children the importance of protecting nature by carrying out all trash.
For more tips on keeping hiking safe and fun for toddlers, check out our toddler hiking guide.
Enjoy the beautiful trails of Northern Colorado with your family, making memories that will last a lifetime!
Gem Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park)
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   Fee Parking Restrooms No dogs |
This trail offers spectacular views of the Estes Valley and unique rock formations. The climb is steady but manageable, leading to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by granite cliffs. Perfect for a family picnic by the water.
For parking, technically you should buy a national park pass, but they have never checked.
More info and directions at Alltrails.
Round Mountain Nature Trail
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 Dogs Welcome! |
This hike and park feel like a hidden gem. Rarely crowded, this is a nice easy incline to the top view has wide flat trails making it perfect for families. Parking is generally pretty ample for the trail.
This hike features a wide trail and is very dog friendly. Along with the beautiful views, this Northern Colorado family friendly hike features a cool hut at the summit that the kids love to adventure through.
Right across the street is a really nice park that has cleaner bathrooms, picnic tables, some sculpture art, and a fun river to play in. Just be careful of rattlesnakes off trail at the park.
More info and directions on Alltrails.
Little Thompson Overlook Trail at Rabbit Mountain Open Space
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 Restrooms Fee Parking Dogs Allowed |
This open space trail provides panoramic views of the Thompson Valley River Valley. We recommend this trail for bigger kids who will be sure to stay on the trail as rattlesnakes are frequently spotted around the trail. Sprinkled with wildflowers this trail at times has gravel that may be tricky for young toddlers. The trail is very open so pack extra water and hats for a sunny day!
There are a few different trail options here along with plenty of parking. Easy access to Lyons and on the way to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Note there is a $5.00 fee to park at the trailhead. Be sure to check the Boulder open space website to check for closures as this park closes from Oct 7 – Jan 31 for elk management.
More info on Alltrails.
Bear Lake Nature Trail (Rocky Mountain National Park)
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A short, accessible loop around Bear Lake with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. This trail is perfect for families with small children or those looking for a leisurely stroll in a picturesque setting.
Rocky Mountain National Park is just so beautiful. Plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife and there are a plethora of hiking options from this same trailhead, and even more along the route to the trail.
For a longer hike from the same trailhead, try the Dream Lake or Emerald Lake trails, which can extend your adventure by up to 3.5 miles.
If the Bear Lake parking lot is full, another option is Sprague Lake, which also has a parking lot right next to the lake. It’s equally stunning and also accessible for a great family friendly hike.
More info on Alltrails
Note: you may notice the Osprey Poco child carrier in most of our photos. We’ve been using ours all over the country, from hiking the shores in Connecticut to day hikes on the Appalachian trail to all over the Mountain West and California.
Our trusty pack is lugging around it’s third child and is still going strong. Features like the sun shade, the water bladder sleeve, and ample space for snacks, diapers, and a change of toddler clothing have extended our outdoor experience for many years and will many years to come. We’re super proud to carry Osprey at Marley & Moose and hope you consider us to help you gear up for your next family outdoor adventure!
Horsetooth Falls Trail (Horsetooth Mountain Open Space)
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This trail features a beautiful waterfall as its highlight from spring until mid-summer depending on the snowfall from winter, especially impressive during early spring after a heavy snowfall season. This Family-Friendly hike in Northern Colorado is relatively short with a moderate incline, suitable for families with kids who enjoy a bit of adventure.
There is a $10.00 per vehicle fee as this is part of the Larimer County Open Space.
More info and directions on Alltrails
Devil’s Backbone
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The first few miles of this hike are great for beginner mountain bikers. It is dog friendly and flat with a great mix of tall grass, wildflowers, and cool rock formations.
There is a $10.00 fee to enter and it does get crowded so it is best to arrive either early or after 3:00pm
More Info on Alltrails.
Lory State Park – Arthur’s Rock Trail
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A hike to Arthur’s Rock offers panoramic views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the Front Range. The trail winds through meadows and forests, making it a diverse and enjoyable trek for families.
There is a $10.00 fee for Lory State Park, which gets crowded on weekends so be sure to arrive early. Most weekend traffic is there for either the mountain bike trails or beach access to Horsetooth so the trails are usually not overcrowded, even when the parking lot is.
More info and maps on Alltrails.
What is your favorite family friendly hike in Northern Colorado? Be sure to tag us on social media @marleyandmoose.co and do feel free to post this article on your social media or share it with friends if you found it helpful!
