If you’re visiting Colorado Springs with kids in tow, don’t feel pressured to tackle a 14,000-foot peak just to get that “Colorado experience.” Some of the most dramatic views in the Pikes Peak region are found on trails that are short enough for a toddler’s attention span and easy enough for a standard pair of sneakers.
The trick is knowing where to go to avoid the massive tour bus crowds and which trailheads actually have accessible bathrooms. Here is the local breakdown of the best family-friendly hikes that deliver massive visual payoffs without the meltdown-inducing mileage.
Table of Contents
- Mt. Cutler Trail
- Perkins Central Garden Trail
- Trading Post Trail
- Seven Bridges Trail
- Grandview Trail at Palmer Park
- The Paint Mines Interpretation Trail
- Medicine Wheel Trail
- Ute Valley Park Loop
- Fountain Creek Nature Trail
- Palmer Lake Reservoir
- Starsmore Discovery Center Loop
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Mt. Cutler Trail (North Cheyenne Cañon)
Mt. Cutler is the “goldilocks” hike of Colorado Springs. It’s a 2-mile round trip with a gradual incline that feels like a real mountain ascent without being dangerous.
Local Tip: My absolute favorite thing about this trail is the “false summit” about 3/4 of the way up. If the kids are flagging, stop there—the view of the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is spectacular. If you push to the end, you get a 360-degree view of the canyon and the Seven Falls area.
2. Perkins Central Garden Trail (Garden of the Gods)
You can’t skip the “Garden,” but you can skip the headache. This 1.5-mile loop is paved and mostly flat, making it the only truly stroller-friendly option on this list.
Local Tip: Park in the main lot (Lot 2) by 8:30 AM or don’t bother. If it’s packed, head to the Trading Post on the south end of the park—the coffee is decent, and the porch is a great place to regroup while looking at the Kissing Camels rock formation.
3. Trading Post Trail (Red Rock Canyon Open Space)
Think of Red Rock Canyon as the quieter, wilder cousin of Garden of the Gods. The Trading Post Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that weaves through towering red slabs and offers plenty of “caves” (shallow alcoves) for kids to explore.
Local Tip: This trail is significantly less crowded than the neighboring parks. After your hike, swing by Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q just down the street on Highway 24—the “souse” (sauce) is legendary and the picnic tables are perfect for messy kids.
4. Seven Bridges Trail (North Cheyenne Cañon)
If your kids are motivated by “destinations,” this is the hike. You follow a mountain stream and cross exactly seven numbered wooden bridges.
Local Tip: Most families stop at Bridge 7 and turn back, which is about 3.5 miles round trip. The secret to avoiding the crowd here is to go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. The shade from the canyon walls keeps this trail significantly cooler than the rest of the city.
5. Grandview Trail at Palmer Park
Located right in the middle of the city, Palmer Park feels like an island of desert wilderness. The Grandview Trail lives up to its name, offering a panoramic view of the entire Front Range and Pikes Peak.
Local Tip: This is the best sunset spot in the city. Grab some takeout from Mountain Shadows Restaurant (get the giant cinnamon roll for “dessert”) and enjoy the view as the city lights come on.
6. The Paint Mines Interpretation Trail (Calhan)
Okay, this is a 45-minute drive east of the city, but it looks like another planet. The “Paint Mines” feature brightly colored clay formations (hues of purple, orange, and white) that were used by Native Americans for paint.
Local Tip: Do NOT let your kids climb on the formations; the rangers are strict, and the clay is fragile. Also, there is zero shade here—wear hats and double the water you think you’ll need.
7. Medicine Wheel Trail (Cheyenne Mountain State Park)
This park requires a small entry fee, but it’s worth it for the pristine trails and the high probability of seeing mule deer or wild turkeys. The Medicine Wheel trail is an easy, flat loop perfect for young children.
Local Tip: If you have an afternoon free, the visitor center here is one of the best in the state for kids—they have great “touch and feel” wildlife exhibits.
8. Ute Valley Park Loop
Ute Valley is a hidden gem on the northwest side of town. The trails are a mix of technical rock and easy sandy paths. Stick to the lower loop for an easy 2-mile trek through unique white sandstone formations.
Local Tip: This is a very popular mountain biking spot. Keep an ear out for “Rider up!” and make sure the kids know to step off to the side of the trail to let bikes pass.
9. Fountain Creek Nature Trail
Located south in Fountain, this is less of a “hike” and more of a nature walk. It’s incredibly flat and winds through wetlands and cottonwood forests.
Local Tip: This is the best place for bird watching and spotting turtles. There’s a small pond near the nature center where the kids can usually spot some activity even in the middle of the day.
10. Palmer Lake Reservoir
Head north to the tiny town of Palmer Lake. The hike up to the lower reservoir is a wide, gravel service road. It’s a bit of an incline, but totally manageable for elementary-aged kids.
Local Tip: Reward the climb with a visit to Rock Island Ice Cream in town afterward. Their scoops are massive, and the vibe is pure small-town Colorado.
11. Starsmore Discovery Center Loop
At the very entrance of North Cheyenne Cañon sits Starsmore. There is a very short, flat nature trail that loops behind the center along the creek.
Local Tip: This is the “emergency” hike for when the kids are tired but still have a little energy to burn. Let them play in the shallow parts of the creek (with supervision!) before heading back to your rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to hike in Colorado Springs?
Always aim for early morning (before 9 AM). In the summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common and can be dangerous if you’re exposed on a trail. Plus, parking at popular spots like Garden of the Gods fills up fast.
Do I need special hiking boots for these trails?
For the 11 trails listed above, sturdy sneakers with good traction are perfectly fine. You don’t need heavy-duty boots unless you plan on tackling the more technical “Incline” or Pikes Peak.
Are these trails dog-friendly?
Yes, all of these trails allow dogs, but they must be on a leash. Colorado Springs takes its leash laws seriously to protect the local wildlife and other hikers.
How do I prevent altitude sickness while hiking?
The most important thing is hydration. Start drinking extra water the day before you arrive. Also, don’t be ashamed to take “breathing breaks”—the air is thinner here, and even an easy trail can make you winded if you’re coming from sea level.
Ready for your Colorado adventure?
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