Hiking Around the Front Range

We started this spring and summer with an idea to take the kids on as many hikes as we could. We strive for one a week. As a family we enjoy to spend quality time together in the woods. The kids aren't always excited to go on hikes and sometimes they may complain the whole way through them but afterwards they always feel great and are happy we did it. This post highlights our favorite family hikes along the front range of Colorado so far this Spring and Summer. All of these hikes are family friendly and are 3 miles or less.

Heil Valley  Ranch- There are a few different hikes here. The kids enjoy Lichen Loop the best. It is only 1.3 miles and there is a scavenger hunt there for the kids to complete. Highlights of the hike are the black squirrels and big rocks to climb on. It is very kids friendly! Can be done with a jogging stroller

Boulder Falls- Check to see if it is open first. It has been closed this year due to making it safer and rocks. We actually went 2 years ago but it was one of our favorite places. We keep hoping it opens back up soon. It is a quick and easy hike. There is a little bit of climbing on rocks and steps. This hike is less than a mile round trip. The waterfall is beautiful! If you head there and it's closed. There is a nice paved path along the river up the Boulder Canyon. That is always our back up. It's more of a walk than a hike. Only downfall is crossing the busy curvy road with kids.

Horsetooth Falls- This is another waterfall hike. I recommend going in the spring or early summer for the fall to be more than a trickle. The kids love to stand in the pool under the fall to cool down. It's a nice windy path to the falls. Round trip length is 2.35 miles.

Devils Backbone- This is a rolling easy hike for kids. There is a great picnic spot not too far to stop and have a snack or lunch. The trail is rolling and curvy. There may be a lot of bikers that you need to dodge. This trail hooks up to 12 miles of hiking so we usually go out and come back. Expect to see rattle snakes. The rock formations are really neat for the kids to look at.

Rabbit Mountain-This has become a go to place for us because it is close. There is a 4 mile loop and it after the initial climb it is pretty flat and easy for the kids. This is one of the more difficult hikes on this list to do with kids because of the distance.

Beaver Mountain Trail- This is actually a favorite hike in Rocky Mountain Natl Park. I know it's not really the front range but it is the best hike to do with kids in Rocky Mountain. We have seen animal every time going here. Elk are very popular here and last time we saw turkeys. If you do the whole trail, it is just over 5 miles but we cut it and do the initial loop. It is a beautiful trail through aspens and meadows. My favorite time to go here is in the fall.


Coyote Ridge-  This is a 3 mile round trip hike and there is a cabin with facilities 1 mile in. This trail actually connects to Devil's Backbone if you want to extend it. It is pretty gradual but hot! Watch out for rattle snakes

Chautauqua- There are so many options when you go to Chautauqua Park. There are many little trails off of the park and all are kid friendly. There is a lot to look at and great views as you climb a little. Some spots are stroller friendly too. A treat is to have brunch at the dining hall after a hike.


Ceran St Vrain- This is a beautiful area and was impacted by the flood but it has been repaired. Getting to it might be a little tricky though. There is a path that goes along the river and it is completely in the shade. We like to pick wild strawberries along the way. It is pretty flat and a wide dirt path most of the way.

I realize many of these hikes are Boulder and Larimer Counties but that's where we venture to. We don't get down south too often. Please comment and share your favorite hikes with kids too!