5 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Colorado That Are 1 Mile And Under
Weather perfect and ideal for hiking in Colorado? You might feel like the walls of your home are getting smaller and smaller. If you feel ready to break free from the confines of your house and get the kids out and about, we’ve got a treat for you. These are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Colorado. Gather up your children and take them on one (or all) of these five hiking trails in the Centennial State.
1. Calhan Paint Mines Archeological District: Paint Mine Open Space, Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808
Calhan Paint Mines Archeological District, Paint Mine Open Space, Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA
Located just outside of Colorado Springs is the exciting and oh-so-colorful Paint Mines; a whopping 750-acres that are thought to have once been home to Native Americans around 9,000 years ago.
If your kids like animals, they'll absolutely love a hike around the exciting Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge! This preserve spans nearly 15,000 acres. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge boasts trails with woodlands, wetlands, and prairies, so you can pick which ecosystem you prefer. Over 330 species of animals live here, and you never know what you'll catch a glimpse of.
In the mood for wetlands? There are three marsh trails here. The Havana Ponds Trail, at just 0.2 miles, is a great option for young kids or stubborn little ones. The Lake Mary Loop Trail (0.6 miles) and the Lake Ladora Loop Trail (1.8 miles) are still short enough to be manageable for most families.
And you've also got two options for Woodlands Trails. The Woodland Trail is just 0.4 miles, and the Rod and Gun Club Trail and Wildlife Viewing Blind is 1.2 miles. This is a great place for a day of exploring.
3. Helen Hunt Falls Trail at North Cheyenne Canyon Area: Colorado Springs, CO 80906
The Helen Hunt Falls are named for 19th-century poet and Native American activist Helena Maria Hunt Jackson and not the Academy Award-winning actress. The trail is a stunning 0.8-mile kid-friendly hike in Colorado that ends with a beautiful cascading waterfall.
"What did you do this summer, Billy?
"Oh, not much... just hiked a volcano!"
Epic, right? Spanning 2,300 feet wide and 1,300 feet deep, Dotsero first erupted roughly 4,200 years ago and can now be visited via a short 1.5-mile hike.
Located about one mile north of the town of Dotsero, this is the only active volcano in Colorado. A volcano is considered active if it has erupted within the last 10,000 years: Dotsero Crater is thought to have last erupted about 4,000 years ago. This is such a fascinating place.
Last but not least is the short and sweet Adams Falls Trail in Grand Lake. This beautiful trail borders Rocky Mountain National Park. Spanning about 0.6 miles, the trail boasts not only an easy hike, but also ample wildlife and a gorgeous waterfall.
How many of these lovely kid-friendly hikes in Colorado have you and your family explored? Are there any other quick and easy family-friendly trails that you love? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
What are some other things to do outside in Colorado?
Want some items to add to your Colorado bucket list? Check out these must-do activities in the Centennial State. Everyone should see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater: this amazing place is one of the greatest natural wonders in Colorado. And of course, our wonderful cave mines and many canyons make for great family-friendly trips.
Address: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, 6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022, USA
Address: Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado 80906, USA
Address: Adams Falls, Colorado 80510, USA
Address: Calhan Paint Mines Archeological District, Paint Mine Open Space, Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA
Address: Dotsero Crater, Colorado 81637, USA
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