Explore Refresh

2025 by Kate Gray

Since we have recently moved to Denver I have become a hiking fanatic. My family and I have enjoyed hikes in many different places over the years, but being in the mountains beckons me to get out and explore them more often. This is an activity we enjoy doing together, which is great, because we don’t always agree on what we want to do! The altitude definitely is a factor in what trails we can do here, though. Also, having kids who aren’t used to the mountains, with shorter legs, we need to be mindful of where we all are in our bodies and honor that. Although, my daughter is almost as tall as me now. Whah! When we go on our adventures we are sure to take snacks, refillable water bottles, sunscreen, hats, but more importantly, I get recommendations from friends and online about what trails might be suitable for us. I feel like now that we’ve been here a few months, we’ve adapted finally and have gotten our mountain legs, at least on the easier to moderate trails. I noticed we aren’t as out of breath as easily and needing to stop as much. The kids seem to be able to go a little longer, and even want to go longer now. With that said, I’ve compiled a list of the hikes we’ve been on, so far, that I would recommend to other families or beginners.

It all really has to do with your comfort level and what may be easy for one person may be quite difficult for another. No judgment, it is what it is! We are all in different places in life and so we go with that. Most of these trails may not be appropriate for people who have mobility issues, and if so, they may want supportive hiking boots and also walking sticks. However, there are some paved paths I will mention as well that would be, perhaps, more appropriate for wheelchairs, strollers or people not used to uneven surfaces. These would be more multigenerational hikes.

Let’s get this hiking party started.

Deer Creek Canyon Trail Park, Littleton.

This was the very first trail we went on this summer. It may not have been the right one to start with because it was a hot day and we were just getting acclimated. It’s about a 3.5 mile loop with some gradual elevation gain. The trail is narrow, varied and had beautiful views. We took our time, stopped in the shade for drinks of water and had some trail mix. The somewhat steep and gravelly trail downhill made me wish I had hiking poles, but other than that, it was a very pleasant and enjoyable trail. We met a couple of ladies who said it’s their favorite trail. Afterward, we went for fruit smoothies at Nekter Juice Bar. My husband and I went again another time, just the two of us. Now I bet you can guess what song is in my head.

Roxborough State Park.

Some friends recommended that we go here, so we took their advice. It’s a $10 fee that I paid the ranger at the entrance. She asked if we had a dog with us, and I misunderstood and said yes. Oh my, the look she gave me. I realized by her face that I said the wrong thing, and corrected myself, I only have my wild animal kids with me! Just kidding, they are very well behaved. I don’t think she appreciated my humor and was doubting if she should let us in. I’m glad she did, though, because the entire park is gorgeous. She also brought up a good point. Not all parks or trails allow pets, to help protect the wildlife living there. So, it’s important to know this information and abide by the rules.

We started in the Visitors Center which was educational, clean, had nice bathrooms and water bottle filling stations. We discussed with the ranger what type of trail we were after and he recommended the Fountain Valley Trail. It was about 2.5 miles and just breathtaking. The impressive red rocks jet out of the earth at angles, stretching out along the meadows, with mild elevation gain on the trail, the trail was tamped down gravel and well maintained. We saw deer and wild turkeys. We hiked the side trail up to the lookout, felt the cool breeze, and took in the beauty against the blue sky.

Once we were back at the Visitors Center we filled up our water bottles, purchased snacks and then ate outside on the lovely patio soaking up the impressive view.

Coyote Song Trail at South Valley Park.

This is probably my favorite trail. First of all, what a beautiful name. There are two parking lots with access to the trails here, with bathrooms and water fountains. The trails are well maintained, with packed gravel, about 3 miles and it’s just gorgeous. It feels sacred to me. Within the red canyon walls, you can feel the soul of the place. There’s really not much elevation gain, it’s just more of a beautiful loop. I’ve seen deer there and it’s very peaceful. Although, there isn’t much shade, you can find pockets of it along the trail to rest. Great for families, and have seen people pushing strollers and people with dogs.

Meyer Ranch Park, Morrison.

This is probably one of my new favorite trails. My daughter and I went hiking here last weekend to savor the fall colors, because leaf peeping season is winding down. We had driven by this trail a few times and it seems popular, so we decided to check it out. The drive alone is outstandingly scenic along Deer Creek Canyon Road to Turkey Creek Road. Fun to have a little mommy and daughter time, as well. There is a parking lot near the trail entrance and extra parking across the road. There were lots of families with kids, people with dogs and people of all ages enjoying it. You start out in a mountain meadow heading upward into the pine trees and yellow aspens. There are bathrooms and picnic tables. The trail is narrow with some roots and rocks, but wasn’t too difficult or steep. It felt good to get moving, and be together in nature. There were some beautiful views, amidst the lovely yellow glow of the aspens and towering conifers in the forest. It was about 2 miles, but we felt like we could’ve done more. We will again soon! Maybe this coming weekend. Afterward, we went to Lynn’s Whistle Stop, a little coffeeshop nearby, to get a treat and sit on the patio.

Clear Creek Trail, Golden.

This is a wonderful paved trail that is perfect for different mobility types and all ages. I’ve seen people in wheelchairs, pushing strollers, riding bikes, walking dogs, running, and people barefoot! The creek runs through Clear Creek Canyon through the town of Golden. The paved trail goes all along the creek with bridges to cross over it and natural trails that lead into the mountains that surround the area. During the summer people go tubing down the rapids and there are places to rent tubes and life vests nearby. People also simply hang out by the water, soaking and cooling off on the rocky banks. We love to come here to walk along the trail, refresh and explore in the creek. It’s invigorating, delightful and so much fun. We then go for lunch in town. We’ve had some good food at the Bridgewater Grill at the Golden Hotel. They have a great deck in the shade overlooking the creek. I also brought my dad and his friend here when they were visiting. It was perfect for them, because they are more used to walking on flat, paved surfaces. They did put their feet in the cold water though!

Waterton Canyon + Colorado Trail.

Friends also recommended this trail to us. They like to ride their bikes on it. The trail is nice and wide which makes it great for bicycling and hiking. We’ve also seen families with strollers and people on horses. We’ve seen fly fisherman in the river. No dogs are allowed because of the Bighorn sheep that live there. The first time we went we lucked out and saw some of the female sheep up on a ridge, thanks to a nice hiker who told us where to look! The canyon is expansive and the South Platte River runs through it. There is a spot, not too far in, that has a nice shallow entrance to get in the water and cool off. It has a picnic table nearby and large cottonwood trees. Other than that, there aren’t a lot of places to find shade, except for a rest area with some benches overlooking the water down a ways. We have probably gone 2-3 miles in and back, but the Colorado Trail is 28 miles one way! Therefore, we’re not sure what it’s like beyond that, but one of these days, we’d sure like to check it out.

Lair O’ The Bear Park, Ideldale.

This is a park between Morrison and Evergreen along beautiful highway 74, also a Scenic Byway called The Lariat Loop. During the summer weekends it’s always busy because it’s perfect for families with kids who like to hang out by the Bear Creek Trail, hiking, enjoying the creek, exploring and cooling off. It’s a mellow trail along the creek with bridges, boulders and pretty views. It has lots of shade and places to sit by the creek and relax. We probably did about 1.5 miles, more or less, because there was lots of chilling out by the creek, putting our feet in and exploring.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater + Trading Post Trail, Morrison.

Just driving through the park is awe inspiring. When there isn’t a show you can actually get out and explore the amphitheater, take in the incredible views, go to the Visitor’s Center and also eat at the Red Rocks Grill indoors or alfresco. You see people exercising there, walking and running up and down the stairs while the bands are setting up for the night’s performance. There are paved sidewalks and wheelchair ramps to get around too. You can visit the historical Trading Post, which now sells souvenirs, has clean bathrooms and a water bottle filling station. There are also several trails to hike around the park with awesome views. The Trading Post Trail was a beautiful 1.5 miles and a felt like good workout. There were stairs and some uneven ground. I was considering taking my Dad when he came to visit, but decided it was too slippery with sandy stairs on the trail and high steps. I saw people walking with walking sticks and thought that was a good idea. Honestly, the walk up into the amphitheater is a hike itself on the paved paths. When we saw Joe Bonamassa play there in concert recently, my husband said that they really make you work for it to be rewarded with the show!

Evergreen Lake Trail, Evergreen.

The trail is paved in some parts, then it’s a boardwalk, and then becomes a gravelly trail, and then stairs. It’s pretty flat for most of it, and so the majority of it would be appropriate for wheelchairs, people with mobility issues, and multigenerational families. The lake is just so beautiful with the mountains wrapped around it. There are paddle boarders and kayakers on the water. You can rent the paddle boards and kayaks there, or bring your own for a fee, as well. It gets busy here in the summer and the parking lots fill up fast. One time we parked way down the road. Another time, there was a herd of elk in the nearby golf course, maybe 50 of them. There are benches around the water to sit down and relax, picnic tables, and portable bathrooms near one of the parking lots near the rental shack. There is also plenty of shade. Across the street is a cute coffee shop called EverBean Coffee with yummy treats and an indoor and outdoor seating area with a view of the lake, just beyond the parking lot.

This is my first list of family friendly trails that I think pack a big punch. There will be another one, I tell you! These aren’t just for the fam though, but also for beginners or anyone. Frankly, it depends on what kind of a workout you want to get, or what you’re feeling that day. You may want to be near water or maybe being in the trees is what you’re craving. Maybe it’s the expansive views or shade or benches to rest that’s important to you. Or maybe you just go with the flow and do what feels right, perhaps not necessarily go the whole mileage of the chosen trail, but turn around when you feel ready. If you’re with a group with kids, you may be stopping a lot to explore, to rest, to have snacks and take drinks of water. I think what’s most important though, is getting out on the trail and being in the moment together in nature, feeling the sunshine, and breathing the fresh mountain air.