Five Easy Hikes for Kids - In and Around Colorado Springs
Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy these easy hikes in the Colorado Springs area.
Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region are home to an endless amount of trails and memorable hikes. Here are a handful of trails that are easy for younger hikers to enjoy.
1. Siamese Twins Trail - Garden of the Gods Park
Explore this easy and scenic trail through the Garden of the Gods Park. This one-mile roundtrip hike only has a 150 feet of elevation gain. Make sure to grab a photo of the Siamese Twins formation that perfectly frames Pikes Peak (America's Mountain).
2. The Quarry Trail - Red Rock Canyon Open Space
The Red Rock Canyon Open space is a great alternative to the super popular Garden of the Gods Park. Once an established quarry, this hike holds some wonderful history. Hikers can view and hike through the cuts in the rock face from past quarrying activities. This trail is just over two miles long, unless you take the Greenlee shortcut, making it only 1.8 miles.
3. Fountain Creek Nature Trail - Fountain Creek Nature Center
This beautiful hike is good for hikers of all levels and passes through wildflowers, marshes and ponds. Open year-round, this 1.7-mile hike offers a variety of activities including bird watching, wildlife gazing, hiking and biking. To add to your experience try out the variety of programs that are offered at the Fountain Creek Nature Center.
4. Pulpit Rock Park Trail - Austin Bluffs Open Space
The Austin Bluffs Open Space offers hundreds of open space acres. The highlight of this open space area is a trip up Pulpit Rock which offers views of the city below. A bit longer than the other trails, this loop trail totals 4.4 miles (round-trip).
5. Paint Mines Trail (Calhan, ~30 miles east of Colo. Springs)
Spring through fall is a great time to walk this 3.6-mile loop trail in the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. All skill levels will appreciate the unique hoodoo rock formations, their amazing rock colorations and signs of early human life.
