8 baby-friendly hikes near Denver
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
My son and I take in the view while hiking around Lair o' the Bear Park. Photo: Courtesy of Dave Bowen
Hiking with a baby can be hard enough. Figuring out where to go shouldn't be.
The big picture: The best trail isn't necessarily the most scenic. It's the one with shade, bathrooms, easy parking and a quick escape when somebody starts screaming (possibly you) or has a blowout (been there).
- I asked Axios Denver readers for their favorite hikes for parents, babies and kids — then added a few of my own based on outings with my son, Cyrus.
Here are eight trails to take your littles:
🏰 Mount Falcon Park: Castle Trail
The draw: Castle ruins without a huge trek.
- From the west trailhead, it's roughly 0.7 miles each way to the Walker Mansion Ruins, with wide trails and mountain views.
Mom factor: Short, interesting and easy to bail when baby's had enough.
- From Denver: ~35 minutes
- Best for: Carrier or stroller
🌲 Genesee Mountain Trail Outer Loop
The draw: A 3.6-mile forested loop with sweeping foothills views and a relatively gentle 462 feet of elevation gain.
Mom factor: It feels like a proper mountain hike without requiring a proper mountain drive.
- From Denver: ~30 minutes
- Best for: Carrier
💦 Lair o' the Bear Park: Bear Creek Trail
The draw: Follow Bear Creek through a shady foothills park outside Morrison. Wander along the water as far as everyone's willing, then turn around.
Mom factor: Shade, easy terrain and plenty of spots to play and picnic near the water.
- From Denver: ~30 minutes
- Best for: Carrier
What they're saying: This was easily readers' most-recommended spot.
- "The bear creek hike along the river is easy, nicely shaded and has great spots for tiny ones to dip their toes in the river," reader Grant S. tells us.
🐟 Staunton State Park: Davis Ponds Trail
The draw: An easy 2.3-mile trail to trout-stocked ponds, with mountain views and plenty of wildlife along the way.
Mom factor: No mountain bikes, nearby bathrooms and a destination that gives older kids something to look forward to.
- From Denver: ~50 minutes
- Best for: Stroller or carrier
Yes, but: You'll need a state parks pass or pay the entrance fee.
🌳 Maxwell Falls Trail
The draw: A shady Evergreen favorite where you can piece together shorter or longer outings depending on everyone's mood.
Mom factor: Shade, shade and more shade.
- From Denver: ~45 minutes
- Best for: Carrier
What they're saying: Reader Joe S. took his baby daughter here for her first hike and remembers being under tree cover for most of the trip.
🦌 Elk Meadow Park
The draw: Skip the Bergen Peak climb and stick to the lower meadow trails for wildflowers and the chance to spot the park's namesake elk.
Mom factor: You get the Evergreen mountain experience without committing to a big climb.
- From Denver: ~40 minutes
- Best for: Carrier
Bonus: The improved Stagecoach trailhead has expanded parking and a restroom.
🐦 Bluff Lake Nature Center Loop
The draw: A nature escape without leaving Denver, with trails through prairie, wetlands and around the lake.
Mom factor: Recent improvements brought flushing toilets, drinking water and an accessible ramp into the preserve.
- From downtown Denver: ~20 minutes
- Best for: Stroller or carrier
What they're saying: Reader Leila R. gives props to the bathrooms, which are now "much more conducive to changing diapers."
Bonus: Stanley Marketplace is nearby for a post-walk coffee, lunch or emergency snack.
🏔️ Old Dillon Reservoir Trail
The draw: A roughly 1.6-mile round trip with an outsized payoff: views of Dillon Reservoir and the Tenmile Range.
Mom factor: Short enough for a baby's first mountain adventure, with views that make it feel like you really went somewhere.
- From Denver: ~1 hour, 15 minutes
- Best for: Carrier
What they're saying: Reader Jo Ellen F. started bringing her youngest here when he was just 6 weeks old. Now her kids — ages 18, 17 and 13 — still count on making the hike every year.
- "It's short and the payoff is magnificent," she tells us.
💪 The bottom line: The best baby hike is the one you actually attempt. Turning around after a half-mile still counts.