Going on a Family Hike

Colorado offers some of the best hiking and outdoor fun to be found. Many of these amazing hikes are right in our own back yards. 

No matter your skill level, from taking a stroll on a paved trail to roughing it with lots of boulders and hangs, you can find some fun hikes. Pack up the family and head out to enjoy our wonderful environment. Here are some of our reader’s favorite places to enjoy a fun family hike.

CASTLEWOOD CANYON

Conveniently located right here in Douglas County, Castlewood Canyon boasts some of the best nature watching around.

A great number of critters and birds populate the area and can easily be seen on your family hike. In addition, Castlewood has a variety of trail types ranging from mild paved walking trails to moderately technical trails. If you are feeling adventurous, Castlewood also has rock climbing available with skills areas for beginners to advanced. cpw.state.co.us

CHATFIELD STATE PARK

Just up the road is Chatfield State Park. Known for its reservoir, Chatfield also has awesome hiking and paved trails that include biking, hiking and even horseback riding. In addition, Chatfield also boasts a really cool RC Plane airport for those remote-controlled plane enthusiasts. The trail system at Chatfield also connects to other systems so you can reach it completely on trails, if you are one of thosesuper long runner or biker types. cpw.state.co.us

ROXBOROUGH STATE PARK

Tucked at the base of the foothills is a beautiful display of red rock formations and vast amounts of wildlife known as Roxborough State Park. Definitely worth the drive, Roxborough has a wide variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. The family will have a great time wandering through the many picturesque areas and watching the wildlife. Be sure to bring your camera. cpw.state.co.us

WATERTON CANYON

If you are a dirt hiker or off road biker, then you won’t want to miss Waterton Canyon. Located on the west side of Douglas County, Waterton has a great six-mile dirt road that goes up the canyon and is perfect for your hike or ride. If you want to get more technical, many more advanced trails connect that will offer great challenges while you take in the ample wildlife of the area.

cpw.state.co.us

 

HIDDEN MESA OPEN SPACE AND TRAIL

Ride or hike this 1224-acre open space buffer between Castle Rock and Franktown. Embark on this soft-surface trail from the trailhead at the old homestead at Parker Road. Follow the farm lane as it crosses over Cherry Creek and then winds up to the top of the mesa where it loops around viewpoints, rock outcroppings, grass and shrublands, as well as pines and junipers. douglas.co.us