With the breathtaking scenery in and around Fort Collins, going for a hike in nature can be the best idea for a family fun time. However, you might feel insecure that the trails are easy enough for your kids. Luckily, we’ve created a list of the best kid-friendly hikes in Fort Collins, so that every member of the family can enjoy! Take a look at our list below!
1
Spring Mesa Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Coyote Ridge Natural Area
After hiking a 0.25 miles, you will find an interpretive loop about wildlife. Kids will love this learning experience for all ages! Besides learning about wildlife and plants, kids might see prairie dogs and deser cottontail rabbits! This is an easy trail with lots of fun surprises for the kids!2
4200 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
Horsetooth Reservoir
Only 15 minutes from downtown Fort Collins, you can find Horsetooth Reservoir, a magical place full of nature where you can enjoy many activities like biking, boating, fishing, and hiking. The terrain is fun and dynamic and it’s an easy trail filled with nature and amazing landscape!3
1725 Hidden Valley Dr, Loveland, CO 80538
Devil’s Backbone Open Space
This trail is mostly flat with a few easy climbs. This is where many free guided hikes and nature presentations take place. This family-friendly trailhead is 10 minutes outside of Loveland and has free parking!4
Pole Hill Rd, Loveland, CO 80537
Ramsay-Shockey Open Space
At Ramsay-Shockey open space you’ll find the Shoshone trail which is a 2.0 mile loop with a mild elevation. Kids will love the seven interpretive stations for all ages! The parking lot has interpretive trail guides you can take with you on the hike!5
Fossil Creek, Fort Collins, Colorado
Fossil Creek Open Space
You will find three trails along Fossil Creek Reservoir and all of them are short and flat, perfect for families with kids! You will be walking on a bird sanctuary, and will find many interpretive booths in which kids can learn about birds!6
10184 Co Rd 32C, Loveland, CO 80538
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Located 30 minutes southwest of Fort Collins, this trailhead features free parking and several interpretives signs along the trail. The Valley Loop Trail in Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is 4 miles long and it has minor changes in elevation.7
Pineridge Natural Area, Fort Collins, Colorado
Pine View Trail
This easy trail for families has endless breathtaking scenery and kids will enjoy nature big-time! There’s ton of space to play and run and even a beautiful stone pavilion that overlooks the lake and is ideal for a picnic or just a rest spot!8
Red Mountain Open Space, Colorado
Bent Rock Trail
Just 25 miles from Fort Collins, there’s this beautiful 15,000-acre open space where the whole family can enjoy a great time hiking, picnicking, and just enjoying nature! The Bent Rock loop is available to hikers only, so this means you won’t have to worry about the bikes coming your way while you’re with your kid. You will find beautiful views of the Valley, amazing geologic formations, and more!9
Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado
Montgomery Pass Trail
About two hours from Fort Collins, you will find this must-visit magical place. The trail is easy, short-lenght and large, and easy-to-follow for kids! You will enjoy amazing views of the Rawah Wilderness from the Montgomery Pass Trail!10
Lily Lake, Estes Park, Colorado
