5 fun family hikes in Colorado Springs

Some links may be affiliate links.

So many things to do in Colorado Springs

And I still can't believe we get to live here.  Here I'm sharing five great family hiking areas we've discovered so far.  The great thing about hiking?  It's always an adventure and its an inexpensive (often free) way to spend time exploring as a family.   

View fullsize

radfamilytravel.com

North Cheyenne Canyon Park  

Park at the Gold Camp Road Parking Lot and started hiking up High Drive.  We took time for a leisurely picnic with fantastic views (see above) of North Cheyenne Canyon before heading back down and hiking the first bit of Seven Bridges Trail.

Just a few days before that hike, I joined my youngest on a field trip to the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center.  Many hikers start off on trails from there as well.  Be sure to make a pit stop at Helen Hunt Falls too, either while driving up or back down from the Gold Camp Road Parking Lot.  

Hiking Tips:  Download The Hiking Project app to learn more about different trails and their levels of difficulty.  Water bottles and day packs are a must for us on family hikes.  We use the Osprey Daylite Daypack for holding snacks, layers, and a water bladder.  Our kids favor the  CamelBak Chute 1L Water Bottle -- simple to fill, tether, clean, and drink from.  

View fullsize

radfamilytravel.com

Red Rock Canyon Open Space  

With views of Garden of the Gods to the north, this natural playground boasts easy hiking, as well as mountain biking, and various climbing opportunities.  Red Rock Canyon offers adventure for many different tastes.  

Six hiking trails and about 80 technical climbing routes have been established in Red Rock Canyon.  Scrambling is uber tempting for your younguns, but any climbing more than 10 feet off the ground is prohibited unless you are a registered climber.  Climbers must be registered through the Garden of the Gods visitors center.  You will also see a free-ride bike park near the parking lot.  Helmets are a must.  This large park is also dog-friendly with off-leash areas, and there are trails for horseback riders as well. 

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Bonus: Stop in Manitou Springs (just 5 minutes up Hwy 24!) for ice cream and a stroll through town.  Be sure to check out the Penny Arcades --  enjoy antique arcade games and pinball too!  Don't worry, there's a change machine for your convenience.

View fullsize

radfamilytravel.com

Seven Falls  

From the famous, snazzy Broadmoor Hotel (worth a look-see for sure), hop on the quick shuttle bus, with tickets in hand, for a hike up to Seven Falls -- check hours and buy tickets here.  We happened to see the falls during dusk at Christmas time.  Beautiful!  Two different routes to view the falls -- one with an elevator option to give you a view from afar and the other more of a Stairmaster walk up 224 steps alongside the waterfalls.  Both are completely worth it, and the latter leads to more hiking trails.  You'll soon see why Seven Falls is the only waterfall in Colorado that made National Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls.  

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

radfamilytravel.com

Garden of the Gods  

You can't visit Colorado Springs without seeing the Garden of the Gods.  Hiking is a fantastic way to enjoy this #1 rated US city park with several family friendly routes here.  A national natural landmark, the dramatic 300 feet tall sandstone rock formations towers beg you to climb and scramble.  Challenging to keep my kids at 10 feet or below, but uh, we did our best?  True climbers must register at the visitor center.  The visitor center is also free and great for families.  Biking is also allowed in the park.   

View fullsize

radfamilytravel.com

Fox Run Regional Park 

Easy peasy trekking through fallen timbers in the beautiful Black Forest.  We took our family photos among the ponderosa pines in this multi-use park in northern Colorado Springs.  Boasting 417 acres and a fabulous view of Pikes Peak, this park has four miles of hiking trails, volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, and large fields perfect for a game of soccer or Ultimate Frisbee.  This would also be a great place to hang around in our Hobo Hammocks .   

radfamilytravel.com

Have you been to Colorado Springs?  What are some of your favorite outdoor spaces?  Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Happy Hiking!

View fullsize

Best ice cream in Colorado Springs

Hikes deserve ice cream and Josh & John's naturally homemade ice cream in Colorado Springs hits the spot every time!  This naturally homemade ice cream is worth every penny every time.  Cool story.  Great ice cream.  Try the Mocha Java Jolt.  Grab your cone at Josh and John's Downtown or Josh & John's Mountain Shadows.