Kid-Friendly Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Bring the whole family on a hike in RMNP!
There are lots of kid-friendly hikes that all ages will enjoy. We’ve curated our Top 5 Kid-Friendly Hikes in RMNP – paying special attention to elevation gain and stunning views for hikers of all abilities.
Sprague Lake
Elevation 8,701’; Elevation Gain 34′ with a flat, 0.8 mile trail loop around Sprague Lake
It should take around 30 minutes to stroll around Sprague Lake, taking time to stop and look at the iconic mountain scenery. You will likely see ducks and geese, and trout swimming in the clear waters. You might even see a moose!
There are portable rest rooms and a picnic area, as well as ample parking. The gravel trail is also ADA accessible.
The views are the most stunning in the morning when the lake is calm with reflections of the surrounding mountain scenery. Be sure to take a family photo at the small fishing dock!
Bear Lake
Elevation 9,475’; elevation gain 71′ with a 0.6 mile gentle dirt and gravel trail loop that includes a couple of steeper sections.
One of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park with spectacular views across this high mountain lake to the towering mountains above. You’ll see both the iconic peaks – Hallett Peak and Longs Peak – reflected in Bear Lake!
Autumn and spring are especially lovely with the aspen groves and seasonal springs along this hike.
You’ll typically see gray jays and ground squirrels on this hike. This hike should take you around 25 minutes.
Alluvial Fan Hike
Elevation 8,585′; elevation gain 211′ on this 0.8 mile, paved out-and-back trail with steady incline.
This will take around 40 minutes to hike because of the steeper incline, but you should leave time for the kids to play along the trail. Families love this hike because there are lots of boulders next to the trail to scramble and climb on!
There are also shallow pools of water to play in. But, stay back from the main stream in the spring and early summer. It is powerful with all the melting snow, though beautiful to look at! Later in the summer, the stream calms down and becomes a great place to play and soak your feet on a hot summer day.
There are vault toilets and picnic tables near the ADA accessible parking lot.
Tundra Communities Trail
Elevation 12,110′; 150′ elevation gain on this gentle, 1.1 mile out-and-back paved trail.
Kids will love burning off extra energy on this prime example of a mountain tundra landscape! Since it’s at such high elevation, it’s a good idea to do this hike after you’ve acclimated to the elevation for a couple of days and remember good hydration.
In early June and July, you’ll see delicate tundra wildflowers and likely get to see grazing herds of elk and bighorn sheep!
Just off Trail Ridge Road, this is a wonderful hike to take in dramatic views after an epic car ride on the highest continuously paved road in the USA!
Adams Falls
Elevation 8,474′; elevation gain 79′ out-and-back 0.8 mile gravel trail.
This hike to Adams Falls on the west side of RMNP is a perfect hike for families with kids. The falls cascade through a rocky cliff, and are awe inspiring to watch!
If you continue past the falls, you’ll soon come to an expansive valley with a river and great views from the broad wetlands out to the majestic mountains in the background. This is an area where moose are sometimes seen, so keep your eyes out for these magnificent creatures. You can also find many types of wildflowers in this area in June and July.
There is a large parking area with restrooms at the trailhead.
Great opportunity to see the lesser visited west side of the park and visit Grand Lake, CO!