The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers a wide range of hiking opportunities suitable for families. Our guide features 13 family-friendly routes, with 7 of these specifically rated as easy, perfect for a relaxed outing with children.

Families can explore diverse landscapes ranging from prairie grasslands to rugged pine forests and scrub oak woodlands. The park offers a unique "plains to peaks" experience, with lush shrubbery, interesting rock beds, and vibrant wildflowers in spring. You'll also find panoramic vistas of the surrounding Front Range.

Yes, there are several easy loop trails perfect for families. The Zook Loop is an excellent option, offering a gentle 5.7 km path. The park also features the Blackmer Loop, a 3.9-mile path with gradual elevation changes through pine forests and rock gardens, ideal for a leisurely family walk.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a haven for wildlife. Families often spot deer, elk, prairie dogs, and various bird species. Keep an eye out for raptors like red-tailed hawks and golden eagles, especially on trails like Soaring Kestrel and Raptor Ridge, which offer great viewing opportunities.

Beyond the natural beauty, families can visit the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Visitor Center for educational exhibits. Some trails, like the Dixon Trail, even pass by a historic plane crash site. The park also features specific highlight trails such as Soaring Kestrel Trail and Zook Loop Trail, which are popular for their scenic views and accessibility.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park generally allows dogs on trails, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

Spring and fall are often considered the best times for family hikes, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while fall showcases stunning foliage. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended, and winter offers a unique, quieter experience, though some trails may have snow or ice.

The trails in Cheyenne Mountain State Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the diverse scenery, and the excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it a favorite for family outings.

Absolutely! Trails like Soaring Kestrel and Raptor Ridge offer moderate elevation gains that reward hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Front Range. Even easier trails often provide glimpses of the stunning mountain vistas.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park provides ample parking facilities, including designated areas near trailheads and the Visitor Center. A valid Colorado State Parks pass or daily entrance fee is required for vehicle entry.

While both are excellent, Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers a more traditional hiking experience with extensive, less crowded trails through diverse ecosystems, from prairie to mountain. Garden of the Gods is renowned for its dramatic red rock formations and paved, accessible paths, often making it busier. For a more immersive nature hike with varied terrain, Cheyenne Mountain is a fantastic choice for families.

Many of the park's trails, especially those further from the main visitor areas, offer a peaceful hiking experience. The View of Cheyenne Mountain – Cheyenne Mountain State Park loop is a shorter, easy option that can provide a tranquil walk, particularly during off-peak hours.