🌄 Hiking with kids and strollers in tow doesn’t have to be an epic quest for survival. In fact, El Paso and Teller Counties are packed with trails that even the tiniest of adventurers (and their trusty steeds, aka strollers) can enjoy! 🍼🛒 Here’s a roundup of the best kid and stroller-friendly hikes around.
1. Garden of the Gods – Perkins Central Garden Trail 🌿🛒
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Distance: 1.5 miles (round trip)
Why It’s Awesome: This paved, stroller-friendly path meanders through the iconic red rock formations of Garden of the Gods. 🏜️ You’ll feel like you’ve been dropped into a prehistoric world—without having to outrun any velociraptors. 🦖 It’s flat, easy, and there are plenty of spots for junior explorers to take a break and ask profound questions like, “Can we have a snack now?” 🍎
Pro-Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and practice your “I see a rock shaped like a…” game!
2. Red Rock Canyon Open Space – Mesa Trail 🌄🚶♂️
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
Why It’s Awesome: This gem offers paved sections perfect for strollers and views that will make your Instagram followers jealous. 📸 With ponds, red rocks, and a relatively flat trail, it’s ideal for kiddos to stretch their legs and parents to pretend they’re fit. 😉
Pro-Tip: Bring breadcrumbs or a snack trail mix to bribe little hikers along the way—just remember, leave no trace…except maybe that sippy cup they threw into the bushes. 🥤
3. Pikes Peak Greenway Trail – Monument Valley Park Section 🚲👶
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Distance: As long as you want (we’re not judging!)
Why It’s Awesome: This long and winding trail is perfect for strollers, bikes with training wheels, scooters, or any other wheeled contraptions your child insists on riding. 🚴♀️ You’ll be strolling along a creek with plenty of playground stops, so you can alternate between “power walking parent” and “bench-warming snack distributor.” 🍪
Pro-Tip: Duck sightings are common here. 🦆 Bring some birdseed (NOT bread—ducks like to stay in shape too).
4. Fountain Creek Regional Park – Nature Trail Loop 🌳🦋
Location: Fountain, CO (just south of Colorado Springs)
Distance: 0.75 miles (loop)
Why It’s Awesome: This flat, easy trail offers a delightful blend of nature, wetland views, and educational signs that you can pretend to read to sound smart. 📚 Your little explorers will love the bridges and chances to spot a frog or two! 🐸 The stroller-friendly path is perfect for even the littlest hikers.
Pro-Tip: Watch out for sneaky squirrels—these little guys have no shame and will steal your snacks. 🐿️
5. Bear Creek Nature Center – Interpretive Nature Trail 🌼🚶♀️
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Distance: 0.5 miles (loop)
Why It’s Awesome: This short, shaded trail is perfect for tiny legs and stroller wheels alike. 🌲 Featuring educational plaques (aka “quick distractors”) and plenty of wildlife, it’s a great place to introduce kids to nature without needing a sherpa. 🏕️ After your hike, stop by the nature center where the kids can check out some cool exhibits.
Pro-Tip: Hit the visitor center first to grab a trail map and figure out how many steps it is to the nearest bathroom. 🚻
6. Manitou Springs – Manitou Incline Base Trail (NOT the Incline!) 😅🛒
Location: Manitou Springs, CO
Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
Why It’s Awesome: Look, we’re not actually sending you up the notorious Manitou Incline with a stroller (unless you’re training for an extreme parent competition). 😱 However, the trail leading up to the base of the Incline is a wide, gradual ascent that’s great for a mini-adventure with little ones. Think of it as a “dip-your-toes-in” challenge without breaking a sweat.
Pro-Tip: Don’t attempt the actual Incline unless you want your stroller to be airborne! 🛫 Stick to the base trail and snap a pic at the start—your friends don’t have to know you didn’t go all the way up. 😉
7. Catamount Falls Trail – Green Mountain Falls 🏞️👶
Location: Green Mountain Falls, CO (Teller County)
Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
Why It’s Awesome: A gentle, stroller-friendly stroll along a dirt path with some charming wooden bridges and mountain views. Perfect for kids who like to pretend they’re on a bear hunt. 🐻 This is a good spot to introduce the kiddos to the concept of “forest magic” (read: snacks that appear out of nowhere when whining commences). ✨
Pro-Tip: Finish the hike with a visit to the Green Mountain Falls Gazebo Lake—it’s like a fairytale photo op waiting to happen! 📸
8. North Cheyenne Cañon Park – Starsmore Discovery Center Trail 🌲🧑🦽
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Distance: 0.5 miles (loop)
Why It’s Awesome: The Starsmore Discovery Center offers a super easy and short trail that’s perfect for strollers and toddlers alike. 🍼 Shaded paths and a babbling brook will keep the kiddos interested, and the Discovery Center offers a chance to learn more about local wildlife (or just to use the restroom in an emergency). 🌳
Pro-Tip: The center occasionally has fun events, so check the schedule and plan for some bonus fun! 🎉
9. Fox Run Regional Park – Paved Pathway 🦊🚶♂️
Location: Black Forest, CO (near Colorado Springs)
Distance: 1-2 miles (various loops)
Why It’s Awesome: Fox Run Park features a paved pathway that’s great for strollers and scooters. 🌿 Plus, there’s a super cool playground that looks like a castle! 👑 Your kids can run around pretending to be knights or princesses while you sip coffee on a nearby bench like the royalty you are. ☕
Pro-Tip: Pack a picnic because once the kids find that playground, you’re not leaving anytime soon. 🧺
10. The Broadmoor Seven Falls Paved Trail 🏞️🛴
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
Why It’s Awesome: Okay, this one might have a bit of a price tag, but it’s totally worth it for the wow factor! 😍 The paved trail to Seven Falls is stroller-friendly and includes a tram ride option for the little ones who are tired of walking (or who need to be bribed into behaving). The falls are stunning, and there’s a viewing platform if you dare climb the stairs! 🏔️
Pro-Tip: Bring snacks, water, and maybe some duct tape for those tantrum moments. 😂
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