EASY HIKES NEAR CASTLE ROCK FOR TODDLERS
When it comes to spending time outdoors with your toddler, hiking can be a great activity to enjoy together. Not only is it a fun way to get exercise and fresh air, but it can also be a wonderful opportunity to explore nature and teach your child about the world around them. However, not all hikes are created equal, and some may be too challenging or long for little ones with shorter attention spans, so there are some key components to look for when searching for easy hikes near Castle Rock with toddlers.
My oldest is 5 and my youngest is 3. I have been hiking with my kids for 5+ years now and have learned a lot of what is age-appropriate along the way, some things the easy way and some things the hard way (ie. I have had to carry both kids up a steep hill because they have had e n o u g h.)
Here are the things I have learned while looking for easy hikes near Castle Rock for toddlers:
For older toddlers, they might be able to push 2 miles without totally losing it but I recommend keeping it as close to 1-1.5 miles as possible if you don't want to carry them most of the way
A trail that is a loop is ideal for keeping the landscape fresh for your toddler
Pockets of shade are a must, especially in the hot summer months
Less than 200 ft. elevation gain is ideal. You want them to work but not too hard because than you have to work harder by carrying them up anything steep
It's hard to know which trails are easiest near Castle Rock unless you go and see them firsthand. That's why I've put together a list of some easy hikes near Castle Rock with toddlers in mind that are perfect for families with young children. And even if you do have to carry your child part of the way you won’t break your back (or much of a sweat) doing it! And if you are looking for a stroller-accessible trail near Castle Rock (which I have sometimes wanted with a newborn and a toddler) that is noted as well.
Easy hikes near castle rock, CO
Phillip S Miller Park Paved Loop - 1.1-mile
This park is HUGE! It boasts 300 acres full of activities for all ages but if you have little ones and want to get in a good walk with a stroller option, this paved trail will be perfect. Plus, there is a playground you can go to after your hike if you want more outside time there.
2. Memmen Open Space Trail - 1.6-mile
This trail’s head is a short drive from downtown Castle Rock. It has stunning views of the surrounding mountains and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife.
3. Chuck’s Loop in Gateway Mesa Open Space - 1.6-mile
Mountain Bikes and Horses are prohibited so you won’t have to pay attention for those and your toddler however, there are portions of it that have steep cliffs and the potential for rattlesnakes are high.
These next trails are located in Castlewood Canyon State Park and require a fee.
To stay up-to-date on news for the park visit their Facebook.
4. Cherry Creek Trail Loop - 1.8-mile
Just as the name boasts there is a creek! So amazing to have a hike with a creek for the toddler’s enjoyment! My kids always LOVE throwing rocks in creeks and watching things float down them. There is meadow walking and forest so this one has the shade!
5. Lake Gulch and Inner Canyon Trail Loop - 1.8-mile
This trail has another Colorado trail with a creek to plop-drop rocks in! There are large boulders to climb so you may be just doing an out-and-back and letting your child play on the boulders and with the creek. That sounds like a great morning to me!
6. Canyon Falls Trail - 1.1-mile
As the shortest unpaved trail option on this list, this trail is PERFECT for novice hikers with toddlers and young children. The cliffs have fences for safety. There is a slight elevation gain of 130 feet with large boulders to climb on for great waterfall views! Plus there are fossils to be found.
Which easy hikes near Castle Rock are you going to try first?
Don’t they all sound great!?! I hope you find a great option for your family in this shortlist of hikes near Castle Park, CO.
Ultimately, what you are looking for when searching for an easy hike near Castle Rock with toddlers is difficulty level, length, and elevation gain. These 6 easy hikes near Castle Rock will be a great start to get you and your little ones outside together this summer. Your toddler is just begging to get out and explore the natural world around them and all these easy hikes for toddlers are right in your backyard Castle Rock! Be sure to come back to the blog and read What to Pack When You Hike with a Toddler. It'll be a great post to have in your arsenal for getting outside for a summer morning hike with your young one.
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