The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Aurora

Aurora boasts over 20 family-friendly hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures. With 12 easy routes and 7 moderate ones, there's plenty to explore for families of all activity levels.

Aurora's family-friendly trails offer a diverse range of landscapes. You can explore expansive prairie grasslands, scenic reservoir shorelines at places like Aurora Reservoir, and tranquil riparian woodlands along creeks. Many trails provide opportunities to observe local wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Yes, many of Aurora's trails are relatively flat and paved or well-maintained, making them suitable for strollers. Areas like the Westerly Creek Trail and sections of the Highline Canal Trail offer smooth surfaces perfect for a leisurely walk with a stroller.

Cherry Creek State Park is a premier destination with nearly 50 miles of multi-use trails. Other popular spots include Aurora Reservoir with its 7.8-mile Perimeter Trail, Star K Ranch and Morrison Nature Center for wildlife viewing, and the serene Jewell Wetlands Loop. These areas offer varied experiences for families.

Many trails in Aurora are dog-friendly, but leash laws are strictly enforced. Always check specific park regulations before you go. Cherry Creek State Park, for example, has designated off-leash areas, but most trails require dogs to be on a leash.

Yes, several trails offer access to interesting sights. You might encounter the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve or Bluff Lake Park. The Cherry Creek Trail – South Section also provides scenic views. For a broader experience, consider visiting the Union Station Denver or the Colorado State Capitol, which are accessible from some of the larger trail networks.

Aurora enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it suitable for hiking year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Even winter can be enjoyable, with opportunities for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing when conditions allow, especially in areas like Cherry Creek State Park.

Yes, many parks feature loop trails perfect for families. The Aurora Reservoir offers a popular 7.8-mile Perimeter Trail loop, and the Jewell Wetlands Loop is a shorter, easy 1.3-mile path. These loops provide a complete experience without retracing your steps.

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Aurora, with an average score of 4.76 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, and the accessibility of many routes for all ages and abilities. The scenic views of the reservoirs and distant Front Range are also frequently mentioned.

Parking is generally available at most major trailheads and parks, though some may require a park entrance fee (e.g., Cherry Creek State Park). For public transport, some areas like the Aurora Reservoir are accessible via local bus routes, but it's always best to check specific routes and schedules with RTD (Regional Transportation District) for the most up-to-date information.

For most general hiking trails in Aurora's parks and open spaces, permits are not required. However, specific educational centers like the Plains Conservation Center might have entry fees or require reservations for certain programs. Always check the official website of the specific park or center you plan to visit for any permit or fee requirements.

For excellent wildlife viewing, consider trails at Star K Ranch and Morrison Nature Center, which are known for birdwatching and deer. The Jewell Wetlands Loop also offers diverse wetlands scenery and birdwatching opportunities. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, while technically near Aurora, is a significant natural feature for viewing bison and eagles.