Six of the best kid-friendly trails in the West
If you’re planning on hitting the trails with your loved ones, we’ve got you and the whole family covered. Cherished time spent with family creates lifelong memories, especially during the fleeting years of childhood. Of course, finding the perfect time and place for a family hike can be a lot of work and stress! We might not be able to help you find the time, but this list of six of the best kid-friendly trails in the West will certainly provide inspiration for your next trip.
Condor Gulch Overlook Trail
This moderate 2 mile out-and-back-mile trail to an overlook at Pinnacles National Park in California highlights the park's geology and diverse wildlife. During the summer, the park can get hot and the trail does not offer shady areas, so bring extra sunscreen and protective apparel. And don’t forget the binoculars to look for California condors. Toddlers might want to skip this hike, but it's the perfect length for kids and teenagers.
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip to the overlook, or continue on to the high peaks with additional elevation gain.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 550 feet
Montville Nature Trail
This quick, half-mile trek is beautiful enough for the whole family. Explore nature and history as you walk along this shady forested trail, named for a late 1800s settlement. The trail’s highest point offers views of Mt. Herard, the dunes, and the valley. There is evidence of human inhabitance at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve dating back to more than 11 thousand years ago and its cultural landscapes are held sacred to the Diné, Ute, Apache, and Tewa peoples. Pick up a booklet at the trailhead and follow the numbered stops to learn about these storied landscapes.
Distance: .5 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Potato Harbor Trail
While this is a relatively longer trek, this five-mile hike is easy enough to take some three-year-old children, and definitely provides enough scope for the imagination for the five-to-ten-year old crowd. Bring plenty of snacks and sunscreen as you and the family look for island foxes. There's no beach access on this hike, but plenty of ocean views. Be aware that Channel Islands National Park requires reservations and a boat ride, so plan ahead.
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy-to-moderate (because of the length)
Elevation Gain: 620 feet
Mica View Trail
This 1.4-mile paved road hike in Saguaro National Park is both wheelchair and stroller accessible, providing beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert and the giant saguaro, held sacred by the Tohono O'odham people, for the whole family. It is the desert, so come early and bring plenty of water and protective apparel—sunscreen is always a must! There are several Mica trails, so be sure you’re choosing the right one.
Distance: 1.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 49 feet
Difficulty Level: Easy
Official WNP outdoor exploration partner
AllTrails
WNP is proud to partner with AllTrails, the most trusted and used outdoor platform in the world. The AllTrails app helps people discover and navigate trails in their neighborhoods, national park sites, and other public lands around the world.
Kirby Nature Trail
This 2.5-mile loop trail in Big Thicket is perfect for families who enjoy birding, walking, and exploring the woods. There is also access to water and fishing via the Village Creek. Best appreciated March through October, the hike is easy enough for even the littlest of explorers, though they might not be ready to do the whole loop. Because of the natural environment, there are usually plenty of mosquitoes to keep you company, so consider long sleeves, pants, and bug spray.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 52 feet
Difficulty Level: Easy
Buffalo and Antelope Springs Trail
This loop trail is in Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a wildlife oasis known for its buffalo, salamanders, antelope, and so much more. The informational trail markers along the trail will teach your entire family about the intricate and diverse ecosystems. With beautiful and cooling creeks and springs, this is a popular trail for very good reasons. It can be extended or shortened to accommodate all ability levels.
Distance: 1 mile to 3 mile loop, depending on which route you choose to hike.
Elevation Gain: 183 feet
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Looking for more inspiration for your kid-friendly national park trip? Check out our list of kid-friendly trails on AllTrails, featuring these hikes and several more.
By Julie Thompson
