Families looking for scenic vistas, massive waterfalls, unique landscapes and even hikes around volcanoes should scroll through this list of hikes that are perfect for families. Grab a pair of our favorite hiking boots, pack the snacks and get ready for a day of adventure. It’s time to hit the trail!
1. Head above the tree line in Breckenridge, CO.
When you first think of Breckenridge, chances are you think of it as a premier destination for skiing and other winter sports. We actually think that the fall is really the ideal time to head to Breckenridge as its elevation makes it one of the first spots in the country to welcome autumn. The town itself sits at just over 9,000 feet in elevation and there are numerous hiking options nearby. We particularly liked driving up Boreas Pass Road to the Black Powder Pass trailhead. This hike takes you above the treeline and is perfect for seeing the whole area from above. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and moose while you are there! Check out our Breckenridge favorites in this insider's guide.
Hit the trail: alltrails.com
2. Epic Sights, Epic Hike on the Panorama Dome Trail in Mammoth, CA
If you're looking for 360-degree, breathtaking views, the Panorama Dome Trail should be on your list. Pick up the trailhead from trolley stop 95 and hike the 0.3-mile trail uphill to the top of Panorama Dome. Just be sure to remember, you are hiking at high altitude, so you'll need to take more breaks and carry extra water. After you've had your fill of the view, head back down the way you came up.
Hit the trail: visitmammoth.com
3. Get a taste of history on Mt. Rushmore’s Presidential Trail.
And you thought it was all about the scenery. Add an exciting historical spot to your family hike and you’ll be rewarded with a double dose of “America is awesome” from your crew. The Presidential Trail is a short 0.6-mile loop, so it’s manageable for little legs, and they’ll love getting to see the monument from all different angles.
Hit the trail: nps.gov
4. Explore the Natural Bridges in Cody, WY
The small town of Cody is close to numerous hiking trails and features easy access to the east and northeast entrances to Yellowstone National Park, so hikers can also use Cody as a home base for exploring the many trails in Yellowstone. One fun hike is to head up the North Fork of the Shoshone River and hike to Blackwater Natural Bridge. This natural arch is estimated between 70 and 100 feet tall and is located at an elevation of 10,777 feet. Natural arches (some people call them natural bridges) formed when creeks eroded the softer rock and left harder layers above.
Hit the trail: codyyellowstone.org
5. Big Waterfalls in Big Sky Montana
Ousel Falls Park Trail is a 1.6-mile out and back trail located near Gallatin Gateway, Montana that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from May until October. You'll find benches along the way and an amazing waterfall at the end.
Hit the trail: alltrails.com
6. Trek through Joshua Tree National Park.
With a lack of noticeable landmarks, desert hiking takes a little navigation know-how and a sense of adventure. Be sure to pack plenty of water and slather your little trail guides with sunscreen for this one. Then watch for cairns to find your way from one view to the next. It will be as inspiring to your tiny hikers as it was to U2.
Hit the trail: nps.gov
7. Ecology is Everything Near Lake Erie
Just steps away from Maumee Bay Lodge of the Great Ohio Lodges is a two-mile interpretive boardwalk hike surrounded by 80 acres of wetlands and anchored by the Milton B. Trautman Nature Center. It’s easy to forget you’re actually learning about ecology, migration, annual habitat and the fascinating world of bogs and marshes as you cruise along.
Hit the trail: maumeebaylodge.com
8. See the Great Sequoias in Yosemite
A kid-favorite trial in Yosemite is the Tuolomne Grove Nature Trail because you are rewarded with some massive Giant Sequoias, including one you can walk through. It’s a mile downhill from the parking lot to the grove where you then take a half-mile loop to see all the sequoias. The mile climb back uphill can be a little bit challenging for little legs but the route is paved and there are info stations along the way that explain the history of this road in the gold rush days. In the fall you’ll be rewarded with all shades of reds and oranges from the Dogwood trees.
Hit the trail: yosemite.com
10. Hike through Muir Woods National Forest in Mill Valley, California.
Hiking through a redwood forest is the quintessential forest hike for a reason: Being dwarfed by massive old-growth trees helps to put it all in perspective. Plus, it helps you get a kid’s eye view of things.
Hit the trail: nps.gov
11. Explore Crater Lake in Oregon.
Scoop the loop around a local lake with your little ranger. Most lakeside hikes are simple and flat, which make them great for kids. Crater Lake is the bluest lake in the world and definitely worth a visit.
Hit the trail: nps.gov
12. Climb to the Statue of Liberty's crown.
City monuments, skyscrapers and even steep thoroughfares make for great urban climbs. The views from Lady Liberty’s crown are definitely worth it, but plan ahead! Tickets need to be purchased in advance, and kids must be at least four feet tall to go all the way up.
Hit the trail (stairs): nps.gov
13. Measure Up to a Cactus in Mesa, AZ
See the Sonoran Desert in action when you stop by the Usery Mountain Regional Park Nature Center in Mesa. The Desert Hawk trail is a 0.5-mile loop that will give you tons of lizard viewing and desert landscape. Make sure you ask at the Nature Center where you can find the desert tortoise habitat as the kids will love spotting Al under a bush.
Hit the trail: hikearizona.com
15. Hike a Loop around Prescott, AZ
The Prescott Circle Trail is a network of our best non-motorized trails that combine to make a 54 mile loop around Prescott, Arizona. The trail comes as close as three miles to downtown Prescott and is easily accessible with 15 trailheads along its length. A lap of the PCT has about 6000 feet of elevation gain and can be enjoyed as an adventurous one or two day trip or a multi-day trip over a period of days, weeks or months.
Hit the trail: prescotttrails.com
Waterfall and Rain Forrest in Maui
If your hiking goals include walking through a literal jungle, then this is the trail for you. On the road to Hana, look for the signs for Twin Falls and the small parking lot there. There are tons of pools for wading, creeks to cross and waterfall to swim under. Refresh after your walk with a coconut from the snack shack on the property.
Hit the trail: alltrails.com
18. Check Out the Range Lights in Bailey's Harbor, WI
On your next visit to Door County, head to the Ridges Sanctuary where your visit begins with a stop at the nature center. Learn about the flora and fauna that makes this area such a lush ecosystem and then join in a guided hike through the property. You’ll get to see the iconic Bailey's Harbor Range Lights (similar to lighthouses and still in use to guide ships into the harbor). Bonus for families: the boardwalks on the property are particularly stroller friendly.
Hit the trail: ridgessanctuary.org
20. See snow in the summer at Mt. Rainier National Park.
This seasonal twist is a pure delight to kids who were just wearing shorts and swimming in the pool a few hours earlier. Altitude is key to finding snow on a hot summer day, so plan for lots of up, up, up along the way. But once you get there, it’s way worth it. And a snowball is a must.
Hit the trail: nps.gov
22. Find foliage in Pennsylvania.
Incredible canyon views, overlooks and hiking trails await in the Keystone State’s Pine Creek Gorge, known as Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. The Overlook Trail is an easy 0.6-mile hike that’s great for families with small kids and has sights that will totally impress.
Hit the trail: pacanyon.com
25. Hike the surreal landscape of the Badlands.
The spectacular terrain inside Badlands National Park is unlike anything else you’ve seen. The easy Fossil Exhibit Trail stays along a boardwalk and has exhibits of creatures that once roamed the area.
Hit the trail: nps.gov
26. Hike the Haleakala Crater on Maui.
When you get right down to it, hiking into a volcano with your mini-me is as cool as it sounds. The views are unforgettable and finding one that’s hike-able usually means an awesome family vacay is in progress. Exploring this one is as close as you’ll get to walking on the moon without blasting off. #winning
Hit the trail: nps.gov
27. Waterfall Goals on Casper Mountain, WY
Located a 15-minute drive from downtown Casper is Casper Mountain. Start your hike on Casper Mountain's Bridle Trail with a visit to Rotary Park and Garden Creek Falls. The trail starts at the base of the falls, with stops along the way that include scenic overlooks of the city and Wyoming's rolling plains, the waterfall below and the opportunity to see wildlife (like deer, grouse and more) along the way. The entire loop is nearly 5 miles long and hikers go through a rock tunnel known as split rock. There's also a "west loop" for hikers looking for a shorter trek.
Hit the trail: visitcasper.com
29. Hike in the Grand Canyon.
Easy hike in, tough hike out. When it comes to canyons, the Grand Canyon wins every time. Canyon hiking is the antithesis of other hiking experiences, so be sure to spend time above and in the canyon to get the full effect. You’ll find plenty of trails that showcase the canyon without being too difficult for your smallest hikers.
Hit the trail: nps.gov
32. Hike an interstate trail, like the Pacific Crest.
Even if you don’t cross from one state to the next on your trip, hiking an interstate trail is always a blast. Spotting backpackers making their way across the country on foot is nothing short of inspiring, and boy, do they have stories to share!
Hit the trail: fs.usda.gov
35. Slot Canyons and Sandstone Cliffs in Zion
Sandstone cliffs, slot canyons and animal wildlife are all part of the wonder of Zion National Park in Utah. Try a kid-friendly hike, like the Emerald Pool trail where you can check out the gorgeous waterfall views. For a fun way for families to learn more about Zion together, head over to the Nature Center. Daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, youth programs specifically for children and families are offered, and last 30-45 minutes, so they're just the right length for your mini explorers.
Hit the trail: nps.gov
—Kate Loweth, Anna Doogan, Gabby Cullen and Allison Sutcliffe
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