Research shows that kids who spend time outside sleep better, do better in school and have lower levels of stress and anxiety. Kids to Parks Day, taking place in May, is a national day of outdoor play that celebrates all of the ways that being outside benefits children. Itโs also a great reminder to plan ahead for family hiking excursions and camping getaways all summer long. From hiking to a historical pioneer town in Oregon, to exploring waterfall trails in Wyoming and adventuring through canyons in Colorado, don’t miss out on these great family hikes in the Western United States.
Make trail time a priority this summer with one of these family-friendly hikes.
1. Humbug Mountain Trail
Humbug Mountain State Park, Port Orford, Oregon
Kid Age Range: 10+
Located on the Oregon coast, Humbug Mountain towers over the sea, providing spectacular views from its summit. The 5.1-mile round-trip hike to the top, however, is no easy feat. The trail climbs its way through Douglas Firs and through some water crossings during the rainy season. After 2.5 miles of climbing, hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of the coast.
2. Lake Loop Trail
Barr Lake State Park, Brighton, Colorado
Kid Age Range: All ages
Bird enthusiasts young and old flock to Barr Lake State Park to catch a glimpse of one of the 350 bird species that can be found in the park. Take the family out on the 8.8-mile Lake Loop Trail that encircles the lake. Older kids can tackle the whole trail while younger kids walk a portion of it. From the trail, keep your eyes peeled for a pair of nesting bald eagles that stay in the park to raise their young.
3. Scout Cave Trail
Snow Canyon State Park, Washington County, Utah
Kid Age Range: 5+
Located within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, which was created to preserve the habitat of the desert tortoise, Snow Canyon State Park offers over 38 miles of hiking trails that wind through the beautiful and colorful desert environment. Take the 3.58-mile round-trip Scout Cave Trail over lava flow fields and past sandstone rocks for a beautiful glimpse of the desert environment.
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4. Loop Trail
Pictograph Cave State Park, Billings, Montana
Kid Age Range: All ages
Prehistoric hunters who spent time in Pictograph Cave left behind over 100 pictographs on the rock walls. Today, a ยผ-mile trail leads hikers past three of the parkโs caves and has interpretive signs that help to explain the significant history of this special place. Kids and adults are encouraged to bring their binoculars in order to get a better glimpse of the rock art.
5. Fern Canyon Trail
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County, California
Kid Age Range: All ages
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park boasts over 75 miles of hiking trails, but you donโt have to walk far to catch a glimpse of the giant trees that lend the park their name, because giant redwood trees can be seen just a short walk from the visitor center. To venture a little farther afield and get a good feel for the parkโs flora and fauna, try the 0.7-mile Fern Canyon loop trail. As you might imagine, the hike is bursting with ferns, as well as Sitka spruce and Douglas fir trees. Frogs, salamanders and millipedes, as well as the occasional elk, are all frequently spotted along the trail.
6. Ridgeline Hiking Trail
Ponderosa State Park, Valley County, Idaho
Kid Age Range: 10+
Though the Ridgeline Hiking Trail is only one-mile long, itโs a difficult climb to the summit and should only be attempted by enthusiastic hikers. The trail traverses a rocky lava field to reach the Narrows Overlook and the Osprey Cliff Overlook, both of which are excellent places to take family photos.
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7. Crow Creek Trail
Curt Gowdy State Park, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Kid Age Range: 7+
With over 35 miles of hiking trails, Curt Gowdy State Park is one of the best places to go hiking in Wyoming. The Crow Creek Trail is a 3.6-mile trail that is rated as moderate and leads to Hidden Falls, a popular waterfall. The rocks on and around the trail can be slick, so use caution while hiking.
8. Canyon View Nature Trail
Castlewood Canyon State Park, Franktown, Colorado
Kid Age Range: All ages
Home to the former Castlewood Canyon Dam, which burst in 1933 and sent a 15-foot high wave of water into Denver, Castlewood Canyon State Park is now a great place to hike. The Canyon View Nature Trail is a 2.4-mile round-trip paved interpretive trail, which runs along the edge of the canyon providing views of wildflowers and ponderosa pines.
9. Cedar Flats Trail
Eisenhower State Park, Denison, Texas
Kid Age Range: All ages
This 1.9-mile out and back trail cuts through the center of Eisenhower State Park and leads to an observation tower positioned at one of the highest points in the park. The trail is paved and great for strollers, and is a wonderful place to take in the surrounding Texas scenery. Bonus: Younger kids will enjoy taking part in the parkโs interactive Junior Ranger Program.
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10. Champoeg Loop Hike
Champoeg State Heritage Area, Champoeg, Oregon
Kid Age Range: 3+
Champoeg was the first town in the Willamette Valley and has a lot of historical significance. Take a walk through the stateโs past on the Champoeg Loop Hike, an easy 3.4-mile loop trail that is open all year long. The trail begins near the Manson homestead and takes hikers past monuments, old barns and a pioneer cabin. This hike offers a great workout and a wonderful history lesson, too.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!