Find the Best Paved Walking Paths in Colorado Springs - Experience Nature's Charm
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9 Stroller Friendly Trails to Check Out in Colorado Springs in 2023
When my kids were little, I was always on the hunt for a great stroller friendly trail in Colorado Springs. We hit the jackpot if a playground was nearby. Paved hikes near me were key to letting my kids bike alongside the jogger stroller.
Colorado Springs has expanded paved walking paths over the past twenty years. The north end John Venezia Park has some of the best stroller friendly trails along with a splash pad for free summer fun! Southside Colorado Springs Memorial Park paved trails wrap around Prospect Lake.
Hikes in Colorado Springs on the Santa Fe Regional trail are stroller friendly and great for little legs.
Jogger strollers can handle many gravel riding Colorado trails like the New Sante Fe Regional Trail and Pikes Peak Greenway Trail.
Bringing kids along on nature hikes gives everyone a breath of fresh air. Child carriers work well on dirt and rocky trails. However, jogger strollers are perfect for all day fun, doubling as a dumping ground for splash pad towels, snacks of every kind and the million sipping cups kids require.
Did you know that starting kids early with trail hikes is one of the best ways to teach them how to love nature for life?
While their little legs might not keep up for the miles you want to log, these 9 stroller friendly trails in Colorado Springs are great places to start!
Best Way to Hike With Kids on Paved Trails
STROLLER OR CHILD CARRIER - Which is best?
Family hiking in Colorado Springs can be exhausting.
Hiking is a great way to give your kids the benefit of fresh air and exercise. But it’s not always practical to carry a 25-pound child on your back on paved hikes. Strollers are good options for families with children not quite ready to explore the outdoors on foot.
BENEFITS OF A CHILD CARRIER
Many Colorado hiking trails are tricky with strollers. Child carriers are easy way to explore Colorado Springs with little kids. When our kids were young, REI and Kelty child carriers got the job done back then.
The best-selling Osprey Poco LT also offers stellar comfort and a great viewpoint for your little one as you embark on outdoor adventures. The Poco comes in three models.
Child carriers work great when you need all hands on deck!
Kids get top level seats to mountain views, being lulled to sleep with the steady walking. Child carriers allow you to go almost anywhere.
Families have kids of different ages, walking abilities and stamina. Carrying an overtired screaming child on your shoulders while garnering sympathetic looks from others you pass is a rite of parenthood. While this can happen in a stroller too, some kids don’t like the confinement of a child carrier.
BENEFITS OF A STROLLER
A jogging stroller keeps an inconsolable child at arm’s distance, which can be a huge benefit on a long day. Wrestling them into that stroller is another story.
Snacks, sippy cups, diapers, and toys are easy to stash in a stroller. Many jogging strollers have weather covers, allowing both you and your baby to get outside in all weather.
Melody’s youngest daughter lived in the BOB revolution during her marathon training days!
When Melody’s kids were little, they loved the Burley d’lite - a jogger that doubled as a bike trailer. Her youngest daughter spent hours in the BOB Revolution jogger, helping log those marathon training miles.
No matter which method you pick, family hiking in Colorado Springs is free fun!
There are many kid friendly hiking trails in Colorado Springs. These trails aren’t always suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, striders, scooters, bikes with training wheels, or inline skates.
We found the 9 best stroller friendly trails in Colorado Springs - many with playgrounds attached!
Are all these stroller friendly trails paved?
While many of these trails are paved walking paths, we believe the ones we feature here are all accessible with a jogger stroller. Some of the paths are good for scooters, but double check that bikes and striders are allowed.
No matter what side of town you live in or are visiting, we guarantee you Colorado Springs has a stroller friendly trail and park close by.
Some of the best biking paths in Colorado Springs are great for joggers!
Are these stroller trails ADA friendly?
Some trails are handicap accessible, flatter and more leveled.
No matter which trail taken, a stroller walk near me when my kids were little was a gift. Getting kids outdoors to soak in fresh air, move their bodies and get the wiggles out is a gift for both you and them!
LOCAL TIP! Looking for great ADA accessible activities? Head to VisitCOS for a full list of ADA accessible attractions in Colorado Springs.
Stroller Friendly Hiking Trails in Colorado Springs Map
Use this stroller friendly interactive map to plan a day of adventuring in Colorado Springs. Click on the little blue hiker for specific trail names and directions. These paved walking paths are usually plowed in winter months, giving year round access to outdoor walking.
These paved trails are great for beginner bikers.
Interactive Stroller Friendly Trail Map - Colorado Springs
Downtown Colorado Springs
The Legacy Loop is located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. This multi-use trail has received significant funding through TOPS (Trails, Open Spaces and Parks) along with several other grants.
Continued playground improvements, trail upgrades including gravel to concrete renovations along with better signage is creating paved walking paths and stroller friendly trails for miles of downtown entertainment.
To learn more about the Legacy Loop Project, download the interactive map and start exploring.
*As a note, homeless camps are most commonly found near trails and parks in the downtown areas the trails pass through. The issue of homeless camps has divided the city for many years, including a ban on camping in public spaces. We believe every member of our community is important and valued. The city publishes information on homelessness in Colorado Springs and you can support local organizations working toward long term solutions, like the Springs Rescue Mission.
Rock Island Trail
*15 miles paved walking paths with some gravel
While officially logged as a 15-mile cement pathway, the best parts of this trail span 6 miles. One of a few long paved walking paths in Colorado Springs, this is a great one for beginner bikers as well.
Trail Start and Parking
Because of the length of this stroller friendly trail, you can hop on in many locations.
The best stroller friendly trail section is accessed from the east.
DIRECTIONS: Go to the N Weber Street and Lilac Street intersection; this is also where Shooks Run Trail connects. In Falcon, there is a place to park and get on the trail just off McLaughlin Road.
TRAIL PROS:
Runs east/west on an old Railroad bed
Follows along Constitution Ave from Weber to Powers Blvd
Mostly concrete and asphalt
Gradual slope uphill heading east
Connects to several trails including: Shooks Run, Homestead Trail, Pikes Peak Greenway
TRAIL CONS:
Most of Rock Island Trail is concrete, however portions do have packed gravel.
Limited shade
Gets hilly as your approach Powers Blvd
Lots of crosswalks
Major street crossing at Academy Blvd
No real bailout points after Academy Blvd
LOCAL TIP! Be aware of the speedy adult bike riders who tend to race along this stretch early mornings and late evenings.
Nearby Park: Jefferson Park
2580 Lelaray St. (Lelaray St. and Northview Dr.)
Nearby school facilities, football/soccer field, playground
Sand Creek Trail
*8 miles (Two segments 4 miles/each - Not connected)
While paved walking paths are plentiful in parts of Sand Creek Trail, most of the miles are packed gravel and stone.
We love the relatively flat terrain of this trail as it follows along the Sand Creek and is nestled between neighborhoods for most of the mileage.
Trail Start and Parking
South Start: Park at Wildflower Park where there are ample spots as well as areas for the kids to run free before or after the hike.
NOTE! Head North from Wildflower Park. Ongoing construction has closed off any southbound access. Avoid anything south of Chelton.
North Start: Park at the Park in Ride off Woodmen Road. Trail begins under Woodmen Road, heading south to Dublin. Go under Dublin underpass. From Dublin heading south, head under a bridge and wind your way back up the hill. Keep going another half mile and a splinter trail will pop out at several points between homes in the neighborhood.
PARK DETOUR: Take any one of these paths to get to Jared Jensen park. With a covered pavilion, basketball hoops, playground equipment and a large open field, enjoy a snack break before putting the kids back in the stroller. NOTE! This park is named for Jared Jensen, an on duty police officer killed in action in 2006. There is a large memorial sign honoring his service to our city.
This packed dirt and gravel riding Colorado trail continues until Barnes. Paved trails are between Stetson Hills and Barnes.
Each segment = 4 miles. Trails are NOt connected.
BONUS MILES: The city connected Sand Creek trail to Pikes Peak Greenway a few years ago, making it a total of 15 miles. Instead of heading toward Dublin, keep south to connect to Pikes Peak Greenway.
TRAIL PROS:
Trail has a relatively flat surface
Concrete and gravel mixture pathways depending on where you are on the trail
Surrounded by neighborhoods for most of the trail, it is a safe place walk.
There are several playgrounds along the way.
TRAIL CONS:
The trail has little shade so layer up, wear hats and soak in that Colorado sun.
Trail is not connected.
South end of trail is blocked off/unsafe
Parks Nearby
North: Jared Jenson Park 6724 Windom Peak Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80923
South: Wildflower Park 980 Nolte Dr N, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Pikes Peak Greenway
*16 miles (Main Connector to several other paved trails)
We love the access Pikes Peak Greenway has to almost anywhere in Colorado Springs. Gravel riding Colorado trails are increasing in popularity with the Pikes Peak Greenland trail taking center stage in Colorado Springs. This stroller friendly trail runs north to south across the whole city of Colorado Springs.
Pikes Peak Greenway is part of many beginner bike trails in Colorado Springs.
Large portions of this multi-use trail are paved and wide making it super bike and scooter friendly.
Trail Start and Parking
Starting on the south end of town, this trail connects with the Fountain Creek Regional Trail.
The trail has a mix of surfaces including crushed stone and dirt. With firmly packed paths, strollers work just fine on this trail. Most of the trail runs alongside Monument and Fountain Creeks.
TRAIL PROS
Rolly hills vs. steep inclines
In my marathon training days, this was the perfect running trail to push a jogger while logging long training miles.
Connected to many large city parks including Goose Gossage Youth Sports Complex and bike park
Easy access from many parts of city
Recent $1 million renovation improvements include: concrete vs. asphalt, retaining walls, better drainage
TRAIL CONS
As a multi use trail, expect fast bikers who aren’t always aware of beginner bike trail riders
Large portions of this stroller friendly trail is exposed to sun.
MAIN CONNECTOR TRAILS:
New Santa Fe Trail: connect north end, going through Air Force Academy. Continue on to Greenland Trail for bonus miles
Fountain Creek Regional Trail: These two trails connect at El Pomar Youth Sports Park.
NOTE! New Santa Fe Trail and Fountain Creek Regional Trail combined with Pikes Peak Greenway gives you a total of 40 miles.
Shooks Run Trail 2300 N Wahsatch Avenue Plentiful parking is available at the Bon Shopping Center Trail Length: 2.5 miles one way
Memorial Park 1605 E Pikes Peak Ave
Trail Length: 4 miles one way
Nearby Parks
SOUTH END:
America the Beautiful Park Cimino Dr, Colorado Springs, CO
This park spans several acres in downtown Colorado Springs. There is a large fountain that is often turned on for splash pad fun in the summer months. The Olympic and Paralympic Museum’s sky bridge overlooks the park. *NOTE: This park is due for a renovation.
MID TRAIL:
Goose Gossage Youth Sports Complex and Bike Park 3955 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
A large sports complex with baseball fields, playground and nearby bike park, Goose Gossage is a great midway stop. Bathrooms are open seasonally.
Monument Valley Park 170 W Cache La Poudre St, Colorado Springs, CO
Monument Park is within walking distance of Colorado College. We love the quiet nature of this park along the Monument river, making it a favorite destination for a quick walk or place to drink a latte. In the summer months, water flows in the river, creating a fun area for kids to nature hunt and play.
Westside Colorado Springs
New Santa Fe Regional Trail
*14 miles
See Pikes Peak views along most of this stroller friendly trail.
This is one of our favorite stroller friendly trails in Colorado Springs. An all gravel packed trail extends 14 miles running through Air Force Academy land. At Ice Lake, there two porta potties that are well maintained.
NOTE! Stay on trail in this section. Cameras are set up along the trail. With spectacular views of Pikes Peak, wildflower meadows, Ice lake as well as a few creek crossings over wood bridges this is one of Colorado Springs best biking paths and stroller friendly trails in town.
Starting in Palmer Lake, this north/south multi-use trail ends at the Woodmen Road Trailhead. This is where you can pick up the Pikes Peak Greenway or Rock Island Trail for more miles. Many bikers enjoy gravel riding Colorado trails like this one. l generally follow a straight and level course for the first 6.5 miles beginning at Palmer Lake.
You will have equal parts walkers/runners and bikers on this trail. Technically walkers have right away. However, it’s easier for you to step aside to avoid a collision.
LOCAL TIP! Weekends are big bike riding days. Head to the trail early mornings during the week and you should enjoy a fairly quiet trail hike and walk.
Trail Start and Parking
One of our favorite stroller friendly trails is along the Santa fe.
The trail has several access points. Main parking spots are Palmer Lake Recreation Area located off I-25 exit 161 and westbound Woodman road, parking in the large Park-N-Ride lot.
TRAIL PROS
Amazing Pikes Peak views
Hard packed gravel surfaces for most of the trail
Little to no road noise
Easy access from several waypoints
Connector trail to several others
Most of the trail is well shaded
TRAIL CONS:
Portions of trail have sand *Middle section in particular
Lots of bikers
Limited access to bathrooms or porta-a-potties
LOCAL TIP! The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is part of the American Discovery Trail, a trail system that connects several of our nation’s main north-south trails and many local and regional trails, and includes over 800 miles of trails in Colorado, the most of any state.
Nearby Park
Palmer Lake Park 199 County Line Road, Palmer Lake, CO 80133
Palmer Lake Park is part of the Palmer Lake Recreation area. You could spend a wonderful summer day in this area with access to bathrooms and playground. Palmer Lake allows SUP (stand up paddle boards) and no motor boats. A 9-hole frisbee golf course offers family fun. Bring your fishing rods (and permit) for an afternoon of relaxation.
Sinton Trail
*5.5 miles
Small bridge along Sinton trail
One of Colorado Springs short stroller friendly trails near midtown is Sinton Trail. This paved trail is just off I 25 and Fillmore.
Take a stroller walk following a creek and pass through several neighborhoods.
The path is fairly level, with mild ups and downs. At the eastern trail end, it links up with Pikes Peak Greenway Trail (which runs north and south).
Trail Start and Parking
Park at Gossage Youth Sports Complex on Mark Dabling Blvd between the parking lot and Pikes Peak Steel.
Your kids will love watching the ducks at Sinton Pond but keep your bread and crackers at home. NOTE! It’s against the law to feed wildlife in Colorado Springs.
TRAIL PROS
Eastbound is downhill
Well shaded
Lots of fun wildlife to see, especially birds and deer
Connects to Foothill Trail and Garden of the Gods
Large playground nearby
TRAIL CONS
Hard to find parking in spring and summer while sports games are held
Not paved *well packed dirt
Nearby Parks
Goose Gossage Park 3950 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Baseball diamonds, playground equipment as well as a large skating and bike park, Goose Gossage attracts the young and old.
Nearby Trails
This area has many popular kid friendly hikes. Here’s a few of our favorite!
Bear Creek Park *Trails vary from 1-3 miles
Garden of the Gods *Trails range from 1 - 11 miles. Several trails in Garden of the Gods are ADA friendly, paved walking paths.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space Trails vary from 1 to 11 miles *Two large dog parks in
Sondermann Park *740 W Caramillo St
Stratton Open Space via Canyon Road Reservoir *318 acres of open space and trails
Quail Lake *SUP and hand boats allowed
North Colorado Springs
Cottonwood Creek Trail
*8 miles Paved walking paths
Just off Dublin Blvd, the Cottonwood Creek Trail starts at Cottonwood Creek Park.
Cottonwood Creek Park paved walking paths are great for little bikers and strollers.
This stroller friendly paved walking path takes you around the park, under a few tunnels, connecting to the Briargate Trail with views of Pikes Peak throughout the walk.
At 8 miles, this is some of beginner biking trails in Colorado Springs. You can walk the paved path around the entire complex or take the concrete trail through the tunnel, heading towards Woodman Road and beyond.
Cottonwood Creek Park offers ballfields, picnic tables, an indoor wave pool complex as well as disc golf and tennis courts. For most seasons, the fields are used by various sports clubs making parking a bit challenging. Sundays are usually off limits for formal sports events.
NOTE! YMCA members have FREE access to this gigantic indoor wave and water slide complex.
Trail Start and Parking
You can catch this trail from a variety of locations. We recommend parking in the upper lot by the Cottonwood Creek Park Family Center YMCA just off Dublin Blvd and Woodmen Road.
Cottonwood Creek is one of the best stroller friendly parks in Colorado Springs
TRAIL PROS
Stunning views of Pikes Peak
Paved walking paths follow Cottonwood Creek
Easy access to trail and park
Large playground with equipment for big and little people
Bathrooms by baseball diamonds and large fields
Shade for some of the trail
TRAIL CONS
Well used sports complex year round
Limited parking during weekend events
Bathrooms closed off season
Briargate Trail
*2.5 miles
Paved walking paths are found all over Colorado Springs
Located in the heart of Briargate, north Colorado Springs, this simple stroller friendly trail leads to coffee shops and a cute little playground. For those energetic mornings, walk a loop and let them swing on the monkey bars to their heart’s content.
NOTE! Candleflower Park sits on a hill by a local elementary school. There is little to no shade. Head here in the early morning or stop in after a late evening walk.
Trail Start and Parking
For a longer trail run, park at Cottonwood Creek Park and head north, leaving the park complex and going under a few bridges. For the majority of this section, you’ll be on paved walking paths.
After crossing Woodman Road through the underpass, the trail turns to hard packed dirt. Keep going until you reach Research Road.
For shorter distances, park and begin at the athletic fields of John Stone Skate Park. 4017 Family Pl, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 *This park shares a parking lot with Briargate YMCA.
An out and back trail, start at John Stone Park winding through neighborhoods. Around the middle of the trail (mile 1.5) arrive at Candleflower Park. This is a great spot to let the kids out, run around and grab a snack. The southern half of this trail gets hilly as you head towards Woodman Trail and Cottonwood Creek Park. *Click on interactive stroller friendly map to see exact route.
Nearby Explorer Park is another great spot to park when school is not in session. With a small playground surrounded by large fields, kids will enjoy running and playing. 4260 Bardot Dr, Colorado Springs, CO
INSIDER TIP! If your kiddos are on striders or scooters, you’ll want to have a backup plan for their tired legs.
Going downhill is always super fun. Uphill can be a whine fest. We like to pull out some hidden treats like gummy bears or rice krispie treats. These positive incentives usually do the trick.
TRAIL PROS
Paved walking paths for entire trail
Playgrounds along route
Starts by Briargate YMCA
TRAIL CONS
City sidewalks
Lots of traffic in am/pm for neighborhood schools
La Foret Trail
*2 miles
If you’re in the mood for a short paved walking paths, this one’s for you!
While only 2 miles long, La Foret Trail connects to the Santa Fe Trail through an underpass bridge by Compassion International West Building.
INSIDER TIP! Park on side street and head south toward a small building past Compassion South. You’ll see a well marked trail taking you under I-25 and up to the Sante Fe Trail. This section is tricky in winter months. The best to add on these trail miles is in summer! (Compassion International Main Building: 12290 Voyager Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO)
Trail Start and Parking
Park at the shops located behind Da Vinci Elementary School for easy access to the trail. The La Foret trail is the perfect stroller trail to meander through a residential area, ending at Stone Falls Park.
Map points are Creekhurst Dr. and Woodruff Dr. and New Santa Fe Regional Trail west of I-25.
Pick this trail for a morning walk or run, grabbing coffee at Coffee and Tea Zone before or after you head out. ONe of our favorite boba smoothie shops, Coffee and Tea Zone also serves ice cream.
TRAIL PROS
Easy access
Located north Colorado Springs, just off I 25 and Northgate Blvd
Nearby food stores and restaurants for fun post walk treats
Park has covered benches for hot summer days allow flexibility for the sporadic napper.
Completely paved walking paths
TRAIL CONS:
Short trail
Mostly in neighborhoods
Lots of crossing roads and sharing sidewalks
Nearby Park
Mary Kyer Park 1102 Middle Creek Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
This 11 acre open space has a small pond, playground, and athletic fields.
John Venezia Park and Trail
Paved trails and dirt packed paths surround John Venezia park.
*2.2 miles
John Venezia Park is Colorado Springs newest park complex, built in 2017. Located in the heart of the north end Briargate neighborhood, this park has it all! Turf fields, splash pad, ranch themed play structures, pickleball courts, basketball hoops and trails offer a little fun for everyone.
Trail Start and Parking
This park is located at the intersection of Briargate Parkway and Union Blvd. on the northside of Colorado Springs.
LOCAL TIP! Right behind the turf fields is a large grove of cottonwood trees. Take the dirt packed path to these trees, letting your kids explore to their heart’s content. Our kids loved building branch forts for their Star Wars figures. This area is perfect for a nature scavenger hunt.
TRAIL PROS
Lots of Parking
Several toilets including flush bathrooms and sinks with running water
Splash pad for summer water fun
Large turf fields
Paved walking paths around fields and playground
State of the art playground *farmyard theme
Nearby public pickleball and tennis courts
TRAIL CONS
Busy in good weather
Meeting hub for local high school and middle school students *parking is limited
Nearby Trails
Black Forest Park *2.1 mile loop
Homestead Trail *12 miles round trip
Taking the baby and the BOB for a spin on the Santa Fe Trail
Stroller Meetups
Are you new to motherhood? Perhaps you’d like someone to walk with and don’t know where to start. Maybe you need a little push to model fitness to your family.
Colorado Springs has several mom's stroller walking groups. Community, conversation, and exercise are benefits for both you and your kids.
Hike it Baby has a thriving Colorado Springs group. Find them on Facebook at Hike it Baby Colorado Springs.
A special shout out to Brittany, ambassador for Hike it Baby and all her stroller hike recommendations in this post.
Denver and Pueblo Trails
WHEN IN DENVER, check out these jogger stroller friendly hikes.
IF YOU’RE DOWN SOUTH, Pueblo has some great all wheels paths as well.
Colorado Springs is a fantastic family friendly city with so many hiking and stroller friendly trails to explore. These 9 places to walk with a stroller are just the tip of the outdoor recreation iceberg. No matter where you visit in the city, you’re bound to find an area with paved walking paths and neighborhood parks.
Leave us a comment with your favorite stroller friendly trails.
let’s get walking!
