Family friendly hiking at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

We found some family friendly hiking at Red Rock Canyon Open Space. The views are pretty and it’s not as crowded as other attractions in the area.

There are many different trails, all with different names. I’m not sure if we ‘finished’ a trail. We took a couple different trails to get back to where we started, if that makes sense.

Download the map or print it out. It’s very helpful so you don’t get lost or take the wrong trail.

Where is Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is located off of Highway 24. If you want to put the address in your phone, it’s 3550 W High St. Colorado Springs CO 80904.

There are bathrooms at the park. There are 2 porta potties in the “middle” parking lot. We’ve never used them, so I’m not sure how clean they are.

All the trails are gravel trails. The Red Rock Canyon Trail is stroller friendly. We saw a lady pushing her stroller with ease along that trail.

All the trails are shared by hikers, bikers and horses.

What makes this great for family friendly hiking

• All the trails are short. They all connect to one another to make a trail ‘longer’ if you choose.
• There is one trail that is best for strollers and that is Red Rock Canyon Trail.
• There are some shady spots to rest at or just to take in the views.
• There is a quarry that is fun to explore.
• The rocks are fun to climb on.

What trails are the best?

• We have taken the Mesa trail to the Upper Dog Loop. Then it connected to the Sand Canyon Trail. Once we got to the large rocks we turned around and went back the way we came. That was a pretty hike.
• Another time, we wanted to see the Quarry so we took a couple trails to get there.
• There are many short trails that you could take to create your own “family hike” at the park. That is something that we plan on doing on our next trip there.

**Related Post: Quarry Trail at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Tips for a great family friendly hiking at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

• Get to the park early, mainly to beat the heat.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat.
• Bring sunblock, there are some trails where you are directly in the sun without any shade.
• Bring a couple water bottles with you on the trail and at least one in the car waiting for you in case you drink what you brought with you on the trail. That has happened to us many times and wished I had more water in the car.
• Bring the map that you printed off. Like I said earlier, there are many trails that connect and you could get turned around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping up your guide to family friendly hiking at Red Rock Canyon

Wear sunblock, a hat and sunglasses. There is a little shade in some areas. Bring lots of water and your camera. The views are great and the kids will have fun climbing the stairs.

If you like Red Rock Canyon, then you’ll love Garden of the Gods. We highly recommend that place. It’s super kid friendly as well.