The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Westminster

If you're seeking a tranquil escape with rewarding scenery, Denver Orbital Trail - Segment 25 delivers. This easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) hike guides you along dirt paths through fields and forests, culminating in one of the most favored views of Standley Lake. You'll enjoy a pleasant walk right on the lakeshore and a brief stretch alongside the historic Croke Canal, making for a refreshing 1 hour and 10 minutes on the trail.

Accessing this segment is simple, with parking available at the Big Dry Creek Trailhead. This route is particularly family-friendly and great for beginners, offering minimal elevation gain of just 187 feet (57 metres). No special permits are required, making it an accessible choice for a spontaneous outdoor adventure any time of year, though spring and fall offer ideal weather.

Segment 25 stands out among the Denver Orbital Trail's many sections for its focus on natural beauty, contrasting with other segments that might feature more urban or paved greenway areas. It's a prime example of the trail's design to offer approachable day hikes, providing a quick and scenic immersion in nature without demanding a full day's commitment.

The Denver Orbital Trail - Segment 24 offers a refreshing urban hike, guiding you along greenway corridors that blend natural beauty with city convenience. You'll experience a gentle journey past serene blue ponds and through the expansive Walnut Creek Open Space, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing. This easy 4.7-mile (7.6 km) route, with a minimal 166 feet (51 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a leisurely walk or a quick escape into nature, taking approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking is conveniently located at both ends of the segment. If you prefer not to drive, one end of the trail is also accessible via public transportation, offering flexibility for your trip. This segment is enjoyable throughout the year, providing a pleasant experience whether you're looking for a morning stroll or an afternoon adventure.

As part of the larger 177-mile Denver Orbital Trail, this segment showcases how Denver integrates natural waterways into its urban environment, providing valuable recreational opportunities. The trail system, conceived by Michael Tormey, aims to make thru- and section hiking more accessible, allowing you to enjoy quality outdoor experiences without needing to drive far into the mountains. It's a testament to the city's commitment to connecting communities with nature.

The Big Dry Creek Trail offers a refreshing escape into nature right within the Denver metro area, following the meandering Big Dry Creek through a mix of open spaces, city parks, and residential areas. You'll find a blend of paved and natural surfaces, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife like prairie dogs and various bird species along the riparian corridor. It's a wonderfully accessible route, perfect for a relaxed outing where the scenery changes subtly from urban green spaces to more natural ravines.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is generally easy to access with multiple parking options along its length. The route is known for its safety, featuring numerous underpasses that allow you to avoid busy roads, making it a great choice for families. While it's a moderate 8.1 miles (13.0 km) with a gentle 205 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 3 hours and 19 minutes, you can easily tackle shorter sections. It's a year-round trail, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures.

This trail is part of a larger system, specifically the Big Dry Creek National Recreation Trail, which connects significant points of interest like Walnut Creek Open Space. Its designation as a National Recreation Trail highlights its value as a community asset, providing a continuous greenway for recreation and connecting diverse landscapes. It's an excellent option if you're looking for a family-friendly hike or a longer, easygoing walk without needing to drive far from the city.

The Westminster City Park Loop offers a delightful urban oasis, guiding you along a concrete path through wide-open grassy fields and past serene man-made lakes, including the City Park Pond. You'll find abundant wildlife, especially various birds around the water, and enjoy distant mountain views. It's a highly accessible route, perfect for a gentle stroll or a quick nature break without leaving the city.

Planning your visit to the Westminster City Park Loop is straightforward, with ample parking available at Westminster City Park. This easy 1.1-mile (1.8 km) hike, with only 52 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 28 minutes, making it ideal for any time of day. It's a great year-round option, especially appealing for families looking for a convenient outdoor activity.

Beyond the loop itself, Westminster City Park is a 205-acre hub of activity, connecting to other trails like the Big Dry Creek Trail. The park features unique elements such as colorful, decorated bridges and a farm-themed playground, making it a fantastic destination for those seeking family-friendly amenities and a touch of nature within an urban setting.

The Farmers' High Line Canal Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape, winding through a mix of urban and natural landscapes. You'll traverse varied surfaces, from paved paths to crushed stone, often shaded by mature cottonwood trees. Keep an eye out for waterfowl on the lakes, like the one near Full Moon Over Webster Lake, and enjoy views that can stretch to the foothills and Front Range or vast prairies. This moderate 8.5-mile (13.7 km) hike, with a minimal 65 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 28 minutes, making it a great option for a relaxed outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is maintained for year-round use, even accommodating snowshoeing in winter. It's a multi-use pathway popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, and you'll find parks with amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas conveniently located along the route. While no specific parking warnings are noted, the trail's accessibility makes it a popular choice, so consider an earlier start on busy days.

Beyond its scenic appeal, the trail holds historical significance, following the path of an irrigation canal built in the 1860s. It's also a key part of a much larger 71-mile system, connecting to other regional trails like the Little Dry Creek Trail. This extensive connectivity and its role as a local commuting artery make it a valuable resource for both recreation and practical travel, offering opportunities for wildlife observation, including migrating songbirds and various waterfowl.