Photo: Sandy Troff
Photo: Ben Williams
Photo: Stephanie Hebert
Waterton Canyon Trailhead
★4.7(1,256 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 2-4 hours depending on how far you hike. Most families with young kids turn around after 1-2 miles (30-45 minutes each way), while older kids often complete 4-6 miles round trip.👶 Best for all ages, from infants to teens. The flat, paved trail is ideal for stroller-pushing parents with babies, while the 6-mile out-and-back distance gives older kids (8+) a satisfying challenge. Toddlers and preschoolers (2-5) love spotting wildlife and playing by the river at turnaround points.🧡 Saved by 50+ families
About
Waterton Canyon offers one of the Denver area's most family-friendly hiking experiences with a wide, flat trail that's perfect for strollers, bikes, and little legs. Following the scenic South Platte River for 6 miles, this adventure is famous for frequent bighorn sheep sightings that turn an ordinary hike into an unforgettable wildlife encounter kids will talk about for weeks.
Highlights
- ✓Spotting bighorn sheep climbing the canyon walls and grazing near the trail
- ✓The wide, flat paved trail perfect for bikes, scooters, and strollers
- ✓Beautiful South Platte River views with opportunities to stop and explore the water
- ✓Stunning canyon scenery with red rock formations
- ✓Abundant other wildlife including deer, eagles, and various bird species
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (7:00-8:00 AM) for the best chance of spotting bighorn sheep near the trailhead and to secure parking, which fills up quickly on weekends
- 2.Bring binoculars for kids to spot sheep on the canyon walls,they're most commonly seen in the first 2 miles of the trail
- 3.The trail is also open to bikes, making it perfect for families with kids who tire easily; you can cover more ground and see more wildlife
- 4.Pack lots of water and snacks as there are no facilities beyond the trailhead restrooms, and the canyon can get hot with limited shade
- 5.You don't need to hike the full 6 miles,even a 1-2 mile trek gives you great river views and sheep-spotting opportunities
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings between April and October for the best experience. Early morning hours (7:00-9:00 AM) offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the highest likelihood of wildlife sightings. Spring (April-May) is particularly magical when sheep are most active and wildflowers bloom along the trail.
What to Know
Parking is free but limited, so arrive early or consider a weekday visit. The trailhead has restrooms but no food facilities, and no pets are allowed (to protect the bighorn sheep habitat). The paved trail is fully stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Seasonal Notes
The trail is open year-round, but winter months may have ice and snow. Spring (March-May) offers the best wildlife viewing as bighorn sheep descend to lower elevations. Summer can be hot with limited shade, so plan morning visits. The canyon occasionally closes during extreme weather or for maintenance,check Denver Water's website before visiting.
Nearby Eats
Stop at Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton (15 minutes away) for a family-friendly brewpub atmosphere with burgers, pizza, and a kids menu. For quick post-hike fuel, Chipotle and other casual chains are located about 10 minutes north on Wadsworth Boulevard.
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