4 Easy Stroller-Friendly Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for Babies and Toddlers.
Exploring the great outdoors with young children can seem daunting, but Rocky Mountain National Park offers a surprising number of accessible trails perfect for families with strollers. As a parent, finding the right balance between adventure and convenience is key, and these trails provide just that—opportunities to introduce your little ones to the breathtaking beauty of nature without the stress of difficult terrain.
Whether you’re a local family looking for a weekend outing or visitors hoping to create lasting memories, these trails offer something special. From easy, paved loops around serene lakes to wildlife viewing opportunities, each path provides a unique experience that can spark a child’s curiosity about the natural world. The trails we’ll explore are not just walks—they’re outdoor classrooms where children can learn about wildlife, mountain ecosystems, and the joy of being in nature.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through four distinct trails, highlighting their features, accessibility, and what makes each one special for families with young children. Pack your snacks, sunscreen, and sense of adventure—your family’s mountain exploration starts here!
Lilly Lake:
Lily Lake is a great place to take a stroller walk with small kids! The Lily Lake Trail is a flat, paved, 0.8-mile loop around the lake, making it easily accessible for little ones. There are also plenty of benches and picnic tables along the trail where you can rest and enjoy the scenery.
Here are some more reasons why Lily Lake is a great place for young kids:
The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and fish. Kids will love watching the animals swim and play.
The lake is surrounded by cool mountain scenery, like Longs Peak and Twin Sisters. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about outdoor stuff and look at the beauty of the outdoors.
Lily Lake is located just off Highway 7, making it easy to get to for visitors. There is a large parking lot at the trailhead.
Here are some extra tips for visiting Lily Lake with small kids:
Bring a stroller so if you kids get tired, no temper tantrums.
Pack snacks and drinks. You’ll want to stay hydrated and fueled so you or the kids don’t get cranky hungry.
Wear sunscreen and a hat. That means for you and the kids. What you do, they do! The sun can be strong at high altitudes, so it’s important to protect your skin.
The weather can change quickly in the mountains. It’s a good idea to have a variety of clothing options like layers. Don’t forget mittens for the kids, their little fingers get cold fast.
Sprague Lake
Sprague Lake is also a great place to take a stroller walk with small children! The Sprague Lake Trail is a flat, paved, 1.2-mile loop around the lake, making it easy for kids. There are also plenty of benches and picnic tables along the trail where you can rest and enjoy a snack or a bag lunch.
Here are some additional reasons why Sprague Lake is a great place for young children:
The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and fish. kids will love watching the animals do what animal do.
The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Some of these are Longs Peak and Twin Sisters.
Sprague Lake is located just off Highway 7, making it easily accessible for visitors. There is a large parking lot at the trailhead.
Coyote Valley Trail
Coyote Valley Trail is a great stroller-friendly option! Here’s why:
Trail is only about 1 mile long and mostly flat, making it easily manageable for little ones. The paved surface also makes it stroller-friendly.
This trail offers excellent spots to see wildlife. Check out the early morning hours here to see elk and moose.
The trail is located in the Kawuneeche Valley, just a short drive from the park’s entrance. There is a large parking lot and restrooms nearby.
Coyote Valley Trail is a great option for families with kids, especially if you don’t want to go off the path.
Holzworth Historic Site
Taking a stroller to the Holzwarth Historic Site might be tricky. But if you’re up for an adventure, it’s a great place to explore with your family!
The trail to the historic site is a gravel path. It might be difficult to navigate with a stroller, especially if it’s not all-terrain.
The site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, which might be too far for some young children.
Some of the cabins are not accessible by stroller due to steps and uneven ground.
However, if you’re determined to visit the site with a stroller, here are some tips:
An all-terrain stroller with large wheels will be the most suitable for navigating the gravel path.
Pushing a stroller on a gravel path can be tiring, so be prepared for a bit of exercise.
If it’s rainy or snowy, the trail might be even more difficult to navigate with a stroller.
If the terrain becomes too difficult, you might need to carry your child for part of the way.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to bring a stroller to the Holzwarth Historic Site is up to you. If you’re able to carry your child or use a baby carrier, you may have a more enjoyable experience.