Trails We Love: Dog-Friendly + Family-Friendly Hikes Around Boulder
Hiking in Boulder doesn’t have to mean scaling a summit or committing to a 10-mile trek. Sometimes, the best trails are the ones that get you and the whole crew — toddlers, teens, and four-legged friends included — outside for a couple of hours of fresh air and low-key adventure.
From creekside paths to wide-open meadows, these local hikes are some of our favorites for families and pups alike.
All of them are dog-friendly (just keep that leash handy) and have enough variety to keep everyone happy — including scenic spots for snack breaks and plenty of space to roam.
Here are 5 easy-to-moderate hikes that are perfect for a weekend outing or a midweek reset.
Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua is basically the Beyoncé of Boulder hikes — iconic, always a good idea, and never goes out of style. There are a bunch of trail options here, ranging from mellow to more intense, but for families, the Bluebell-Baird Trail is a great option. It’s a manageable 1-mile loop with big payoff views of the Flatirons, wildflowers in spring, and shaded sections for hot days.
DOG SITUATION: Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park.
PRO TIP: Pack a picnic and hang out on the grassy lawn post-hike.
Boulder Creek Path
This paved multi-use trail runs right through the heart of town and is one of the most accessible spots to get your steps in — especially if you’re pushing a stroller or walking with little kids. The Boulder Creek Path stretches for over 5 miles and has plenty of access points, so you can do as much or as little as you want.
DOG SITUATION: Very dog-friendly — just keep them leashed and out of the bikers’ way.
PRO TIP: Stop at the Boulder Farmers Market on Saturdays — it runs right alongside the path.
Flatirons Vista Trail
Wide open views? Check. Rolling hills? Check. Easy parking and minimal elevation gain? Double check. Flatirons Vista Trail is about 3.5 miles round trip, mostly flat, and offers a peaceful escape just south of town. The trail loops through meadows and pine forest, making it a great pick for anyone needing a quiet recharge.
DOG SITUATION: Leashed dogs are welcome, and they’ll love it.
PRO TIP: Bring water — there’s little shade on warm days.
South Boulder Creek Trail at Bobolink
This trail is a total gem for families, with a flat, easy path that follows the creek and offers plenty of nature-watching. It’s about 3 miles out and back, but you can turn around at any time and still feel like you’ve gotten a great dose of the outdoors. Kids love spotting birds, bugs, and sometimes the occasional cow across the fields.
DOG SITUATION: Leashed dogs are good to go.
PRO TIP: Great for morning strolls — it’s peaceful and quiet before the midday sun hits.
Wonderland Lake Loop Trail
Tucked in North Boulder, Wonderland Lake is a beautiful, flat loop with scenic water views, mountain backdrops, and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in. It’s only about 1.5 miles, so it’s ideal for younger kids or older dogs who just want to sniff around and enjoy the vibe. There's also a small playground nearby if you need to break things up with some climbing.
DOG SITUATION: On-leash is fine, and it’s a popular dog-walking spot.
PRO TIP: It’s gorgeous at golden hour.
Whether you’ve got a full car of kids or a dog who needs to burn off some serious energy, Boulder’s trail system makes it easy to get outside without going far. These five hikes prove that you don’t need epic elevation to have a great time on the trail — just good shoes, snacks, and a solid playlist.
