Best Family Hiking Trails
5 of our favorite family-friendly hikes with kids under 12. Real distances, elevation gain, water sources, and what to pack.
Hiking with kids is one of our favorite family activities. There's something magical about getting outside, moving together, and discovering nature as a family. But finding the right trail — one that's challenging enough to be fun but not so hard that everyone's miserable — can be tricky. We've tested dozens of trails across the Southwest, and we're here to share our favorites.
What We Look For in a Family Hiking Trail
After years of family hiking, we've developed a clear rubric for what makes a trail kid-friendly:
- Appropriate difficulty: Challenging enough to be fun, not so hard that kids get discouraged
- Reasonable distance: Doable in 1-3 hours depending on kids' ages
- Water access: Streams or water sources for refilling bottles
- Shade: Trees to provide breaks from the sun
- Well-maintained: Clear trail, minimal scrambling or rock hopping
- Scenic payoff: Views or destinations that make the effort worthwhile
- Safety: No dangerous drop-offs or exposed sections
Angel Fire Lake Trail
Distance & Duration
2.5 miles round trip (1-1.5 hours)
Elevation & Age Group
200 ft gain • Ages 4+
Pros
- Flat and easy
- Beautiful lake views
- Minimal elevation gain
- Great for young kids
- Well-maintained
Cons
- Can be crowded in summer
- Limited shade
Our Verdict
Best for families with young kids. Perfect first hike for building confidence.
Taos Box Canyon Trail
Distance & Duration
4 miles round trip (2-2.5 hours)
Elevation & Age Group
500 ft gain • Ages 8+
Pros
- Stunning canyon views
- River access
- Moderate difficulty
- Good for older kids
- Scenic
Cons
- Can be slippery when wet
- Some scrambling required
Our Verdict
Best for families with kids 8+. Great introduction to more challenging terrain.
Wheeler Peak Trail
Distance & Duration
8.5 miles round trip (4-5 hours)
Elevation & Age Group
1,500 ft gain • Ages 12+
Pros
- Highest peak in New Mexico
- Incredible views
- Well-marked trail
- Alpine meadows
- Wildlife viewing
Cons
- High elevation (13,161 ft)
- Long hike
- Can be cold even in summer
Our Verdict
Best for experienced families. Requires good fitness and altitude acclimatization.
Carlsbad Caverns Nature Trail
Distance & Duration
1.25 miles round trip (1-1.5 hours)
Elevation & Age Group
200 ft descent • Ages 3+
Pros
- Underground cave trail
- Unique experience
- Easy walking
- Cool year-round
- Educational
Cons
- Not a traditional hike
- Can be crowded
- Limited to designated trail
Our Verdict
Best for families seeking unique experiences. Great for all ages.
Final Thoughts
The best family hiking trail is one that gets your family outside and moving together. Whether it's a 1-mile easy walk or a challenging 8-mile summit push, the goal is the same: create memories and build a love of the outdoors.
Start with easier trails to build confidence, then gradually work up to more challenging hikes. Celebrate every summit, no matter how small. And remember: the journey is more important than the destination.
Happy trails!
Quick Facts
Trails Reviewed
4 Southwest locations
Best for Young Kids
Angel Fire Lake Trail
Best for Older Kids
Wheeler Peak Trail
Best Unique Experience
Carlsbad Caverns
Hiking Tips
- •Bring 2x the water you think you'll need
- •Pack snacks kids actually like
- •Start early to avoid afternoon heat
- •Wear sunscreen and bring hats
- •Let kids set the pace
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