Easy, Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Flagstaff
An overview of short hikes near Flagstaff that are perfect for families, with notes on distance, terrain, and accessibility.
When you’re hiking near Flagstaff with kids, shorter trails with clear paths usually work best. Some feel like a quick walk in the woods, while others offer wide open space or interesting features that help keep kids engaged.
The hikes below are commonly used by families because they’re manageable in length and easy to follow. All are in or very close to Flagstaff.
Buffalo Park / Nate Avery Trail
Location: North Flagstaff
Distance: Up to about 2 miles (loop), with shorter options
Cost: Free
Best for ages: Preschool and up
Buffalo Park offers wide open space rather than a traditional hiking trail. On Nate Avery Trail, you’ll find a flat loop path around a large meadow, with views of the San Francisco Peaks on clear days.
Many families use only part of the loop. The open layout gives kids room to walk, run, or ride balance bikes while staying on a clearly defined path.
Kendrick Wildlife Trail
Location: About 20 minutes north of Flagstaff on Highway 180
Distance: About 0.7 miles (loop)
Cost: Free
Best for ages: Preschool and up
This short loop passes through a meadow and lightly forested area north of town. The dirt trail is generally smooth and stays mostly flat. Since the trail forms a loop, you won’t need to retrace your steps.
Depending on the season, you may see wildlife such as deer or elk. The open setting makes this feel more like a quiet nature walk than a hike.
Aspen Loop Trail at Lockett Meadow
Location: About 1 hour northeast of Flagstaff
Distance: About 2 miles (loop)
Cost: Free
Best for ages: Elementary and up
Seasonal: Best in early fall
This loop winds through high-elevation forest and is known for its aspen trees. In early fall, the leaves turn bright yellow, drawing visitors from around the region.
The trail surface stays fairly gentle, but the full loop is longer than the others on this list. Because of the elevation and distance, this hike is commonly used by families with older kids who are comfortable walking a couple of miles.
Aspen Corner (with the Aspen Swing)
Location: Near Snowbowl Road, north of Flagstaff
Distance: Very short walk from the parking area
Cost: Free
Best for ages: Preschool and up
Aspen Corner is a small forest area known for its aspen trees and the wooden swing hanging from one of them. From the parking area, you’ll walk a short, easy path into the trees. The area itself is compact, making it more of a short outing than a full hike.
You’ll find plenty of space to wander among the aspens, especially when the leaves change color in the fall. The swing is a common stopping point for families and visitors.
Picture Canyon Natural Preserve
Location: North Flagstaff
Distance: About 1 mile (loop)
Cost: Free
Best for ages: Preschool and up
At Picture Canyon, you’ll find a short walking trail with natural and cultural features along the way. The route passes rock formations and petroglyphs created by Indigenous peoples, with signs that explain what you’re seeing.
The trail stays relatively flat and is easy to follow, making it a good option if you’re looking for something short with visual interest beyond a playground.
About Hiking Near Flagstaff
- Trail surfaces range from paved paths to natural dirt
- Elevation may feel different if you’re visiting from lower altitudes
- Weather can change quickly, especially outside town
- Some areas are open and exposed, while others are forested
These hikes offer different ways to explore Flagstaff with kids, from short paved loops to wide open meadow paths. Each one keeps distances and terrain manageable while still feeling like time spent outdoors.