Kid-Friendly Hikes in Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff's ponderosa forests are laced with short trails that little legs can actually finish — gentle grades, big payoffs, and plenty of shade. Here are the family-favorite hikes, with notes on distance, terrain, and what to expect.

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Aspen Nature Trail

Easy stroll through lush aspen forest and meadows at 9295 ft elevation. Spectacular fall colors. Roc...

FreePreschoolElementary+1

Bismarck Lake Trail

Short easy trail through woods and meadows to seasonal Bismarck Lake at 8500 ft elevation. Great for...

FreeToddlerPreschool+2

Buffalo Park Trails

Flagstaff's most popular urban trail making a 2-mile loop around Buffalo Park on McMillan Mesa. Most...

FreeBabyToddler+3

Campbell Mesa Loop

Multi-use trail system with 5 interconnected loops through ponderosa pine forest. Shorter options in...

FreeToddlerPreschool+2

Fatman's Loop

Popular trail climbing over 500,000-year-old lava flow with interesting boulder formations. Named fo...

FreeElementaryTween

Kendrick Wildlife Trail

Educational interpretive trail at 7900 ft elevation. Short paved loop is wheelchair accessible. Grea...

FreeBabyToddler+3

Little Springs Loop

Trail connecting Sandy Seep to Little Elden Springs on Arizona Trail. Rock garden for kids at Waypoi...

FreeTween

Picture Canyon

478-acre preserve with Northern Sinagua petroglyphs dating 700-1300 AD. Features Flagstaff's only ye...

FreeToddlerPreschool+2

Red Mountain Trail

Gentle walk to dramatic volcanic cinder cone amphitheater with hoodoo formations. Kids love climbing...

FreePreschoolElementary+1

Sandy's Canyon Trail

Easy family hike along rim of Walnut Canyon then descending into Sandy's Canyon. Views of San Franci...

FreePreschoolElementary+1

Tunnel Spring Trail

Trail climbs through ponderosa pines to Observatory Mesa. Crosses railroad tracks via pedestrian und...

FreeTween

Walnut Canyon Rim Trail

Scenic rim path with canyon views and access to pueblo and pithouse ruins. First 150 ft is ADA acces...

$BabyToddler+3