Location: west end of Riverwalk
​Trailhead: Tunnel Drive 
Distance: 1-4 miles out-and-back

​Tunnels! Just .25 miles from the trailhead leads you to three historic tunnels. The longest is about the length of a city block and can be pitch black in the center. 

Location: Royal Gorge Trails
​Trailhead: Canyon Rim
Distance: 1.5 miles

​Incredible views of the Royal Gorge, including the famed Royal Gorge Bridge, are visible on this hike. There are many trails to take, but kids may love the Overlook Loop, pictured here. 

Begin at the Floral Avenue Trailhead to access Greenhorn - a wide trail that leads to some great interpretive trail markers. Kids can see REAL fossils embeded in the rocks, plus read about what used to live in this area. At the top of Skyline Drive (you can hike up Old Skyline Drive or drive west on Hwy. 50 to reach the top), you'll be able to see REAL dinosaur footprints! 

The Riverwalk Trail is a flat, easy walk that offers plenty of opportunity play in the water, spot wildlife, and even end at a super-cool park. Centennial Park is located off 3rd Street and features brand-new playground equipment, a splash pad and (in lower water levels) a natural river play area. 

Newlin Creek is located just outside of Florence and allows you to feel 'in the mountain's while just driving a short distance. You'll be among pine trees and scrub oak while also following the creek for an opportunity to play in the water. 

While it was damaged in the summer flood last year, there's still a big ol' Stegasaurus to be seen, plus some interpretive markers and a nice path around the college. Head to the Pueblo Community College - Fremont Campus and see the Walk Through Time in the front area. 

There are dinosaurs all over Cañon City! Check out the online map and see if you can find them all. They're painted by local artists / groups who worked hard to create these incredible works of art. 

The Riverwalk is over 7 miles long, so there are plenty of trailheads and sections that you can walk or bike with kids. Park at the Sells Avenue Trailhead (from 9th St., turn onto Sells Avenue and it dead-ends into the trailhead) and head east (downstream) to see a scenic, peaceful stretch that gets you away from roads and any traffic. 

'The Yard' mountain bike skills park is located at the Eagle Wing Trailhead (off of Colburn Lane, near Riverside Drive). Kids can do laps while parents follow along or hang out at the shaded pavilion. 

Kids should aready have some mountain bike experience and should NOT attempt features if they're not ready. There is a green (easier) line and a blue (harder) line with appropriate features. Ride at your ability level!

This section of the Arkansas Rivewalk is located at the westernmost end. It even has it's own trailhead, located at the terminus of Tunnel Drive (off Hwy. 50). Park here and it's only .25 miles (with a walk-able hill) to the tunnels. From this point, it's a flat and easy additional 2 miles to the end of the trail. 

When your kids are ready for some technical elements, try heading out to the Royal Gorge Park. To practice some intermediate uphill and downhill, try parking at the small parking lot on CR3A and heading up Twisted Cistern. Go back down it for a fun descent, or try the Overlook Loop (some steep exposure, be be sure they're ready) to add some gorgeous mileage. 

S'mores is an easy trail the surrounds the East Ridge Campground at the Royal Gorge. Access it off CR3A and park in the large parking area overlooking the city. S'mores is  .5 mile loop. 

Location: Harrison Park
Distance from town: 1 mile

​At Harrison Park in Cañon City, there is a small climbing wall and boulder that kids can try out. The park also features a soccer field and playground equipment, so it's a great way to introduce kids to using handholds and getting comfortable lifting their bodyweight. 

The closest climbing gym to our area is City Rock in Colorado Springs. 

If you're interested in learning more about efforts to build a recreation center in Cañon City with (potentially) a climbing area, please see the REC​ Royal Gorge Area Facebook page. 

Location: 12 miles north of town
Distance from town: 30 minutes

​Shelf Road is easily accessible by car and a short hike. There are a number of routes that are appropriate for learning climbers. Be sure that you are well-versed in climbing procedures, safety, and equipment care. Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no facilities at this BLM-managed area. 

Visit the Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center for FREE. Not only does the museum have plenty of great programs throughout the year, but they also have a great paleontology display and kids can even touch a real dinosaur bone! Check out the 'rocks and minerals' display and kids get a FREE rock to take home. 

Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is a fun place to take kids. They have a number of dinosaur fossil skeletons (life-sized!), plus anamatronic dinos on the Wild Walk. Kids can also burn off some energy playing on the ropes course. 

Need maps? Download a FREE Adventure guide. Or, use the COTrex app to help you navigate the trails in our area. ​

Kids love the 'Care for Colorado' song. Check it out here and listen as they sing along. The message is great: care for our beautiful State because it belongs to everyone!