Easy hikes and walks around Aurora

Aurora offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails. Our guide features 13 easy routes, with many more available throughout the city's over 100 miles of trails and 8,000 acres of open space.

Easy hikes in Aurora primarily feature expansive prairie grasslands, scenic reservoir shorelines, and peaceful wooded creek corridors. Many trails also offer distant views of the majestic Front Range mountains, providing a dramatic backdrop to your walk.

Yes, Aurora has several easy loop trails perfect for a relaxed outing. A popular option is the Coyote Way and Tonquin Trail loop, which offers a refreshing escape into natural surroundings. The Aurora Reservoir also features an 8.8-mile loop trail, and the Quincy Reservoir has a 3.1-mile loop, both providing scenic water views.

Aurora enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it suitable for hiking year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer mornings are ideal before the heat sets in. Even winter can be beautiful, with crisp air and occasional snow adding a different charm to the prairie and reservoir landscapes.

Absolutely! Many of Aurora's easy trails are perfect for families. Paths like the Memorial Park Forest Trail offer peaceful, shorter walks through forested areas. Locations like Cherry Creek State Park and Star K Ranch provide diverse environments and opportunities for wildlife spotting that children often enjoy.

Many easy hiking trails in Aurora are dog-friendly, but leash rules vary by location. Cherry Creek State Park has an off-leash dog park, while other trails typically require dogs to be on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before heading out with your furry friend.

For easy hikes with beautiful water views, head to Aurora's reservoirs. The Aurora Reservoir offers an 8.8-mile loop trail with open views across the water, often with the Front Range in the distance. Quincy Reservoir provides a peaceful 3.1-mile loop, and Cherry Creek State Park features numerous trails winding around its 850-acre reservoir.

While popular spots can get busy, you can often find less crowded experiences by visiting during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) or exploring lesser-known trails. The Morrison Nature Center loop, following Sand Creek through a riparian woodland, can offer a more tranquil experience. The Plains Conservation Center also provides a sense of solitude across its 1,100-acre shortgrass prairie.

Many of Aurora's easy trails, particularly those in open prairie areas or along reservoir shorelines, offer distant views of the majestic Front Range. The Perimeter Trail loop at Aurora Reservoir is a great example, providing expansive vistas across the water with the mountains in the background.

While many trailheads are best accessed by car, some areas in Aurora are reachable via public transport. For specific routes, it's best to check local RTD bus routes that serve parks like Cherry Creek State Park or areas along the Sand Creek Regional Greenway. Planning your route in advance using public transport maps is recommended.

Most major parks and open spaces in Aurora, such as Aurora Reservoir, Cherry Creek State Park, and Star K Ranch, offer dedicated parking lots. Some smaller trailheads, like the Morrison Nature Center, also have parking available. Be aware that some parks, like Cherry Creek State Park and Aurora Reservoir, may have entrance fees or require permits.

Aurora's diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife. On easy hikes, especially in areas like Star K Ranch or Cherry Creek State Park, you might spot deer, coyotes, various bird species (including raptors and waterfowl near reservoirs), and smaller mammals. The Plains Conservation Center is particularly good for observing native prairie wildlife.