Great places to (maybe) hike with kids: Wildlife sanctuaries and refuges

Wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves
sometimes limit where you can day hike.

Some wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves have hiking trails to enjoy, but a number of them would prefer that humans not encroach on the area. It is, after all, an area set aside for wildlife, usually those that are endangered. Check with the organization that oversees the sanctuary you’re interested in entering.

Those reserves that do have trails open to the public are great places to spot wildlife, particularly birds. Given this, the best times to hike them may be during very specific times of the year.

More great places to day hike with kids:
g Gem and fossil trails
g BLM land
g National Natural Landmarks

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.