8 Day Hikes In Utah That Are Perfect For The Whole Family

Living in the Beehive State means hiking for entertainment, right? It's cheap (or free!), nearby, and fun for the whole family. Plus, you will find all types of scenic and easy hikes in Utah that hikers of all ages will love. So, pack a lunch, grab the kids, and head into the great outdoors to explore one of the best hikes in Utah.

1. Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Kids love this hike because it allows plenty of opportunities to get their feet wet. The last portion of the trail requires you to hike right down the creek to the falls.

Once you get to the falls, you can climb up underneath to cool off. Take care climbing up, though — it's slippery. There's no doubt that the Donut Falls Trail is one of the best hikes in Utah for the entire family.

2. Timpanogos Cave National Monument, American Fork Canyon

This hike is sure to tire the kids out, but they'll have fun all the way up the switchbacks.

It's a strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the cave, and you'll climb 1,065 feet, but views like this make it well worth the effort.

Of course, once you get to the top, you're rewarded with a nice, cool cave tour. Don't forget to bring a jacket. Even on a hot day, it's a chilly 45 degrees inside this popular cave.

3. Kanarraville Falls Trail

On one of the most scenic hikes in Utah, you will travel through a slot canyon, where you'll get to wade in the nice, cool water.

After a 2.5-mile hike, you're rewarded with this gorgeous waterfall. You'll want to spend some time playing in the pool below.

Then, carefully climb the 12-foot ladder (there's a chain attached to the cliff wall to help you keep your balance), and you'll find some more small falls with natural slides. Bring a lunch along to make a day of this fun hike; out and back, it will take you about three hours to complete (not counting the time you spend playing in the water). The Kanarraville Falls Trail is one of the most enchanting trails in the Beehive State.

4. Silver Lake, Big Cottonwood Canyon

This trail is so easy your grandma can come along! The trail circles the lake and much of it is shaded by aspens and pines.

You'll traverse a boardwalk for about half of the trail. It's handicapped accessible and offers a few larger overlooks that take you right over the lake. Other portions of the boardwalk take you across the marshy area surrounding the lake. The entire loop is just .75 miles.

You'll see plenty of wildlife — maybe even a moose! This young moose was spotted wandering around right in the parking lot.

5. Tony Grove Lake, Logan Canyon

This 1.3-mile nature trail makes a loop around the lake. You can stop along the way for some fishing if you'd like.

The lake is surrounded by wildflowers — it's even designated a U.S. Forest Service Wildflower Viewing Area.

6. Dog Lake, Millcreek Canyon

Not to be confused with the Dog Lake near Brighton, this lake is actually for dogs! The trail is shady and pleasant and set aside for on-leash pups on odd days (even days are for mountain bikers).

Once you reach the lake (about 2.5 miles), your pup will have a blast playing with the other dogs and fetching sticks and balls from the lake. If you take your dog on this hike, keep him leashed until you get to the lake and make sure he's socialized if you take him off-leash. Bring plenty of poop bags to clean up, too. We want to keep this place dog-friendly!

7. Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park

Hikers young and old will love this short hike to Mesa Arch. It's just 0.6-miles, round-trip, and the view offers an incredible payout.

It's a very popular spot for photographers during sunrise and sunset. You can see why.

Keep a close eye on little ones while exploring this trail. On the backside of the arch is a cliff and it's a loooong way down.

8. Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion National Park

Kids will love this short, easy trail in Zion National Park. In fact, this is one of the most scenic and kid-friendly hikes in Utah.

The viewpoint at the end will awe even the most jaded teenaged hikers, guaranteed!

If they're still feeling energetic, they can climb up for an even better view. Make sure once you reach the overlook that you spend some time just enjoying the scenery. This hike is one of the best in the Beehive State.

Are there any easy hikes in Utah that we left off the list? What do you think are the best hikes in Utah? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! And, if you are interested in finding some more hiking trails in Utah, check out these 15 hikes that every Utahn should complete.