Your Next Summer Adventure Should Be This Utah Trail Where You Can Both Hike and Swim

Waterfall hikes in Utah are my favorite kind of hike, especially on a hot summer day. Nothing quite compares to standing underneath the refreshing cascade after a grueling trek in the heat, and the Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail in Zion National Park is perfect for doing just that. The trail is under a mile long and has an elevation gain of less than 100 feet, so it's ideal for families or anyone looking for a short, relatively easy adventure with a great payoff.

The Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail at Zion National Park is the perfect summer hike. Since it's so short, you won't have to spend much time out in the heat before getting to the waterfall. There are no steep inclines — the only challenge is a bit of rock scrambling, but it's minimal enough for kids to navigate with ease. Just leave the dogs at home because they aren't allowed on the trail.

Pine Creek, which originates near the base of the Great Arch and flows year-round, feeds the waterfall. There are several creek crossings along the trail, but unless the water level is particularly high, you should be able to keep your feet dry by hopping from rock to rock. Still, you may want to bring water shoes with good traction because some of the boulders are slippery.

The forested canyon landscape on the brief stroll to the waterfall is gorgeous, and it's the perfect segue into the main attraction. You may even see wildlife such as bighorn sheep and mule deer along the way.

Upon reaching the falls, you'll hardly be able to contain your excitement about jumping in the water. At 15 feet, the waterfall itself is no Niagara Falls, but the pool it spills into is the main draw, anyway. The water is knee to waist-deep, depending on the season and recent rainfall, so consider bringing floaties if you have small children. Since the trail is so short, you can spend as long as you like soaking in the cool water. The hike back to the trailhead won't be nearly as hot after that refreshing dip.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail, including current trail conditions. It isn't an "official" trail, meaning you won't find it on any park maps, but the route is incredibly easy to locate and follow using the AllTrails map. Hidden gems are rare in a park as popular as Zion, so this hike is special in more ways than one.

If you spend as much time hiking as I do, you should consider checking into AllTrails+. Members get exclusive access to perks like offline map access, which has saved me countless times when I'm in a place with spotty cell service.

Have you ever embarked on this short and sweet trail? Are there any other waterfall or beach hiking trails in Utah worth taking? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Take a look at our first-timer's guide to Zion National Park if you've never visited before. It has everything you need to know to get the most out of your trip (including the best kid-friendly hikes!).