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.
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.
Donut Falls Trail, Donut Falls Trl, Utah 84121, USA
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Address: Timpanogos Cave National Monument, 2038 Alpine Loop Rd, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
Address: Donut Falls Trail, Donut Falls Trl, Utah 84121, USA
Address: Kanarraville Falls, Kanarraville, UT 84742, USA
Address: Silver Lake Trail, Utah, USA
Address: Tony Grove Lake, Utah 84333, USA
Address: Dog Lake, Utah 84121, USA
Address: Mesa Arch Trail, Utah 84532, USA
Address: Canyon Overlook Trail, Utah 84737, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Utah
March 12, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Utah?
When searching for the best kid-friendly hikes in Utah, you want to find trails that are short and easy. They should also have a worthwhile destination that will make your family members excited to continue hiking. One of our favorite easy hikes in Utah is the Grotto Falls Trail near Payson. This trail is less than one mile with very little elevation gain. You will come right to a small waterfall and pool that will impress any age. This hike is one that will leave you impressed.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail in Zion National park is another kid-friendly hike in Utah. This trail is 1.2-miles long, but it is quite easy and you’ll receive incredible views of the pools and various areas of Zion National Park. However, watch out for other hikers on this trail as it is quite popular.
Address: Timpanogos Cave National Monument, 2038 Alpine Loop Rd, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
Address: Donut Falls Trail, Donut Falls Trl, Utah 84121, USA
Address: Kanarraville Falls, Kanarraville, UT 84742, USA
Address: Silver Lake Trail, Utah, USA
Address: Tony Grove Lake, Utah 84333, USA
Address: Dog Lake, Utah 84121, USA
Address: Mesa Arch Trail, Utah 84532, USA
Address: Canyon Overlook Trail, Utah 84737, USA
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
