9 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Utah That Are 1 Mile And Under

Hiking is the best way to tear the kids away from the TV and video games, but the littlest members of the family don't always have the stamina for a five-mile-long hike. Here are nine of the best hikes in Utah that are one mile or less, and they're all perfect for even the most couch-potato-inclined kids.

1. Silver Lake Loop Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon

This family-friendly trail up Big Cottonwood Canyon is popular for a reason. Part of the .8 mile-long loop is ADA-accessible, so it's suitable for almost anyone.

2. Grotto Falls Trail, Payson

This short, sweet hike has a pretty payoff at the end — a small waterfall and pool making it one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Utah. The trail is just .6 miles out and back and is rated easy with an elevation gain of only 170 feet. The trailhead is located about seven miles up Payson Canyon.

3. Mossy Cave Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Get up close to Bryce Canyon's hoodoos on the Mossy Cave Trail, which is just one mile out and back. You'll encounter a few steep sections, but nothing that most kids can't handle.

4. Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail, Midway

This cool, shady loop trail in Wasatch Mountain State Park is just .8 miles long, and kids love crossing the multiple bridges and seeing all the little waterfalls, pools and spring along the way. You'll find the trailhead off the Alpine Loop.

5. Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park

We hesitate to even call this walking path a hike... but if you want to get a taste of Canyonlands National Park very quickly, this .6 mile trail is the way to go. If you can talk the kids into waking up before sunrise, you'll be treated to a beautiful sight as this trail is transformed into one of the most scenic hikes in Utah.

6. Birdsong Trail, Ogden

You'll love this shady hike that really is filled with the songs of birds. You'll see a little pond, a small waterfall and plenty of wildflowers in the spring.

7. Lower Emerald Pool Trail, Zion National Park

This pretty trail is actually 1.2 miles, round trip, but it's an easy hike and a family favorite. Once you get the kids out there, they might decide to continue on to the other two pools above.

8. Mill B South Interpretive Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Big Cottonwood Canyon on this short, half-mile hike should be on your short list of easy hikes in Utah. It follows the river, so keep a close eye on the kiddos, especially during spring runoff. The trailhead is about 4.4 miles up the canyon.

9. Teapot Lake

There's nothing like the fresh air in the High Uinta Mountains, and this little stroll around Teapot Lake is a quick way to enjoy it. It's about a mile around the lake and parts of the trail are pretty marshy, so wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet. You'll find Teapot Lake along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway.

What's on your list of best hikes in Utah to take with kids? Tell us in the comments!

If your kids are older, experienced hikers here's a challenging hike in Logan Canyon that offers some amazing views.