Utah’s mountains offer plenty of challenging hikes, but they’re not for everyone. The consolation is that some highly rewarding views are available for considerably less effort, enabling hikers of practically all ages to experience them. Here are seven trails scattered around the state that are great for families.
- Silver Lake Loop Trail
William Evans/alltrails The Silver Lake Loop Trail consists mostly of boardwalks, so accessibility is a big selling point on this hike. The wildflowers that bloom in July and August are also just one more reason to explore this stunning area. Silver Lake, Utah 84121, USA
- Valley of the Goblins Trail
David Day/iStock via Getty Images Plus Goblin Valley State Park has some formal trails, but the 1-mile path of the Valley of the Goblins is more of a guideline. Children love to wander around the hoodoos and this is an excellent day trip destination in Utah for the entire family. Goblin Valley State Park, Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, UT 84525, USA
- Mesa Arch Trail
jb10okie/flickr While arch formations naturally are associated with Arches National Park, the nearby Canyonlands National Park offers a .7-mile loop to the spectacular Mesa Arch. Sunrise is an especially nice time to take this walk. Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
- Riverside Walk
Kent Kanouse/flickr Even before arriving at the Virgin River, the landscape of Zion National Park creates an awesome setting. Cottonwood trees also provide welcome shade on this 2.2-mile round-trip adventure. Zion National Park, Utah, USA
- Mirror Lake Shoreline Loop
Edward Snow/iStock via Getty Images Plus A visit to Mirror Lake will take your breath away. The 1.4-mile loop is flat and smooth and children will enjoy playing in a hollow tree. Mirror Lake Campground, UT-150, Kamas, UT 84032, USA
- Cecret Lake Trail
(c) Salil Bhatt/iStock via Getty Images Plus The Cecret Lake Trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon comes with a bonus at the end. The 1.8-mile round trip on a smooth path takes hikers to a pristine lake. Cecret Lake Trail, Alta, UT 84092, USA
- Donut Falls Trail
phdpsx/iStock via Getty Images Plus The trip to Donut Falls, a 3.2-mile out-and-back trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon, requires more effort than other hikes on this list. The reward is a view of the water flowing through a donut-shaped hole in the rock. Donut Falls Summer Trailhead, Salt Lake City, UT 84121, USA
What do you think of these seven family hikes in Utah? Are there any you would add to this list? If so, let us know in the comments.
William Evans/alltrails
The Silver Lake Loop Trail consists mostly of boardwalks, so accessibility is a big selling point on this hike. The wildflowers that bloom in July and August are also just one more reason to explore this stunning area.
Silver Lake, Utah 84121, USA
David Day/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Goblin Valley State Park has some formal trails, but the 1-mile path of the Valley of the Goblins is more of a guideline. Children love to wander around the hoodoos and this is an excellent day trip destination in Utah for the entire family.
Goblin Valley State Park, Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, UT 84525, USA
jb10okie/flickr
While arch formations naturally are associated with Arches National Park, the nearby Canyonlands National Park offers a .7-mile loop to the spectacular Mesa Arch. Sunrise is an especially nice time to take this walk.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
Kent Kanouse/flickr
Even before arriving at the Virgin River, the landscape of Zion National Park creates an awesome setting. Cottonwood trees also provide welcome shade on this 2.2-mile round-trip adventure.
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Edward Snow/iStock via Getty Images Plus
A visit to Mirror Lake will take your breath away. The 1.4-mile loop is flat and smooth and children will enjoy playing in a hollow tree.
Mirror Lake Campground, UT-150, Kamas, UT 84032, USA
(c) Salil Bhatt/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The Cecret Lake Trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon comes with a bonus at the end. The 1.8-mile round trip on a smooth path takes hikers to a pristine lake.
Cecret Lake Trail, Alta, UT 84092, USA
phdpsx/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The trip to Donut Falls, a 3.2-mile out-and-back trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon, requires more effort than other hikes on this list. The reward is a view of the water flowing through a donut-shaped hole in the rock.
Donut Falls Summer Trailhead, Salt Lake City, UT 84121, USA
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