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If There Are Only 7 Family Hikes You Ever Take In Utah, Follow These Easy Trails

Seven family-friendly hiking trails in Utah offer stunning views and accessibility for all ages.

Published Jan 24, 2023

Written by 

Kurt Kragthorpe

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.

1. Silver Lake Loop Trail

A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and mountains under a clear blue sky.
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.

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2. Valley of the Goblins Trail

Two people walk along a desert trail near unique rock formations under a clear blue sky.
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.

3. Mesa Arch Trail

A natural rock arch frames a scenic view of distant cliffs and a sunset, with sparse vegetation on the arch's surface.
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.

4. Riverside Walk

Two people walk along a dirt path surrounded by tall red rock formations and lush green trees under a blue sky.
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.

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5. Mirror Lake Shoreline Loop

A serene lake reflects a mountain under a clear blue sky, surrounded by lush green trees.
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.

6. Cecret Lake Trail

A serene mountain landscape featuring a clear blue lake surrounded by lush greenery and rugged hills.
(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.

7. Donut Falls Trail

A serene waterfall cascades over moss-covered rocks into a tranquil pool, surrounded by natural greenery.
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.

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.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike Snow Canyon State Park’s Scout Cave Trail in Utah for an Unforgettable Adventure

In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real.

Published Nov 5, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Utah is a nature lover's dream, and we're blessed with some of the best hiking trails in the country. It just doesn't get much better than our vast canyons and stunning rock formations. I could spend the rest of my life hiking in the Beehive State and still get excited about hitting the trail each day! In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real. Plus, it's kid and pet-friendly!

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AllTrails Zach Schuster

Scout Cave Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike that passes over lava flow fields, Navajo Sandstone rocks, and stream beds. Although it's rated as intermediate on AllTrails, most hikers describe it as being easy, so you definitely don't need to be super skilled. The elevation gain is about 350 feet, and just a few moderate climbing sections make up the bulk of it. You're unlikely to get lost because the trail is very well-marked, and the variation in terrain makes for an interesting adventure from start to finish.

By far the coolest part of the trail (and the main reason anyone hikes it in the first place) is Scout Cave. It's located right before the turnaround point and showcases unbelievable panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city below. You can actually go inside the cave, which makes this trail a favorite among kiddos.

Shade is minimal, so if you're visiting in the summer, you'll definitely want to wear a hat and load up on sunscreen. Getting started early in the morning also helps with the temperature issue - although the views at sunset are equally as mesmerizing. You should also bring plenty of water and a snack or two, and make sure you have durable footwear for the rock scrambling sections of the trail (however brief they may be).

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Scout Cave Trail, including the parking fee for Snow Canyon State Park. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you do a lot of hiking. The app offers exclusive perks like offline and 3D maps, ensuring you never miss a turn.

Have you ever hiked this trail? If so, do you think it's one of the best hikes in Utah? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article for some of the best things to do in the nearby town of St. George. It's perfect for a family getaway!

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The Iconic Trail in Utah Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

When it comes to iconic hikes in Utah, Zion National Park is the first place I think of (along with Arches and Bryce Canyon, of course). After all, it's home to some of the most stunning views our state has to offer, and millions of people travel from all over the world each year to revel in its magic. One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

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AllTrails Kristin Kozelsky

At 3.6 miles long, the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail is by no means the longest hike in the park, but it is one of the most challenging. The out-and-back trail is rated as hard on AllTrails due to its steep ascent. You'll climb over 1,100 feet in a relatively short distance, navigating tight switchbacks before arriving at the final viewpoint known as Scout Lookout.

While the view at the top is definitely the pièce de résistance, you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery along the entire trail. At the beginning, the path crosses the Virgin River on a bridge before paralleling the river for a short time. From there, the ascent begins, and as the scene unfolds before your eyes, it only gets more picturesque with every step you take. With the ancient, majestic canyon walls rising up all around, you'll swear you're looking at a painting or a postcard. That's just part of living in Utah - what a blessing to call such a state home where the scenery is almost too beautiful to be real.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue past Scout Lookout to Angel's Landing, but only experienced hikers should attempt this. Additionally, the trail does not offer much shade, so consider starting either in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat if you're visiting in the warmer months.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you're an avid hiker. The app is an incredible resource with features like 3D flyovers, wrong-turn alerts, and offline map access. Your first week is free, so there's no risk involved in trying it out.

Have you ever embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? What are your favorite iconic hikes in Utah? Tell us in the comments!

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