If you want to hike with your kids along the Wasatch Front, you don't need to drive hours into the backcountry. Some of the best family hikes in Utah are right on your doorstep, spread from Davis County down to Utah Valley. Here are five worth putting on your list.
1. Donut Falls — Big Cottonwood Canyon
This is the one most Utah kids do first, and for good reason. The trail is about 0.8 miles to the falls from the trailhead, with around 200 to 300 feet of elevation gain. The payoff is a waterfall that flows through a circular hole in the rock, and kids can wade in the creek at the base.
Summer weekends are packed and parking can be difficult. Go during the week or in the evenings to beat the crowds.
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip (longer if you park on the main road)
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Not allowed (protected watershed)
Parking fee: $10
Trailhead: 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, turn right at Jordan Pines
One tip: in the winter, the gate is locked and the hike becomes 3.5 miles from the highway. Plan accordingly.
2. Battle Creek Falls — Pleasant Grove
Located in the foothills of Mount Timpanogos, Battle Creek Falls is a short hike to a 50-foot waterfall that children of all ages enjoy. The trail follows the creek most of the way up, so there's water to look at the whole time. There's also a small "cave" in the rock partway up that kids always want to explore.
It is short enough that even toddlers can make it, especially if you go when it isn't too hot.
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (steady uphill, steeper near the falls)
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Parking fee: Free
Trailhead: End of 200 S (Battle Creek Drive) in Pleasant Grove, at Kiwanis Park
One tip: The falls run strongest in spring. By late summer, flow slows down significantly.
3. Cecret Lake — Little Cottonwood Canyon (Alta)
This hike is 1.7 miles round trip and starts at 9,400 feet above sea level, ending at Cecret Lake, which sits at almost 9,900 feet. The elevation gives you wildflowers in July and August, and a lake that looks like it belongs in a postcard. The altitude makes it cooler even on hot days, which is a bonus in the middle of summer.
Distance: 1.7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Not allowed (protected watershed)
Parking fee: Required (America the Beautiful pass accepted)
Trailhead: Albion Basin, at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon
One tip: The road to Albion Basin is narrow and can be congested on weekends. Get there early.
4. Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge — Draper
This one has a built-in highlight kids actually get excited about. The Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge trail offers a fun hike with scenic views. The bridge itself sways slightly and offers views of Bear Creek about 70 feet below. It's part of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail network, so it connects to a lot more trail if you want to extend the day.
Distance: About 2 miles round trip to the bridge and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Parking fee: Free
Trailhead: Orson Smith Trailhead, Draper
One tip: The hike is mostly uphill on the way out, which means an easy return. Good to know if you have younger kids who run out of steam.
5. Silver Lake Loop Trail — Big Cottonwood Canyon
This is the easiest hike on the list, and one of the best for very young kids or strollers. The 1-mile loop follows a well-constructed, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk from the Silver Lake Visitor Center, making its way around the lake, over the wetlands, and through a short forested section.
It is not uncommon to see moose lazily browsing along the trail during summer months. Wildflowers peak in July and August. Fall color here is worth a separate trip.
Distance: 1 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy (nearly flat)
Dogs: Not allowed (protected watershed)
Parking fee: Required (National Parks pass accepted)
Trailhead: Silver Lake Visitor Center, 14 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon near Brighton
One tip: this is a watershed area, so mosquitoes can be heavy in summer. Bring bug spray.