Southern Utah
Red Cliffs Recreation Area Nature Trail
Follow the creek to a beautiful swimming hole nestled between the stunning red rocks of Southern Utah. This is an adventure the whole family will love!
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Travel Tom’s Outdoor Adventure Blog
Sulphur Creek
Hike through the river in a Narrow’s-like fashion, traversing through a beautiful red rock canyon with three incredible waterfalls. This hike can be modified to include the whole family.
Distance: 3-8 miles depending on your route
Family Friendly: Yes, if taking the shortened route
Photo and Article Courtesy of Dirt In My Shoes
Corona Arch
Hike to this arch that rivals the Delicate Arch in size and beauty without all the crowds. Corona Arch is a must-see in the Moab area.
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Dirt In My Shoes
Kanarra Creek Falls
Enter this narrow slot canyon into an oasis of vibrant colors and waterfalls. You may even find a natural waterslide or two to cool off in.
Distance: 3.7 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Best suited for a family with older children that like to hike
Photo and Article Courtesy of Your Hike Guide
Taylor Creek
Hike along the beautiful Taylor Creek in a lesser-known area of Zion National Park. Be sure to stop and explore the old homestead, and don’t forget to count how many lizards and toads you can find.
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Outdoor Family Adventure Reviews
Observation Point
Hike to new heights along the breathtaking Observation Point Trail. Look down on Angel’s Landing and see gorgeous views of Zion Canyon.
Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: No
Photo and Article Courtesy of Shanndelier
Chesler Park Joint Trail Loop
Discover the numerous slot canyons and caves along this hike in Canyonlands National Park. This area has so many places to explore with stunning views around every turn.
Distance: 11 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: No
Photo and Article Courtesy of Travel Tom’s Outdoor Adventure Blog
Zion’s West Rim
Leave the busy Zion Canyon area to travel the beautiful and untouched landscape on the West Rim Trail. This trail is perfect for a beginner backpacking trip.
Distance: 14.5 miles
Family Friendly: No
Photo and Article Courtesy of Bearfoot Theory
Coyote Gulch
Trek through the water to discover several arches, natural bridges, and Native American artifacts along this vibrant red rock trail. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture some of the best scenery in Utah.
Distance: 17 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: No
Photo and Article Courtesy of Your Hike Guide
Buckskin Gulch
Hike through this slot canyon that is rarely more than 10 feet wide and is allegedly the longest slot canyon in the world. Backpacker Magazine named this trail as one of America’s 10 Most Dangerous Hikes!
Distance: 21 miles
Family Friendly: No
Photo and Article Courtesy of Travel Tom’s Outdoor Adventure Blog
While you are here, be sure to check out my list of The 20 Best Family Hikes in Utah’s National Parks!
Click NEXT for hikes in Northern Utah {including some you’ve probably never heard of}!
Should weather at Bryce be something I should be concerned about during last week of November? Traveling with a 5 and 7 year old kids. Same question for Zion and Arches.
Bryce Canyon often has snow that time of year, but they do a great job of keeping the road open whenever possible :) Zion and Arches should be quite pleasant though!
Looking to do day hiking in late March of 2019. I will check out your itineraries further but should I be avoiding any area in Utah when I am looking at the hikes because it is still March?
Bryce Canyon will still be covered in snow :) It’s beautiful that time of year if you’re willing to put up with the cold, but some trails are closed. Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands are generally nice in March. Capitol Reef is cold but usually accessible. Have fun!
Are all of these pet friendly? Dumb question but wasn’t sure if they were?
Not all of them are, especially the ones in the national parks and in the Cottonwood Canyons. You’ll want to check the hike specifically before heading out for dog-friendliness :)
Planning a trip to hike and experience in early October. Flying to Mccarran, rent a car, and hit Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon. Stay at each one at least 2 days. Trying to narrow down excursions is daunting. Best not to miss for family of 4 (youngest is 18) that are not in great shape but don’t want totally unchallenging and major people attractions. Suggestions??? on not to miss places?
Hey Kerry,
I’d definitely recommend taking a look at my itineraries for those parks. You can find them here: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/
That will help you see the best of the parks in the time that you have. The itineraries also help you hit the popular spots during the least crowded times of the day. I think you’ll find them to be exactly what you’re looking for!
Have a great trip!
Ash
Hi ash. I so happy i found u.ur soo much help.So im driving from san diego ca.and i want to stop at the grand canyon,zion, devils bridge and antelope canyon. How much time do u think i need for all of them. Like a day for each one?And im also taking a 2yrold and 1yr old but my mo m will take care of them.any places u know where they can hv fun(outdoorwise) while they wait.thanks again
You’ll want more time in Zion and the Grand Canyon if you can!
I’ve been climbing peaks in the Silver Island Mountains of Utah and I’ve really been enjoying that. I climbed Volcano Peak, Rishel Peak, and Tetzlaff Peak this fall. I always had the mountain to myself. Great place if you’re looking to get away from it all.
Thank you! I’ll have to look into that!
LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!! I am currently a ranger (in Zion – come say hi!). Thanks for an awesome post :)
Thanks Merissa! I can’t seem to stay away from Zion….what a beautiful place to work!!
I definitely include this on my list. Thanks for the post.
Just found your website via Pinterest. It looks fantastic!
Planning a trip to the Utah national parks in October and will be referencing it for hikes to take.
I’m glad to have you Harold! Let me know if I can help you plan your Utah trip!
What a great roundup! Love the variety. Arches and waterfalls, a little something for everyone.
Thanks for organizing such a great post!
Katie @ Katie Wanders
Thanks Katie! I can’t wait to visit Horseshoe Falls!
Thanks for the mention! Great list!
Thanks Mikaela! I’m excited to make it up to Ogden and try out the trail!