Northern Utah
The Devil’s Kitchen
Don’t be deceived…this micro-sized Bryce Canyon look-alike is located in the Wasatch Range. The Devil’s Kitchen is a great place to bring your family for a taste of Southern Utah without having to travel far.
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of A Local Wander
Temple Quarry
Get a glimpse into the past as you walk through this old site that was used by the Mormon settlers to quarry granite for the Salt Lake City Temple. This area is also a beautiful spot to see the fall colors or to take family pictures.
Distance: 0.3 miles
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Tips For Family Trips
Grotto Falls
This adventurous hike takes you across log bridges to a gorgeous waterfall and wading pool. You will love this short and fun family trail.
Distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Dirt In My Shoes
Patsy’s Mine
Bring your headlamps and have a real life adventure exploring the tunnels of Patsy’s Mine. Your kids will feel like Indiana Jones!
Distance: 0.7 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of The Salt Project
Dripping Rock
Witness the water falling straight out of the rocks at a surprising rate. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuits.
Distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Utah’s Adventure Family
McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs
View these impressive petroglyphs that date back over 1,000 years. Most are low and easy to see, making this the perfect outing for your little ones.
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Tips For Family Trips
Ruth Lake
Hike to this breathtaking alpine lake with spectacular views. This trail is great for anyone who wants to catch a glimpse of the beauty of the Uinta Mountains.
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Utah’s Adventure Family
Timpanogos Cave
Although this trail is relatively well-known and popular, these caves are world-class and completely worth the hike. If you’ve already toured the main caves, be sure to try the Introduction to Caving Tour.
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Things 2 Do In Utah
Horsetail Falls
Take a hike to this stunning waterfall that is one of Utah County’s best kept secrets. You can even bring your furry friends.
Distance: 4 miles
Family Friendly: Best suited for a family with older children that like to hike
Photo and Article Courtesy of Katie Wanders
Diamond Fork Hot Springs
Soak in these natural hot springs in the middle of a beautiful canyon. This gorgeous waterfall feeds these soaking pools and provides the perfect way to relax.
Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Yes
Photo and Article Courtesy of Wanderookie
Crimson Trail
Travel along the top of the China Wall and gaze into the beautiful canyon below. Feel like an adventurer while standing uncomfortably close to the cliff’s edge!
Distance: 4.3 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Best suited for a family with older children that like to hike
Photo and Article Courtesy of Dirt In My Shoes
Malan’s Peak
Hike through a peaceful pine forest to reach the summit of this Ogden Peak. The views are great!
Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: No
Photo and Article Courtesy of Indie Ogden Utah
Sunset Peak
Hike to the top of Sunset Peak with sweeping views of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, the Brighton Lakes, Midway, and Mount Timpanogos. This trail is great for those who are just discovering the adventure of peak bagging!
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Family Friendly: Best suited for a family with older children that like to hike
Photo and Article Courtesy of Dirt In My Shoes
Lake Blanche
Trek high into the mountains through a gorgeous canyon to three pristine alpine lakes. This hike is popular but can’t be missed.
Distance: 8.4 miles roundtrip to all three lakes
Family Friendly: No
Photo and Article Courtesy of Dirt In My Shoes
Uinta Highline Trail
Backpack on this gem of a trail through some of the best mountain scenery the state has to offer. You will rarely dip below 10,000 feet along this trail!
Distance: 83 miles total, but this article provides details about a 68 mile portion
Family Friendly: No
Photo and Article Courtesy of Travel Tom’s Outdoor Adventure Blog
Happy Trails!
Have you hiked any of these trails? Do you have a favorite unique trail in Utah that isn’t on the list? Let me know in the comments below!
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!