Top 10 Family-Friendly Hikes Around Salt Lake City

Hiking is a wonderful family activity, but not all hiking trails are suitable for families. A perfect hiking trail for mixed family groups, including young children or older adults, should be short (under 3 miles) and not too steep. It should also feature interesting attractions, such as a lake or waterfall, to keep children engaged. Below is a list of great family hikes around Salt Lake City that promise memorable and affordable outdoor experiences.

Bell Canyon

Bell Canyon, also known as Bell’s Canyon, is a glacier-carved canyon adjacent to Little Cottonwood Canyon in Sandy, Utah. It features multiple hiking options, including two short, easy routes to the Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir and more rigorous hikes to spectacular waterfalls and the Upper Bell Canyon Reservoir. Suitable for beginners and children, the lower reservoir trail is easy, while the upper reservoir demands a more hearty effort.

Cascade Springs

Cascade Springs features a series of terraced springs and small waterfalls, accessible via a half-mile interpretive trail surrounded by boardwalks. This scenic location is best enjoyed from late spring through fall, where families can observe trout swimming in crystal-clear water. Cascade Springs is a highlight along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, accessible from Heber Valley, Provo Canyon, or American Fork Canyon. A per-vehicle fee is applicable for American Fork Canyon entry.

Cecret Lake

The Cecret Lake trail, located in Albion Basin, is among the most picturesque and enjoyable easy hikes in the Salt Lake area. Famous for wildflowers blooming from mid-July to August, this trail spans 1.5 miles each way and has a 300-foot elevation gain.

Donut Falls

Donut Falls, a family-friendly trail located about 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon near the Jordan Pines picnic area, offers a relatively short yet rugged hike to a waterfall where Big Cottonwood Creek flows through a doughnut-shaped rock formation. The trail can be completed in 2.5 miles from the Mill D trailhead or 1.5 miles from the Donut Falls trailhead. The area is also popular among snowshoers during winter.

Jordan River Parkway

The Jordan River Parkway offers a year-round escape into nature within the urban landscape. Family-friendly sections, particularly in Murray, feature 5 miles of paved trails, picnic spots, playgrounds, and restrooms. The South Jordan section also provides restroom facilities and is accessible in winter.

Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine

Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine, known as the Brighton Lakes, can be accessed via a relatively short and moderately easy trail that starts at the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot. Covering 4 miles for all three lakes and gaining over 1,100 feet in elevation, the trail’s threshold is Lake Mary, the easiest reach. It’s advisable for families with young kids to turn around at this lake.

The Living Room

The Living Room trail culminates in a ridge overlooking the Salt Lake Valley, featuring stone arrangements made into chairs, tables, and sofas for hikers to relax on while enjoying the panoramic views. The trail is quite popular and may lack clear signage, so a GPS may be beneficial. It is especially stunning during sunset while potentially crowded in summer evenings.

Scout Falls

The Scout Falls trail serves as the first segment of the Timpooneke trail leading to Mount Timpanogos’ summit. Accessible from American Fork Canyon, which requires an entry fee, the trailhead is roughly 7 miles up the canyon. The 3-mile round trip includes a gentle elevation gain of about 600 feet, culminating at a refreshing waterfall where hikers can enjoy a picnic before returning.

Silver Lake, Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude

The Silver Lake Trail at Brighton Ski Resort is the most child-friendly hike, featuring a short boardwalk stroll around a scenic Alpine lake. A visitors center offers children’s activities, and plenty of ground squirrels provide entertainment. Additionally, trails leading to Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude can be explored from the far side of Silver Lake. It’s essential not to confuse this trail with another Silver Lake trail located in American Fork Canyon, which is more challenging.

Timpanogos Cave

Timpanogos Cave National Monument, located up American Fork Canyon, features three remarkable caverns that are accessible through a one-hour guided tour. The Timpanogos Cave trail spans 1.5 miles each way with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Although slightly steep, it is manageable for most hikers. Note that strollers are not permitted, even though the trail is paved. Given the popularity of cave tours, which often sell out, reserving tickets in advance is advisable.