Best Trails for Families in Utah
Best Family Trails in Utah: 12 Easy Hikes Little Legs Will Love
Utah has “epic” everywhere you look—but you don’t need a dawn-to-dusk trek to give kids a wow moment. These 12 short, high-reward trails are perfect for after-school light, weekend micro-adventures, and road-trip leg-stretchers. We focused on what matters to families: easy distances, simple surfaces, bathrooms where possible, stroller/accessible notes, pet rules, and a quick “why kids love it.”
How We Chose
We prioritized easy-to-moderate trails from official park sources, short drive times from major hubs, and varied terrain to keep kids curious. Always check day-of conditions, trail status, and local rules before you go.
Southern Utah (Zion, Bryce & St. George)
1) Pa’rus Trail — Zion National Park (Springdale)
Why kids love it: Wide paved path along the Virgin River with huge rock views and frequent wildlife sightings.
- Surface: Paved, multi-use
- Amenities: Water/restrooms near Visitor Center and shuttle stops
- Strollers/Accessibility: Yes (paved)
- Pets: Dogs allowed on this trail only in Zion (leash required)
- Tip: Go early/late for shade and quieter views
2) Riverside Walk — Zion National Park
Why kids love it: Easy canyon walk with hanging gardens and river views; magical at golden hour.
- Surface: Mostly paved/boardwalk
- Amenities: Restrooms at Temple of Sinawava
- Strollers/Accessibility: Generally stroller-friendly (watch for occasional rough patches)
- Pets: Not allowed
- Tip: Bring a dry change for curious splashers
3) Lower Emerald Pools — Zion National Park
Why kids love it: Shaded alcoves, dripping “weeping” walls, and pools—classic Zion without the exposure.
- Surface: Paved/firm dirt sections
- Amenities: Restrooms/food at Zion Lodge area
- Strollers/Accessibility: Best for sturdy strollers
- Pets: Not allowed
- Tip: Check current access/bridge status before you go
4) Mossy Cave Trail — Bryce Canyon National Park (near Tropic)
Why kids love it: Creek play, a small waterfall, and hoodoos—big payoff at kid pace.
- Surface: Firm dirt/gravel
- Amenities: Vault toilets at trailhead (seasonal)
- Strollers/Accessibility: Not ideal for strollers
- Pets: Not allowed on unpaved park trails
- Tip: Lower elevation makes it great for shoulder seasons
5) Jenny’s Canyon — Snow Canyon State Park (St. George)
Why kids love it: Short slot-style canyon and soft sand—mini-adventure vibes in minutes.
- Surface: Sand/firm dirt
- Amenities: Day-use park with restrooms
- Strollers/Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly
- Pets: Most trails are no-dogs—check current rules
- Tip: Small parking area; go early
Moab & Canyon Country
6) Sand Dune Arch — Arches National Park
Why kids love it: Hidden arch tucked between fins with ankle-deep sand to dig and play.
- Surface: Deep sand
- Amenities: Restrooms at nearby lots (check map)
- Strollers/Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly
- Pets: Not allowed on park trails
- Tip: Sand is hottest midday—aim for morning/evening
7) Balanced Rock Loop — Arches National Park
Why kids love it: A giant “teetering” boulder you can circle in just a few minutes.
- Surface: Paved/firm path
- Amenities: Parking pullout; nearest restrooms at other stops
- Strollers/Accessibility: Good for most strollers
- Pets: Not allowed on park trails
- Tip: Great leg-stretch on arrival day
8) Mesa Arch — Canyonlands (Island in the Sky)
Why kids love it: Short path to a cliff-edge arch framing an endless canyon—storybook dramatic.
- Surface: Firm dirt/rock
- Amenities: Restrooms at nearby overlooks/trailheads
- Strollers/Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly
- Pets: Not allowed on park trails
- Tip: Popular at sunrise; hold hands near the arch rim
9) Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite — BLM (north of Moab)
Why kids love it: Boardwalks and interpretive signs with real dinosaur tracks—instant fascination.
- Surface: Boardwalk/graded path
- Amenities: No water; basic facilities only
- Strollers/Accessibility: Boardwalk portions accessible
- Pets: Allowed on leash; stay off sensitive areas
- Tip: Respect boardwalks to protect the tracks
Wasatch Front & Northern Utah
10) Silver Lake Boardwalk — Brighton (Big Cottonwood Canyon)
Why kids love it: Flat loop with ducks, wildflowers, and pier stops—great for strollers and grandparents.
- Surface: Boardwalk/firm path
- Amenities: Visitor center/restrooms in season
- Strollers/Accessibility: Yes (boardwalk sections)
- Pets: No dogs in Big Cottonwood watershed
- Tip: Stay on boardwalk to protect wet meadows
11) Donut Falls — Big Cottonwood Canyon
Why kids love it: Forested stream walk to a unique “donut” waterfall.
- Surface: Firm dirt/rock; some roots/rocks near end
- Amenities: Restrooms at trailhead (seasonal)
- Strollers/Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly
- Pets: No dogs in watershed
- Tip: Skip the slippery cave scramble; enjoy the viewpoint
12) Buffalo Point — Antelope Island State Park (Davis County)
Why kids love it: Short climb to 360° views and (often) bison sightings from the car.
- Surface: Firm dirt/rock; short, steady climb
- Amenities: State park restrooms; day-use fee at causeway
- Strollers/Accessibility: Best for walkers/kid carriers
- Pets: Dogs allowed on leash on most state-park trails
- Tip: Windy on the ridge—bring a light shell
Quick Safety & Planning Notes
- Heat & sun: Southern Utah bakes—go early/late, pack extra water, sun hats, and UPF layers.
- Storms & flash floods: Avoid narrow canyons if rain is forecast; never enter flood water.
- Pets: National parks are strict—Zion limits dogs to the Pa’rus Trail; Arches/Canyonlands don’t allow pets on trails. State parks vary—check rules day-of.
- Leave No Trace: Stay on boardwalks and marked paths; pack out all trash and snacks.
Gear That Makes “Any-Weather” Outside Easier
- Mud & creek stop-ins: Pull-on rain boots + neoprene socks = warm, dry feet.
- Windy overlooks: Packable shell over a fleece keeps kids happy longer.
- Shoulder-season drizzles: One-piece trail suit over school clothes = instant playground extension.
