It’s no secret that Utah has some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, yet the beauty and diversity in landscape that Utah offers is incomparable, in my opinion. When we moved here last year from New Jersey, within a week, I had my family outdoors hiking the Provo Canyon. I imagine lifelong residents never tire of the views.
Not only is Utah indescribably beautiful, it’s also incredibly family-friendly, which has been my favorite part about moving here as a Mom of 3. There are so many families here and nearly anywhere you go has accommodations for families with children of all ages. Given the demographic, it’s very common to find families outdoors on the trails. I loved this and found it encouraging as my goal is to expose my kids to a similar upbringing I had in Alaska which involved plenty of nature. Luckily for us, Utah has so much to offer in that regard.
Battle Creek Falls
Starting off strong, this pick is a short and beloved hike located in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Its trailhead is conveniently located and easily accessible compared to many others. The full hike is approximately 4 miles long out-and-back, however, most visitors hike only as far as the waterfall, which is less than half that distance one way. The incline is gradual and the waterfall at the end provides for a high reward with pretty minimal effort, making it the perfect hike with little ones. The latter half of the hike is fairly shaded by trees, although the initial ascent is somewhat exposed. It is a popular hike, therefore, the parking lot is usually always busy, but dogs are welcome, so it’s a great opportunity to bring along your furry friend(s).
Vista Ridge Trail
Located in Alpine, Utah, this is the perfect spot to view meadows of wildflowers. They bloom in late spring here, around mid to late May, so you’ll want to mark your calendar to ensure you don’t miss it! The trail itself is highly exposed with virtually no shade, another reason I’d recommend visiting in the spring to avoid the brutal heat of the summer. The views are pretty consistent all throughout, so you can hike as far as you’d like and turn back whenever you feel satisfied. The parking lot offers generous parking spaces and although not nearly as frequented as Battle Creek Falls, this is a popular trail for bicyclists so beware as the trail is fairly narrow.
Cecret Lake
Around 2 miles roundtrip, Cecret Lake is a very popular hike, and understandably so. It’s located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and offers stunning views, even just on the drive up. You’ll find several families on this trail as it offers not only the gorgeous Alps-like views of the mountains, but also blooming wildflowers, and of course, the protected watershed lake at the top. I hiked this while wearing my 3-month old daughter in a soft carrier and it was easily my favorite hike I’ve ever done. She slept the entire way and the added weight didn’t add too much difficulty. It’s definitely crowded, however, it’s a straightforward and simple hike to complete with such rewarding views. Any one of any age is bound to love it.
Stewart Cascade Falls
The longest and most strenuous of all trails I’d recommend can be found in Provo Canyon near Aspen Grove, Utah. This hike leads to the most beautiful waterfall, but takes approximately 2+ hours, depending on you and your family’s abilities. This was our children’s very first hike since moving to Utah so they weren’t accustomed to it whatsoever. This impacted the time it took for us to complete it as we carried both of our toddlers the entire way. I would definitely only recommend this hike if done with older children who enjoy hiking and can make it entirely on their own. Luckily, though, the trail is very well shaded, so we at least had that going for us. 😉
Canyon Nature Trail
This is the perfect short and sweet trail that offers more of a walk than a hike. It’s located near the Timpanogos Cave National Monument and is only around half a mile long. With benches situated along the trail, it offers the perfect opportunity to sit and enjoy nature. Dogs are also welcome and it offers an excellent view of the river, making it the perfect spot to enjoy nature with kids.
I hope to complete so many more trails with children in the years to come, but am most eager to hike through the mountains as the leaves begin to turn this fall. What are some of your favorite hikes you’ve completed, in Utah or not?
Life, as of Late 
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