Best Family Hikes Near Salt Lake City

Best Family Hikes Near Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a hiker's paradise, making it the perfect location for everyone in your family to experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you are hiking with young children or teens, the following kid-friendly Salt Lake City hikes are for varying skill levels and offer hours of family fun.

Donut Falls

Donut Falls is a must-see for any family visiting Salt Lake City. This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is ideal for children of any age, but dogs are not allowed. Donut Falls is in Big Cottonwood Canyon, about 10 miles from Salt Lake City.

The trail is less crowded early in the mornings and weekdays and offers overflow parking at the Mill D Trailhead. The path is open all four seasons and offers wildflowers in the spring and summer, colorful leaves in the fall and snow-covered scenery in the winter. The end of the hike offers fantastic views of the Donut Falls waterfall.

Silver Lake Loop Trail

Silver Lake Loop trail is kid, stroller and wheelchair friendly and is with about 55 feet of elevation gain. Since the trail is more of a walk than a hike, it is the perfect choice for young kids. Silver Lake Loop Trail is in Big Cottonwood Canyon, which is Southeast of Salt Lake City. It is close to shops, toilets and other necessities to make it easy to turn your hike into a day trip.

As you make your way around the lake, you will see wildflowers, wildlife and amazing views of Silver Lake, thanks to the boardwalk that enables you to look over onto the water. The trail does not permit dogs.

Lake Mary Trail

Lake Mary Trail is ideal for older children as there is some elevation at the start before it evens out. The in Salt Lake City is popular for runners and fishing, and you will likely see other groups on the path you hike with your family. This trail is not dog-friendly as it is within a protected watershed.

This trail is in the Brighton Ski area in Salt Lake City and leads to a sub-alpine lake. As you hike, you will see plenty of flora, fauna and unique wildlife for a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Salt Lake City.

Cecret Lake Trail

Cecret Lake Trail is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail ideal for children who love the outdoors. As an easy hike near Salt Lake City, kids can see moose, bugs and other wildlife. The trail leads to Cecret Lake, a great spot to enjoy a picnic or take family photos with a mountainous backdrop. Dogs are not allowed on the trail. 

Lisa Falls

Lisa Falls is a great hiking spot for toddlers as it is less than half a mile and offers 75 feet of elevation gain. The little ones will love the stream on the side of the path and the picture-perfect falls at the end of the trail. Children can also play in the pool at the bottom of the falls. Lisa Falls is in Sandy, which is south of Salt Lake City. This trail is not dog-friendly.

City Creek Canyon Trail 

City Creek Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that's about 6.5 miles long. It is ideal for older children with some hiking experience. You can also rent mountain bikes for a different way to see the path.

The trail is situated just outside Salt Lake City, making it a convenient hiking option. As you hike, you will be on paved and dirt trails and see meadows and mountain streams. Dogs are welcome to join you on your hike, but you must always keep them on a leash.

Mount Olympus Pipeline Trail

Mount Olympus Pipeline Trail is another family-friendly Salt Lake City hike and is a three-mile out-and-back trail. Depending on the time of year you visit the trail, you may see snow-covered peaks in the distance and plenty of greenery. The trail is a popular destination for birding, running and hiking. Dogs are welcome to join you on your hike, and you can have them be off-leash on some sections of the trail.

Rest and Relax After a Day of Hiking at Salt Lake City KOA Holiday

After a day of family hiking fun, rest and recharge at Salt Lake City KOA Holiday. Just 14 blocks from downtown, Salt Lake City KOA Holiday offers the convenience of an urban area in a quiet, natural setting. 

If you and your family want to sleep under the stars in a Tent Site or appreciate the comforts of home in a Camping Cabin or RV Site, the campground offers something unique for everyone. Additionally, you can have the kiddos let out some extra energy with plenty of fun amenities such as a kid's playground, arcade room and basketball court. Enjoy the best Salt Lake City offers when you book a stay for your family at Salt Lake City KOA Holiday today!

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