From museums to outdoor recreation, the Salt Lake City area offers a wide variety of activities to entertain, educate, and delight people of all ages.
Truly, Utah is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country, and it can be viewed and appreciated on any number of the state’s hiking trails. Looking for a family-friendly hike to enjoy with your entire brood? These family-friendly hiking trails in the Salt Lake City area are the perfect way to spend an afternoon with your loved ones.
Ensign Peak
A one-mile round trip, the Ensign Peak hiking trail is great for families new to the sport. Found on the north end of the Salt Lake Valley, above the State Capitol building, this easy hike offers a spectacular view of the city. Additionally, a small monument rests on the summit, a great chance for young ones to practice reading skills while getting some exercise. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy from Ensign Peak before making your way back to the trailhead.
City Creek Canyon
A paved trail that stretches for 5.6 miles, the City Creek Canyon hike takes families from the streets of downtown Salt Lake City to Memory Grove, a gorgeous entryway to the mountains.
For families new to the city, this is a wonderful way to explore your new hometown and its mountainous surroundings. Since this path is paved, it can also be used for cycling, if that’s more your style. City Creek is also dog-friendly, as long as Fido remains on his leash.
Bell Canyon
A four-mile round trip, the Bell Canyon trail is extremely popular with hikers of all experience levels. The picturesque First Waterfall is the main site to see on this hike, but the Bell Canyon and Upper Bell Canyon Reservoirs are fascinating to view as well. This trail is rated as “moderate,” so be sure to pack lots of water and healthy snacks and wear your best footwear.
Donut Falls
Covering 3.5 miles total, the Donut Falls trail is wide and easy to navigate as it winds along a river in the Big Cottonwood Canyon. During the summer, hikers can enjoy the blossoming wildflowers in the canyon on their way to a gorgeous waterfall found along the trail.
Convinced this is the place to be? Explore our communities >>