Utah Family Outdoor Activities
Yay! Summertime is here, and children are underfoot. We live in a beautiful area blessed with many outside activities so there are lots of ways to help those kids expend all that excess energy! One of my favorite things to do with the kiddos is to hike in the outdoors. The wonderful fresh air, sunshine, and the sound of nature! Here are five family friendly hikes that are lots of fun.
Number 1
The first one my family loves is Cascade Springs. This hike is found on the Alpine scenic loop, up the American Fork canyon. This hike has boardwalks and paved pathways. Your eyes and ears will be treated to natural springs, waterfalls, and the sounds of nature.
Number 2
Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood canyon is a fun one to do with the family. The paths are well maintained and easy to follow. Not only is this trail appealing to the eye, but on a nice hot summer day, the water can be very refreshing.
Donut Falls Utah see more at https://utah.com/hiking/donut-falls
Number 3
The Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir is a fun one to hike, fish, or just sit and let the troubles of life wash away in peaceful streams. This hike has two different trails. The longer one is called The Granite Trail, it’s about .71 miles. This trail has a vertical gain of 560 feet. It’s a gentle incline, but scary footing.
The second trail is called Boulder Trail. This is the shorter of the 2 hikes, but also steeper. This trail from the start of the trail head is .5 miles and has a vertical gain of 578 feet. As I said, it is steeper and has crumbling rocks. Going up wasn’t too bad, but watch your step coming down!
Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir see more at http://sandy.utah.gov/government/parks-and-recreation
Number 4
Another we have gone on quite often is Yellow Fork canyon. This is located in the Oquirrh Mountains up Rose canyon. This area has many options, but the two most popular choices are a 7 mile loop with 1300 feet of vertical climbing, and a smooth 2 mile hike. One of the things I love about this hike is that on the 2 mile hike there are signs posted at half mile, one mile, and two mile marks with picnic tables. So depending on your mood, you can decide just how much time you have, and how far you want to hike. Pack a lunch and have a wonderful picnic treat with your family. On this trail you may run into people horseback riding or your friendly biker. Something for everyone.
Fifth Water Hot Springs see more at http://www.utahoutdooractivities.com
Number 5
The hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs is one I haven’t gone on myself yet, but my husband and his scouts have been on it and had a blast so I can’t wait to try it out. This hike is 2.5 miles long with a moderate elevation gain and rolling hills. You will be in and out of shade the entire hike so wear sunscreen! I would caution you that the trail does skirt along a steep embankment with the river just below. So if you have smaller children or a daredevil with you, keep an eye on them. There are two pools at the end as a nice reward for your efforts. The pool above the falls is shaded and cooler in temperature, and a perfect depth. The pool below the falls has full sun making it hotter and a little more on the shallow end. Either way, this hike would be a fun and rewarding adventure for the family.
A word of caution though, beware of your neighboring rattlesnake. We are not the only ones that love the warmth of the water. If you would like to have a higher chance of avoiding these slithery friends, avoid going in early spring or at the hottest time of the day. Just as with any outdoor activity, we need to be mindful that we share this beautiful area with our local wildlife.
I hope you have a wonderful summer enjoying nature’s beauty and most of all your family. Don’t forget that if you are in need of some lockers to store your hiking gear, a mud room to strip off all that dirty outerwear, or storage space for all that equipment….we can help you with that! Here’s a few ideas!
