The best way to get your kids to love hiking is to start when they are young. We have been hiking as a family since our kids were babies, and we believe the key to a successful experience is to choose the right trail. A kid-friendly hike will be short, easy, and have something for them to enjoy.
Utah County is full of beautiful trails, but not all of them are the right trails for families. We have gathered a list of trails that are simple enough for toddlers. Each of these trails is short, easy, and perfect for families.
American Fork Nature Trail
This trail is a simple hike that begins at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. The hike is paved, but it does have some ups and downs. For this reason, it requires extra pushing with strollers or wheelchairs.There are nice views of the mountains and you can enjoy the sound of the river as you hike along. There are bridges on each end of the trail. The American Fork Nature trail is actually part of the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, so it is free to hike. Just tell the person at the fee booth that you are heading there. If you plan to enjoy other parts of the canyon, you’ll need to pay the fee.
- Location: American Fork Canyon Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
- Distance: 0.5 mile roundtrip
- Paved: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fee: No fee for hiking only this trail
Rock Canyon Interpretive Trails
The updated trailhead for Rock Canyon Trail has some simple interpretive loops that are flat and easy. There are three separate loops: Rock Loop, Animal Loop, and Plant Loop. You can choose to hike one or all of them. We walked all three, and it was about 0.4 miles total. There are interpretive signs about the animals, rocks, and plants of the area. Shade is limited, so this hike is best in the morning or evening.
- Location: Rock Canyon Trailhead in Provo
- Distance: 0.4 mile roundtrip (or shorter)
- Paved: No
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fee: No
Battle Creek Falls
One of our favorite waterfalls is Battle Creek Falls. This hike does have a steady climb up to the falls, but we have taken toddlers on it many times. Just take your time and enjoy the trail. You can stand right next to the waterfall at the end, which makes it rewarding for all ages. The waterfall is always flowing, which is why we love it! The hike is 1.5 miles roundtrip, and there is a little scramble to go down to the base, which you’ll want to help your toddler with.
- Location: Battle Creek Falls Trailhead in Pleasant Grove
- Distance: 1.5 mile roundtrip
- Paved: No
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Fee: No
Bridal Veil Falls
This waterfall is an iconic part of Utah Valley, and it is easy to access. You can walk to this falls along the Provo River Parkway. We like to park at Bridal Veil Falls picnic area and hike the short distance (⅓ mile roundtrip) to the waterfall. If you want the shortest hike ever, you can now pull up just across the parking lot and cross the bridge to the base of the falls.
- Location: Provo Canyon
- Distance: 0.3 mile roundtrip
- Paved: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fee: No
Dripping Rock Trail
Dripping Rock Trail is one of our favorite paved trails. This trail walks along the river and then comes to a cool dripping rock. The water seeps out of the ground above and drips down into the river. It is even better in the winter when it freezes into icicles. In order to get a good look at the drips, you need to scramble to the edge of the water, which is not wheel-friendly though the rest of the walk is. You can also continue on another ¼ mile and see a fun bridge across the river. The total trail with the bridge is 1.0 mile roundtrip.
- Location: Spanish Fork (across from the Spanish Oaks Golf Course)
- Distance: 1.0 mile roundtrip
- Paved: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fee: No
Utah Lake Parkway Trail
We live right by this trail, and it is one of our favorite spots to explore. The trail runs from Northlake Park in Lehi to Model Airplane Park in Saratoga Springs, where it connects with the Jordan River Parkway. This trail walks right along the shore of Utah Lake. There are always a lot of birds, and often squirrels, frogs, and marmots (not to mention the longhorn cattle). The trail is paved and has a lot of trees, too. We like to start at Shoreline Park and explore the pond, and then walk west along the lake. You can walk as far or short as you’d like.
- Location: Lehi and Saratoga Springs: Access via North Lake Park, Shoreline Park, Inlet Park
- Distance: Choose your distance
- Paved: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fee: No
Bicentennial Park Boardwalk Trail
This little trail is hidden inside Bicentennial Park in Provo. Walk from the parking lot over to the pond area. Make sure to stop and look for frogs and ducks! Behind the pond there is an opening to a boardwalk area. This is a shady, flat trail that walks through the wetlands, and also by a natural spring. It is perfect for toddlers because you can play at the park at the end, too. The loop along the boardwalk is only ⅓ mile.
- Location: Bicentennial Park in Provo
- Distance: 0.3 mile roundtrip
- Paved: No
- Dog-friendly: Yes (There is also a dog park here)
- Fee: No
The following trails won’t be open in the Spring time, but they are perfect for Summer and Fall hiking.
Cascade Springs
Cascade Springs is a very popular spot in Utah County. It is a beautiful trail through cascading waterfalls and pools. The path is paved or boardwalk through most of the sections, so it is accessible to many. There is a steep descent between the two sections, as well as entrance from the lower parking lot, so it is not as easy for wheels in these parts. If you are using a stroller or wheelchair, start at the upper parking lot.
- Location: Alpine Loop
- Distance: 1.0 mile roundtrip
- Paved: Partial
- Dog-friendly: Yes on leash, and they may not go in the water
- Fee: $10 fee to visit (or show National Parks pass)
Grotto Falls
This little trail is one of our favorites. Grotto Falls is located along the Nebo Loop and is only about ¼ mile roundtrip. The best part (and trickiest) is that as you walk to the waterfall, there are many little bridges and river crossings. Most are just boards, so there are no handholds, but our toddlers love this adventure. The falls at the end are in a little alcove where they can splash and play.
- Location: Nebo Loop
- Distance: 0.4 mile roundtrip
- Paved: No
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fee: No
Payson Lakes
Also located along the Nebo Loop, Payson Lakes has a 1.0 mile loop trail around the lake. It is a lovely paved walk through the trees by the lake. This is a spot where you can spend more time than just a hike. Bring a picnic and some swimming gear to enjoy splashing in the water. There is an entrance fee to visit the Payson Lakes area.
- Location: Nebo Loop
- Distance: 1.0 mile roundtrip
- Paved: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fee: $10
Wardsworth Trail
The Wardsworth Trail is up Hobble Creek Canyon and this trail allows you to choose the distance you’d like to hike. It runs for about 6 miles, but we have only ever hiked about 1.5 miles and then turned around. You follow the creek and walk through the trees, so it is especially beautiful in the fall. There are creek crossings, and places to toss a few rocks into the water.
- Location: Hobble Creek Canyon
- Distance: Up to 6 miles roundtrip
- Paved: No
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fee: No
