Spring is one of our favorite times to get out and hike in Utah because we are eager for adventure after the long winter. Unfortunately, the weather in Spring can be unpredictable, and so can the trails. There can still be mud or even snow along many trails, especially high in the mountains. This post links to our reviews of kid friendly hikes that are usually clear in Spring because they are close to the city at lower elevations. We cannot guarantee perfect trail conditions, but we can guarantee that even with mud and snow, your family will have fun hiking together. This list of Easy Spring Hikes in Utah is a great way to enjoy some sunshine as the weather warms up.
BirdSong Trail
The Birdsong Trail is 1.5 roundtrip hike near the mouth of Ogden Canyon. We love this walk, especially the beginning with the large green trees and the birds singing. There is also a little pond, and some great views of the valley.
Lagoon Trail
Did you know there was a trail that walked behind Lagoon? Best of all, it is stroller friendly. The Lagoon trail is flat, easy, and wheel friendly. You can even see the Lagoon animals.
Adams Canyon Lower Falls
Lots of people hike the long trek to Adams Canyon waterfall, but not many people know about the Lower Falls that is very family friendly. You do have to climb up some switchbacks, but the entire hike is less than 1.5 RT, and the waterfall is definitely worth it!
Ensign Peak
Ensign Peak is a classic hike in SLC with great views and pioneer history. We like to do this one in Spring because there isn’t much shade. It is amazing to look out over the Salt Lake Valley like the pioneers did. This trail is 1.0 mile roundtrip.
Living Room
This is the only moderate hike that we are adding to the list, but we think this trail is best in Spring or Fall when it’s cooler. It’s also best in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t so fierce. We love the Living Room hike because even though it is a steady climb to the top, the reward is worth it. Our boys absolutely love the rock furniture at the Living Room. This trail is 2.7 miles RT.
Bell Canyon Reservoir
Bell Canyon begins at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon and climbs from the street lights up into the beautiful mountains. The little reservoir is so peaceful and makes a fun place to skip rocks or enjoy a picnic lunch. This trail does a slight climb at the beginning, but nothing too tricky, and the entire hike is only 1.5 miles RT. Make sure to use the new trailhead, it has lots more parking and cuts a little of the beginning climb.
Rocky Mouth Falls
Rocky Mouth Falls is also in Sandy just down the road from Bell Canyon Reservoir. This trail starts in a neighborhood, and it’s hard to believe that this fun little waterfall is right behind the houses. There are some small caves to explore and a fun creek, and depending on the year this waterfall can be raging or can be a trickle. Rocky Mouth Falls is best in the Spring runoff season and is only 0.8 mile RT.
Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge
We hiked Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge this Spring and loved it. The trail has a little bit of a climb at the beginning, but not bad. And walking across this bridge is so neat! The hike is about 2.3 miles RT in Draper.
Jungle Trail
The Jungle Trail is an easy trail in Draper’s Corner Canyon. The trail is so fun for kids with places to swing and climb. It is designed for young kids to explore. There is a wide easy trail until you get to the actual Jungle Trail, and the entire hike is only 1.0 miles, and very easy.
Dark Trail
This trail is out in Tooele. The trail is named because of all of the foliage it feels dark. When we hiked Dark Trail in early Spring, it was still a little barren, but we loved the peacefulness of this trail and the birds we heard along the way. This trail can be as long as you’d like, but we hiked about 3.0 miles RT.
Knight Rider Trail
The Knight Rider Trail is a new find for our family in Highland. It is right in the heart of the city, but this easy trail is a lot of fun. It walks along a stream and through some woods. We even saw an owl. This trail is part of a bike park, but bikes and hikers are welcome. 1.0 mile roundtrip.
Battle Creek Falls
Battle Creek Falls is located in Pleasant Grove. We did run into some snow when we hiked this trail in March, but not enough that we couldn’t complete the hike. This trail is a fun one for families with little caves and bridges, and a great waterfall at the end. This trail runs 1.5 miles.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a stroller friendly trail, and a great short walk for beginning hikers. This waterfall is visible from the road, but it’s more fun to walk over and get an up close look . You can also check out the fish that live in the little pool at the bottom of the falls, too. The walk to Bridal Veil Falls is only 1/3 of a mile. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, we love Upper Falls which is a short, but steep climb to an amazing waterfall. It’s right by Bridal Veil Falls.
Dripping Rock Trail
One of our all time favorite hikes is Dripping Rock Trail near the Spanish Fork golf course. This trail is also stroller friendly, and it leads to this unique waterfall. Water seeps out of the ground and drips into the creek. We think it is so cool! And it’s a great hike all year long! This paved trail is 1.0 mile RT.
Gordon Creek Falls
This trail is out in the open, so Spring is a wise time to hike to this waterfall before it gets too hot. The falls here are gorgeous as they cascade down the rocks. Gordon Creek Falls is just outside of Price and is 2.5 miles RT. We liked that we could hike right to the top of the waterfall.
Southern Utah
We live in Northern Utah, and so we spend more time hiking in that area. But our favorite place to vacation is Southern Utah with all of the red rocks and the amazing National Parks. Here are some great easy Spring hikes as you travel through Southern Utah. All of these hikes are free and on main roads.
Wilson Arch
Wilson Arch is easy to drive by and wave hi to as you pass Moab and head toward Blanding, but we love to get out of the car and climb up into the arch. It’s a short walk, but it breaks up any long drives, and it give you a unique perspective up inside Wilson Arch. The climb is up, but is very short.
Mossy Cave
Mossy Cave is technically in Bryce Canyon National Park, but it is located on Scenic Highway 12. The trail leads to an alcove called Mossy Cave, but the best part is the waterfall that you see right before the cave. This trail is flat and easy, and is fun for kids (less than a mile RT).
Cedar Canyon Walking Trail
Cedar City is higher in elevation, but this walking trail is right in the city, so it’s a great Spring hike to stretch your legs. The trail is paved and walks along the creek. This manmade waterfall is a fun turn around point on the Cedar Canyon Walking Trail. This trail is 2.6 miles and flat.
Red Hollow Slot Canyon
Red Hollow Slot Canyon is a great beginner slot canyon because it is so short and easy to access. This canyon is located in Orderville outside of Zion National Park’s eastern entrance. The trail is only 1.0 mile RT, but the slot section is beautiful.
Willis Creek
If anyone is heading to Escalante, our first recommendation is Willis Creek Slot Canyon. This canyon is beautiful, and the trail is super easy. It is flat the entire way, and you walk right through the creek, or alongside it if you want to keep your feet dry. We had a great time in this slot canyon. We hiked 3.0 miles total, but you could turn around sooner if you wanted.
If you have hiked all of these easy Spring hikes in Utah, then check out our Easy Waterfall Hikes. There are a few waterfalls that are also great trails for spring time, but most are better in summer.
Just a heads up, we tried to hike Battlecreek Falls on April 24 2020. The trail is closed for some kind of maintenance. We hiked about 1/4 of the way up and there was a truck with people in it, telling us we couldn’t go any further!
Thanks for the info. People in my neighborhood hiked this last week, so it must be a new closure. I’ll see if I can find out how long it will be closed.
It says the it is closed during the week for construction. So weekends it will be open, but closed through May 11 during the week.
Hi, Thanks for the great list. One question, do you know if dogs are allowed on any or all of these hikes? On a leash of course 😉
Most of them are!! The following are dog-friendly: Adams Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls, Living Room, Ensign Peak, Battlecreek Falls, Dripping Rock Trail, Willis Creek, Red Hollow, Lagoon Trail, Birdsong Trail, and Wilson Arch.