One of the most frequent questions we receive is, “What is the best hike for my toddler?” This was the exact reason we wanted to start sharing our adventures. When our kids were all young, we found it hard to get good information about anything to do in Utah. Times have definitely changed since we wrote our first post back in 2010 with social media sharing, but we are still here to help answer your questions. This list has the best toddler hikes in Utah.
We hand picked these trails because they are easy AND because they have fun destinations. Toddlers need motivation to finish the trail, so we know these hikes will have them happy as they walk. We specifically thought about what three year old little legs can handle when we created this list of toddler hikes in Utah. Pick one (or all of them) and enjoy!
Hidden Falls: SLC
A quick 5 minute walk to an awesome little waterfall in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Jungle Trail: Draper
This trail is flat, easy, and ends with some kid-friendly jungle activities.
Cascade Springs: Alpine Loop
This trail is a boardwalk and paved, so it makes it easy to walk. There is a waterfall and lots of little water areas.
American Fork Canyon Nature Trail
This trail begins and ends with bridges over the river. It is also paved, short, and has an interpretive guide.
Lisa Falls: SLC
Our favorite waterfall in Utah that cascades down the mountain sideways, and the trail is short and easy.
Temple Quarry Trail: Sandy
This walk is a quick one, but it is a pretty spot in the fall. You can also see the river in the spring, but later in the season the water is gone, so you can climb among the rocks.
Grotto Falls: Payson Canyon
The trail is super fun with lots of little bridge crossings. Make sure to hold your toddlers hands on these boards that are bridges. The waterfall is hidden in its own little grotto where you can splash and play.
Lagoon Trail: Farmington
Walk the trail behind Lagoon and see the animals that reside there. It’s flat, shady, and fun.
Bridal Veil Falls: Provo Canyon
This is such an easy trail, but the waterfall is the perfect pay off. And you can wade in the water at the bottom to cool off.
Knight Rider Trail: Highland
This trail was created right between some houses in the neighborhood, but there is an awesome stick fort and a little creek to enjoy.
Dripping Rock Trail: Spanish Fork
This is a trail that we recommend to everyone. It is flat, paved, easy, and the dripping rock is amazing. There is a cool suspension bridge on the trail, too. It’s a must do hike in Utah.
Red Hollow Slot Canyon: Orderville
If you want to hike a slot canyon with a toddler, then Red Hollow is the trail for your family. It’s a quick hike, but the slot is narrow and small. Your toddler will need a boost in one part, but it should be simple with a few helpers.
Mossy Cave Waterfall: Highway 12
This waterfall is near Bryce Canyon, and it is such a fun one with toddlers because you walk along the creek until you get to the waterfall. It’s short and easy.
Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve: Layton
The shorelines Preserve has a boardwalk trail through some wetlands. It is flat and a great birding spot. There are some fun signs and lookout towers to enjoy.
Gailey Trail by Nicholls Park: Fruit Heights
This little trail is found down the hill from Nicholls Park where you can cross some bridges and throw rocks into the creek.
Farmington Creek Trail
This shady trail is near Lagoon, too. It has some great bridges, overpasses, and this little chair. You can walk all the way to the pond, or shorten based on your stamina.
Eccles Wildlife Education Center Nature Trail: Farmington
This is one of our favorite trails for all ages because we see so much wildlife. We always see ducks, turtles, other birds, muskrats, and usually frogs. We have also seen deer, foxes, and coyotes. Lots of water to walk near.
Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park: SLC
This is a hidden gem in SLC. This little nature park has the most beautiful trail among flowers and by the stream. There are bridges and beautiful nature all around.
Red Hills Desert Garden: St. George
While this isn’t technically a hike, there is a lot of walking, and it is such a great place to explore. Our boys love the stepping stones, the man-made slot canyon, the fish viewing area, and all of the desert plants.
Bicentennial Park: Provo
This nature trail is part of a park area, and the boardwalk walks through some wetlands areas, as well as to a natural spring. This short toddler hike in Utah is perfect for exploring and looking for frogs.
Payson Lakes: Nebo Loop
We love the simple walk around this beautiful mountain lake. It is also a great spot for a picnic, fishing, and swimming.
Provo River Falls: Mirror Lake Highway
The Provo River Falls is a short overlook, but we love to walk down along the river. There are two other falls in the lower area. You can also dip your feet in some sections of the river.
Tony Grove: Logan Canyon
This walk around the lake is flat and easy, and the views are beautiful. And everyone loves hiking by water.
Hobbit Caves: Logan Canyon
The Hobbit Caves are more of a stop than a hike, but that is perfect for toddlers. There is a small waterfall and some small caves that are perfect for young kids. I couldn’t fit in many of them, but my boys could!
We know that spending time in nature creates great memories as a family, and it also brings smiles to everyone, even toddlers. Hopefully this list of Toddler Hikes in Utah will encourage you to get our and hike with your little ones. If you feel like your family is ready for some tougher hikes, check out our Easy Waterfall Hikes and our Best Spring Hikes for some more ideas.
