The weather is finally starting to cool down in Utah which means – hello hiking! We have been traveling A LOT the last little bit and my little family (Kam, Stef, and Becks) has decided we are going to take it easy the month of September and stay at home to explore Utah some more. I want to try to go on at least one new hike around our home a week. (We will see how well this pans out haha. When I am home on the weekends, I usually just want to veg and hang out around the house in my pajamas. However, I am determined to get out and explore more of our gorgeous home state!) Because I am not the most experienced hiker in the world, we asked our good Instagram friend and hiker extraordinaire Ju Brewer, to share with us The Best Hikes in Southern Utah for Families! This list is a great list of suggestions and is meant to help you get started. Make sure you research each hike before you go. Each hiker’s tolerance and ability is different. And, if you’re interested in activities and hikes in Central Utah, check out our Sundance Mountain Resort post!
*To be fair, there are awesome hikes all over Utah. However, because most of our National Parks are in Southern Utah, we wanted to make sure we concentrated on the area that our readers most want to hear about!
Our super cute printable and digital Utah Coloring Page and Utah Coloring Book is the perfect companion to your Utah adventures! Click the links now to access them.
The Best Hikes in Southern Utah for Families – Ju Brewer for Our Family Passport
Today, I’ll be sharing my favorite hikes to do with kids in Southern Utah, and I am always adding more to the list. I like to call Southern Utah a big playground! There’s so much to see and do, for all ages! The landscapes are so beautiful and unique. To help keep it all organized I have broken up the kid-friendly hikes by region in Southern Utah and have given a little bit of info on each hike: like what to expect, and any points of interest. Most of these hikes are FREE! Some of them, especially the ones near Zion and Moab National Parks require a park fee.
The Best Family Hikes in Southern Utah
Family Hikes near Cedar City
Kanarraville Falls
Oh, I love this hike! Beautiful canyon with lots of trees, you hike by a creek, through narrows and climb over waterfalls.
Taylor Creek
Kolob Canyon entrance of Zion National Park (will have to pay Zion National Park entrance fee)
Such a fun hike, with lots to see, shade, a creek, historic buildings, and a beautiful reward at the end ;)!
Family Hikes near Saint George
The Vortex
You hike on really cool sleek rocks to a big hole in the ground that you can go in and play. It’s so cool! The trail is a little bit confusing though, so be prepared to take a little bit of extra time.
Pioneer Park
This park is so fun! Lots of places for the kids to climb and explore! Including a beautiful view of the city and the “crack”, which is a small and very narrow slot canyon in the middle of the city.
Yant Flat
The trail is easy but sandy. Once you reach the painted cliffs, go down and explore the area. So cool to see the rock formations and the colors! Plus, don’t miss the view, it’s stunning!
Family Hikes near Escalante
Lower Calf Creek Falls
The lower falls is one of my most favorite waterfalls! The trail is beautiful, easy and so green, but sandy in some areas. Once at the waterfall, it’s just wow and there’s lots of sand for the kids to play and build castles. You can also swim once you reach the fall.
Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons
A must! My kids love this place. I recommend to start at Peekaboo and end at Spooky. Beautiful and fun slot canyons to explore.
Devil’s Garden
Really cool rock formations, fun place to climb, explore and for a picnic.
Family Hikes near Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley State Park
It’s like a big playground of mushroom-like rock formations. Fun place to walk around, climb and explore.
Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon
An easy and beautiful slot canyon.
Crack Canyon
There’s a wall full of holes that are really fun to climb and play around it. Kids LOVE it!
Family Hike in Arches National Park
Delicate Arch
One of the most popular hikes in Utah. Easy hike to a beautiful sight!
Besides the Delicate Arch hike, of which I highly recommend, there are plenty of short hikes to do with the kids. I’d just get the park map, check the hike distances, and go to town! Such a fun park to explore!
Bryce Canyon National Park Family Hikes
Peekaboo Trail
We really liked this hike with kiddos. You get to see so much of the park and the kids loved running around and exploring. There are shorter trails too if your little ones get run down.
Best Family Hikes at Zion National Park
Emerald Pools
Easy, pretty and you can choose to do 1, 2 or 3 of the pools.
Weeping Rock Trail
Short hike and it’s really cool to see the water falling from the rock.
Riverside Walk
Great hike that is stroller and wheel-chair accessible.
The Narrows
It’s at the end of the Riverside Walk. Very popular, very beautiful and very fun! You can tailor it to your abilities and distance. Definitely a must!
Canyon Overlook
This is a great alternative to Angels Landing. The Canyon Overlook gives you an amazing view of Zion. It is short and easy with an incredible reward!
Insider Recommendations to Hiking Southern Utah with Kids
– Go in the spring and fall. Summertime is very hot and crowded.
– Start hiking early in the day.
– Take plenty of water! I even have a small water filter for emergencies.
– Take lots of snacks and play little games to help the hike go faster for the kids.
– Know before you go. Check out the distance of the hikes, levels, read reviews, ask questions!
– Get familiar with the area. Map it out so you don’t miss anything.
– Make a list of the places you want to see! Trust me, it will motivate you to go.
– Plan it and make it happen! You won’t regret it 😉
Hope to see you on the trails!
About Ju Brewer
Hello, I’m Ju Brewer and I love to hike and be around nature, like … love it! When I am not hiking with my friends and exploring longer hikes and higher altitudes, I am hiking with my family. I have three kids, a boy almost 12, a girl 10 and 6-year old boy. They don’t always show excitement when we go but, once we are there, they enjoy it and have a great time! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to talk and connect with them, I love it! It’s so good for the kids to be out running, exploring, learning and getting dirty!
For more family hiking tips follow me on Instagram @jubrewerseeks!
Looking for more Utah fun? See how to have a fun family day out at Sundance here!
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