There is no shortage of hiking in Salt Lake, but with many of the hikes in the Wasatch being quite difficult, I wanted to highlight 5 hikes that even your toddler can do! These 5 kid friendly hikes in Salt Lake are accessible year round, so no matter what month it is that you are reading this, pick one and have a great time!
Please remember to always follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles and to leave the trail better than you found it!
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Donut Falls
This hike is a classic. Up Big Cottonwood Canyon, it is 3.3 miles round trip with 538 ft of elevation gain. If you go up early or on a weekday, you can park right at the trailhead. However, when the parking lot at the trailhead is full, (as well as in the winter) you park at the Mill D Trailhead. Parking here adds about a mile round-trip to the hike. You will cross bridges, see wildflowers in the spring/summer, fall leaves in the autumn, and a snowy trail in the winter. You likely will get your feet a little wet right before you get to the waterfall so be prepared for that. This trail, as well as all trails up Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon, is NOT dog friendly.
Pipeline Trail Via Burch Hollow Trailhead
The Pipeline trail up Millcreek Canyon is about 13 miles long, but this is just a 2 mile (roundtrip) section of it. I love starting at the Burch Hollow Trailhead and heading west on the Pipeline trail. It’s relatively flat the whole way. Hike about 1 mile and then you will come to the junction where Pipeline meets the Churchfork trail. There is a bridge and a stream to play at as well as a wide open area, perfect for enjoying a picnic. This trail is particularly beautiful in the fall because of the changing leaves. But it’s also a good winter choice as it is on the sunny side of the canyon.
There is no Alltrails link, but here is a link to where you park! Just be sure to continue straight and low when you come to a fork in the trail (about 5-10 minutes into the hike), this will keep you on the Pipeline trail.
Silver Lake Loop Trail
Silver Lake Loop trail is an extremely kid friendly hike as well as as being stroller and wheelchair friendly. It’s up Big Cottonwood Canyon and about 1 mile round trip with only 59 ft of elevation gain. It is partially on a boardwalk which is fun to look over in to the water. There are platforms around the trail for you to pull off on and enjoy the view. Oh and this is a trail hikers commonly see moose on! This trail is NOT dog friendly.
Wild Rose Trail
The Wild Rose Trail Loop is 2 miles round trip with 344 ft of elevation gain. This one is in the foothills of Salt Lake, so there are many off shooting trails. I would highly recommend downloading the map if you want to ensure you’re on the correct trail. This is a great hike in the cooler months as there isn’t a lot shade and in the spring, the snow is melted and the trail is less muddy than a lot of the trails at higher elevation. It starts and ends at a playground which is always a good motivator for little legs to finish. There is also a bench at the highpoint which is a great spot to enjoy the view and have some snacks. Often times, I even don’t complete the whole loop and will just come back the way I came when we get to the bench.
Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge
There are multiple ways to get to Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge, but starting at Orson Smith Park in Draper, Utah is a fun because there is a park right at the trailhead! It is 2.3 miles roundtrip with 439 ft elevation gain. This trail gives you a great view of the Salt Lake Valley while you are hiking up and the bridge overlooks a beautiful canyon. It’s a great trail year round and one I love to do with my kids. Just be sure to keep an eye on your kids when you arrive at the bridge as there are some steep drop offs.
Utah has some of the most incredible, kid friendly hikes in Salt Lake City. If you are new to hiking with your kids, check out my hiking with kids essentials here. And for other hiking with kid resources, check out my other posts!
