Utah is packed with trails that are perfect for kids, especially down in Utah County. Whether you’re looking for a shady stroll by a river, a waterfall payoff, or an easy mountain view, there are so many great options for getting outside with kids. I’ve hiked all over this area with my own kids, and these are (in my opinion) the best hikes in Utah County that are doable, beautiful, and actually fun for the whole family.
“Kid-friendly” is obviously a relative term. All of the hikes on this list are relatively easy for adults, but I rated them based on how they feel for most kids. I took into account things like trail length, elevation gain, and terrain. So if a trail is marked “hard,” it just means it might be more challenging for younger hikers—not that you’ll be scaling cliffs or having a ton of elevation gain.
If you want to read more about Hiking with Kids, check out my other posts! Here are some of my most popular:
- What to Pack on a Day Hike with Toddlers
- 30 Tips to Make Your Hike with Kids Successful
- 10 Tips for Hiking in the Summer with Kids
And if you’re looking for more of the best hikes in Utah, these are some of my favorites to hike in Salt Lake County.
Leave No Trace
One of the most important things we can teach our kids on the trail is how to respect the places we explore. That means staying on the path, packing out all trash (even our fruit scraps), and leaving rocks, flowers, and critters right where we found them. It’s easy to think, “It’s just one flower” or “just one rock,” but when hundreds of people do that, it adds up fast.
I like to tell my kids, “Our job is to make the trail better for the next people who come.” That might mean picking up litter someone else left behind or gently reminding them why we don’t pick wildflowers or carve our names into trees/rocks. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about building habits that help protect these wild places we love so much.
Here are a few simple things I teach my kids to help them care for the trails:
- Stay on the trail – Even if the mud looks fun, or there looks like a shortcut, stepping off can damage plants and cause erosion.
- Pack it in, pack it out – Trash, snack wrappers, and even orange peels go back in our packs.
- Leave what you find – Rocks, flowers, sticks, and bugs stay where they live.
- Give animals space – We can look, but don’t touch or feed wildlife.
- Be kind to others – Share the trail, keep voices friendly when others are around, and give hikers a smile or wave.
10 Best Hikes in Utah County:
Now that we know how to care for these trails, here are the Best Hikes in Utah County to do with your kids! And remember, you only have to go as far as you want to, so these can be as easy as you want!
1. Primrose Overlook
Near Mount Timpanogos Trailhead, American Fork Canyon
This quieter trail is a hidden gem with incredible mountain views and wildflowers in summer. The gradual incline makes it feel relaxing, and the overlook offers a peaceful spot to rest and take in the scenery. It’s not as crowded as other nearby trails, making it great for a more secluded outing with the kiddos. In the fall the colors are especially pretty so it can get crowded on peak color evenings. This one we don’t always make it to the end and just enjoy the trail.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 3.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~700 feet
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: Small dirt lot, no restrooms
Water Access: No
2. Stewart Falls
Stewart Falls – Sundance, UT
This trail is one of my favorites and winds through aspen groves and meadows before reaching one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Wasatch Range. Stewart Falls is a two-tiered cascade that’s especially stunning in summer and fall. The trail is well-marked and gently rolling, but it does gain some elevation. Make sure to take lots of breaks along the way.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~575 feet
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: Restrooms at Aspen Grove (fee required)
Water Access: Yes – falls and seasonal runoff
3. Provo River Parkway Trail
Provo River Parkway – Provo to Vivian Park
This is a paved multi-use trail that goes from Utah Lake to Provo Canyon, following the river. It’s great for strollers, bikes, longboarders, and casual walks. The canyon section between Bridal Veil Falls and Vivian Park is especially scenic and shaded, with spots to stop and play near the water. We usually bring lunch to eat at one of the picnic tables.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Up to 15+ miles one way
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: Multiple access points with restrooms
Water Access: Yes – runs along the river
4. Spanish Fork Dripping Rock Trail
Dripping Rock Trail – Spanish Fork, UT
A short, paved trail that leads to natural water seeps coming out of the rock—fun and unique for kids. The trail runs along the Spanish Fork River and has several shady spots and a picnic area. It’s more of a stroll than a hike but perfect for families with young kids.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~50 feet
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: Small parking lot, picnic tables
Water Access: Yes – river and dripping springs
5. Battle Creek Falls
Battle Creek Falls – Pleasant Grove, UT
This short, scenic trail leads to a 50-foot waterfall tucked in the foothills of Pleasant Grove. I love a good waterfall hike because my kids are (almost) always motivated to get to it. It’s a steady uphill walk with shaded stretches, perfect for taking your little ones. You’ll follow a creek most of the way and can cool off near the falls at the end. It’s popular on weekends, so arrive early for parking and fewer crowds.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: Vault toilet, picnic tables
Water Access: Yes – stream and waterfall
6. Big Springs Hollow Trail
Big Springs Hollow – South Fork Provo Canyon, UT
This mellow trail follows a wooded canyon with a gentle incline and plenty of shade. It’s a great escape in summer and especially good for young kids. You can go as far as you like—we usually turn around at the small spring. Fall colors here are beautiful.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~400 feet
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: Pit toilet, parking area
Water Access: Yes – seasonal spring and stream
7. American Fork Canyon Nature Trail
Canyon Nature Trail – American Fork Canyon, UT
A short, informative loop with interpretive signs about local plants and animals. It’s flat, shaded, and perfect for young kids or a quick stretch during a canyon drive. A good choice for first-time hikers or visitors to Timpanogos Cave area. It ends at Swinging Bridge picnic site so pack a lunch if you want to stay even longer!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.6 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: ~50 feet
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: Restrooms and picnic areas nearby
Water Access: Not on the trail, but if you make it to Swinging Bridge, you can walk over to the river which is a little ways down.
8. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls – Provo Canyon, UT
An iconic Utah County hike and landmark, you can walk to Bridal Veil Falls on the paved path shared with bikers. You can admire the massive 600-foot waterfall from below or take the slightly steeper trail up to the base of the lower tier. It’s a must-visit spot for photos, picnics, and it’s great for cooling off.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.5–1 mile depending on route
Elevation Gain: ~100 feet
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: Paved parking, restrooms, picnic areas
Water Access: Yes – falls and stream
9. Buffalo Peak Trail
Buffalo Peak – Khiv Peak Road, Provo, UT
This short summit hike offers amazing views over Utah Valley for minimal effort. It’s great at sunrise or sunset and has wildflowers in the summer. The drive to the trailhead is on a 3 mile stretch of dirt road, but passable for most vehicles in dry conditions. The last push to the peak is very steep and there is no shade up to, and honestly the view before it is even better so I don’t always go to the peak.
Difficulty: Moderate (Hard if you push to the peak)
Length: 1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~450 feet
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: None
Water Access: No
10. Scout Falls Trail (via Timpooneke Trailhead)
Scout Falls – American Fork Canyon, UT
A gentle out-and-back section of the Timpooneke Trail leading to a small waterfall. This portion is shaded and scenic, passing through pine and aspen forests. The falls are most active in spring and early summer. There is one tricky spot at the end where you have to use your hands to clip up through some roots to get up on the trail. I have done it with my toddler on my back, but just be aware.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 3.0 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~700 feet
Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Trailhead Facilities: Pit toilet, large parking lot (fee area)
Water Access: Yes – waterfall and stream
Hope you make time to explore a few of these trails this summer. There are so many fun hikes in Utah county hikes, so let me know what else is on your list! As you explore, remember to recreate responsibly—stay on marked trails, pack out what you pack in, and respect the outdoors.
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