Salt Lake City is one of the best cities in America for families who love the outdoors. Surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains on one side and the vast Salt Lake Valley on the other, the trailheads practically start in the backyard. From toddler-friendly streamside walks to half-day adventures with waterfall payoffs, the Cottonwood Canyons, Millcreek, and the foothills above the city offer an extraordinary range of kid-friendly hiking options. Here are 15 of the best family hikes in and around Salt Lake City, roughly arranged from easiest to most adventurous.
1. Lisa Falls
Lisa Falls is a perfect first hike for the very youngest hikers. Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, this out-and-back trail is short and gently graded, with a sparkling stream running alongside the path as it climbs a small canyon. The real prize is at the end: a beautiful waterfall with a pool at the base where kids can splash around on warm days. With about 128 feet of elevation gain and an easy walking surface, it is genuinely suitable for toddlers. This is one of the most recommended easy hikes in all of Utah and is an excellent starting point for families introducing children to the outdoors.
2. Bells Canyon Reservoir
Bells Canyon Reservoir, in the foothills above Sandy, is a versatile family destination that can be as short or as long as you want it to be. The reservoir itself is reached by a 20-minute walk from the trailhead, but the large climbable boulders along the way tend to add considerable time to the outing. The catch-and-release fishing lake gives older kids something to look forward to at the top. Parking and restroom facilities are available year-round, and the panoramic lake views at the top make the climb well worth the effort.
3. Miller Park Loop
Miller Park is a beautifully underrated spot in Salt Lake City that most locals overlook entirely. Despite its enchanting flora, forest canopy, and sense of quiet seclusion, it rarely sees the crowds of more famous trails. The loop is just under a mile with minimal elevation gain — perfect for kids who want a taste of real forest without a demanding climb. A river accompanies the trail for most of its length, and sections of the path feel almost cave-like as the tree canopy closes overhead. If you need a quick, easy, genuinely lovely hike near the city, Miller Park consistently delivers.
4. City Creek Canyon
City Creek Canyon runs directly behind the Utah State Capitol and offers a surprisingly immersive natural experience just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City — making it ideal for families staying in the Avenues or Capitol Hill neighborhoods. The paved road follows City Creek for its full length, with plenty of bird-watching, creek-gazing, and natural scenery to keep children engaged. Mountain bikes are available for older children. The full canyon road runs about 6 miles with a moderate elevation gain, so it is best suited to kids who are comfortable with longer walks. Shorter out-and-back segments work just as well for younger ones.
5. Ensign Peak
Ensign Peak is one of Salt Lake City’s most historically significant hikes. Two days after Brigham Young and the early Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, Young and several pioneer leaders climbed this dome-shaped hill to survey the valley and lay out their plans for what would become Salt Lake City. A stone monument at the summit marks the spot, with interpretive signs pointing out major landmarks across the valley. The hike itself is about 1 mile roundtrip with roughly 370 feet of elevation gain — short but steep. It is perfect for children who can handle a sustained uphill effort, and the 360-degree panoramic views of the valley, the Great Salt Lake, and the Wasatch Range from the top are genuinely outstanding. Note: there is no shade on this trail, so early morning or evening visits are best on hot days. Dogs are welcome on leash.
6. Rattlesnake Loop
The Rattlesnake Loop in Millcreek Canyon is a wonderful choice for slightly older toddlers and young children ready for a moderate adventure. The trail meanders through a pleasing mix of forest, wildflower meadows, and canyon scenery, with a fast-flowing river along part of the route — exciting for kids but worth watching carefully with little ones. At approximately 3 miles with mild elevation, it sits toward the easier end of the Millcreek trail network. This is one of the most rewarding short family hikes in the greater Salt Lake City area.
7. Great Flume Trail
The Great Flume Trail in Millcreek Canyon is another family-friendly gem that rewards imagination as much as physical effort. The trail’s ridge crosses over a road where children often delight in watching the cars below shrink to the size of ants. Further along, the trail follows a river and culminates in a “cave” feature at the far end that kids love to explore. It is a manageable, varied trail that gives families a genuine sense of adventure without demanding too much from young legs.
8. Barrier Free Trail (Sandy, Utah)
If you are looking for a hike that works for all ages and abilities — including strollers and wheelchairs — the Barrier Free Trail in Sandy is an excellent option. The smooth, accessible path is well-suited for birding, wildlife spotting, and leisurely family picnics with minimal exertion. Seasonal flowers, varied bird life, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife make every visit a little different. Snowshoeing is also possible along this trail in winter, adding year-round utility.
9. Dog Lake
Dog Lake in Millcreek Canyon is a satisfying destination for families of all experience levels, combining a rewarding trail with a beautiful lake at the top. The hike winds through lush forest with plenty of wildflowers, streams, and wildlife opportunities along the way. Late May through September is the ideal window, when the trail is clear, the flowers are blooming, and the lake is at its most vibrant. The trail is popular but rarely crowded on weekday mornings, making it a good choice for families looking for a peaceful outing.
10. Donut Falls
Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of the most beloved family hikes in the Salt Lake City area and the go-to first outdoor experience for countless Utah children. The trail features a steady, well-maintained path through forested canyon terrain, with small stream crossings and rocks to scramble on keeping younger hikers fully engaged. The payoff is the spectacular doughnut falls themselves — named for the distinctive hole through which the water pours. This is Big Cottonwood Canyon’s most family-friendly hike. Pack plenty of water, as summer temperatures near the trailhead can exceed 90°F. The parking lot fills quickly on weekends, so aim for an early start. A pit toilet is available at the trailhead.
11. Lake Solitude Loop
Lake Solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon offers a genuinely magical outing that feels more like a stroll through an enchanted forest than a traditional mountain hike. The lake sits between the Solitude and Brighton ski resort base areas and can be reached with very little elevation gain, particularly if you ride the Solitude chairlift from the Solitude Ski Resort in summer (a great shortcut for families with young children — the lake is only about 0.4 miles from the top of the lift). If you have a Solitude or IKON season pass, the chairlift option is highly recommended. On foot, the full loop is still very manageable and rewards walkers with moose sightings, spectacular wildflower displays, and the beautiful lake itself.
12. Lake Mary Trail
Starting near Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Lake Mary Trail begins with a bit of elevation gain before leveling out and opening into a strikingly diverse landscape. Rocky sections, the possibility of late-season snow patches, abundant wildlife, and thick forest keep the interest level high throughout. This is an excellent hike for families who want to cover slightly more ground — the variety of terrain means boredom is rarely a factor. It is one of the prettiest canyon trails accessible from Salt Lake City without a long drive.
13. Cecret Lake
Cecret Lake (yes, spelled with a “C”) in Little Cottonwood Canyon near Alta is a paradise for curious young naturalists. The trail winds through rolling alpine meadows with large boulders to scramble on and a rich ecosystem of wildflowers, insects, and small animals to discover along the way. The wildflowers peak in July and August, when the meadows around the lake are absolutely spectacular — plan your visit around this window if possible. Once you reach the lake, it makes an ideal spot for a picnic and relaxed family time. It is one of Salt Lake County’s most beloved easy alpine walks. For more hiking inspiration across the Wasatch, our guide to the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon is worth a read if you’re expanding your Utah hiking horizons.
14. Diamond Fork Hot Springs (Fifth Water Hot Springs)
A bit further from the city than the other hikes on this list, the Diamond Fork Hot Springs trail — also known as the Fifth Water Hot Springs — leads to one of the most impressive natural hot spring systems within a reasonable drive of Salt Lake City. The trail follows a stream through beautiful canyon scenery and passes several pools of varying temperatures, culminating in vivid turquoise thermal pools at the top. It is a wonderful all-season hike: peaceful in spring and fall, and particularly rewarding in winter when the contrast between the steam and cold air is dramatic. Hold children’s hands near the river sections, apply plenty of sunscreen (there is minimal shade), and come prepared for a swim. This trail is best suited to children aged 5 and up who are comfortable with uneven terrain.
15. Waterfall Canyon Trail, Ogden
Slightly north of Salt Lake City near Ogden, the Waterfall Canyon Trail is one of Utah’s great family hiking experiences and well worth the drive. The trail begins at the 29th Street Trailhead on Ogden’s east bench and climbs steadily through the canyon to a stunning 200-foot waterfall cascading down a sheer cliff face. The first mile is moderate and well-maintained; the final stretch to the base of the falls is steep and rocky, requiring more careful footing. Dogs are allowed on leash. Spring and early summer offer the most dramatic water flow, while winter visits reveal a spectacular frozen curtain of ice. The parking lot fills quickly on weekends, so an early arrival is essential. This is one of the most rewarding family hikes accessible from the greater Salt Lake City area. If you enjoy waterfall hikes, make sure to also check out our roundup of waterfalls you can swim in for your next trip further afield.
Tips for Hiking With Kids Near Salt Lake City
Start early. Salt Lake City summers are hot and sunny, and many of these trails have limited shade. Hitting the trail before 9am dramatically improves the experience in July and August, and parking becomes much easier before weekend crowds arrive.
Pack more water than you think you need. Altitude and dry Utah air accelerate dehydration — especially in children. A good rule of thumb is half a liter per person per hour of hiking.
Bring the right footwear. Several of these trails involve rocky or wet terrain. Sturdy closed-toe shoes with grip are essential; flip-flops and sandals are not suitable for most of these hikes. Our guide on how to keep shoes dry while hiking in the rain is useful for early-season and canyon hikes.
Check conditions before you go. Snow lingers in the Cottonwood Canyons and at higher elevation trails well into May and sometimes June. Always check current trail conditions through AllTrails or the Wasatch Front local hiking groups before loading the kids in the car.
Bring snacks and let kids set the pace. Young hikers are fueled by enthusiasm and snacks in roughly equal measure. Give them plenty of both and resist the urge to rush — the stops for creek-watching, rock-examining, and bug-identifying are often the most memorable parts of the day.
For more outdoor adventures in the region, our Utah vacation itinerary is a great full-trip planning resource, and our guide to foods that travel well without refrigeration will help you pack the perfect trail snacks. If you are planning a road trip through the Southwest to pair with your Salt Lake City hiking, the Phoenix to Sedona road trip itinerary is an excellent companion guide.
Have a favorite family hike near Salt Lake City that didn’t make our list? Share it in the comments — we’d love to hear your recommendations!
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