Hiking in Utah with a toddler is awesome. There are so many national parks relatively close to each other that you can discover with your little one. Each park has it specific vibe and is another amazing feature of nature that you will have time short discovering it! This guide helps you choose between the many trails as well as showing you trails that are doable with a toddler.
Be prepared
When planning your hiking adventure in Utah, always check the visitor centers in the different national parks. They provide invaluable information on the best trails, weather conditions, and any trail closures.
Here are some of our favorite hikes in the region, complete with distance, time, elevation gain details, and descriptions.
Valley of Fire
While often overlooked by many travelers, we found Valley of Fire to be one of the most beautiful parks we witnessed. The stunning red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs make it a must-see.
Rainbow Mountain – Valley of Fire
This trail offers stunning views of colorful sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. The hike is moderately challenging and provides a unique glimpse into the park’s geological wonders.
- Distance: 8.1 km
- Time: 3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 290 m
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. The park’s towering cliffs and deep canyons provide a spectacular backdrop for adventure. There is an unknown part of Zion national Park, Kolob Canyon, north of Zion national park which has beatiful sights where you are walking almost alone.
Taylor Creek Trail – Kolob Canyon national park
This moderately difficult hike follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek, leading you through a beautiful canyon. Along the way, you’ll pass historic homestead cabins and end at the picturesque Double Arch Alcove.
On the Taylor Creek Trail in Kolob Canyons, you cross the creek approximately 50 times. This frequent crossing adds to the adventure and charm of the hike, making it a unique experience in Zion National Park. Make sure to wear proper shoes, when we did the trail it was fairly dry when you pick the right stones!
- Distance: 8.0 km
- Time: 4 hours
- Elevation Gain: 250 m
Pa’rus Trail (buggy-proof) – Zion National Park
An easy, paved trail perfect for families and strollers. It winds along the Virgin River, offering beautiful views of the surrounding cliffs and abundant wildlife. From here you have a perfect view of the Watchmen mountains in the background (see photo).
- Distance: 5.6 km
- Time: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 15 m
Kayenta Trail & Emerald Pools – Zion National Park
This scenic trail leads to the Emerald Pools, a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls. The trail is moderately difficult and offers spectacular views of Zion Canyon. Normally you can do this trail in a loop, however when we were there, a bridge was closed so we did it back and forth.
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Time: 3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 150 m
Riverside Walk to the Beginning of the Narrows – Zion National Park (Buggyproof!)
A gentle, paved path that takes you alongside the Virgin River to the entrance of the famous Narrows. The lush vegetation and towering canyon walls make this an unforgettable hike. The narrow is a pathway through the river so if you are going to embark on this thing make sure to wear proper gear and bring enough food.
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 50 m
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its unique hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that create an otherworldly landscape. The vibrant colors of the rock formations at sunrise and sunset are truly unforgettable.
Queens Navajo Combination Loop – Bryce National Park
This loop combines two of Bryce’s best trails, taking you through a maze of hoodoos and offering breathtaking views from various vantage points
- Distance: 4.6 km
- Time: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 157 m
Rim Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park
Running along the edge of Bryce Amphitheater, this trail offers panoramic views of the park’s iconic hoodoos. It’s perfect for sunrise or sunset walks.
- Distance: 17.7 km (full trail)
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Elevation Gain: 320 m
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem with its striking white sandstone domes and contrasting red rock cliffs. The park’s scenic drives and less-crowded trails offer a peaceful retreat.
The Grand Wash
A spectacular hike through a narrow canyon with towering walls. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for all ages
- Distance: 8.0 km
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 180 m
Hickman Bridge
This short hike leads to a massive natural arch. The trail offers great views of the surrounding landscape and is suitable for families.
- Distance: 2.0 km
- Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 120 m
Arches National Park
Double Arch
A short, easy hike to one of the park’s most famous formations. Double Arch is a great spot for photography and offers a stunning view up close.
- Distance: 1.3 km
- Time: 30 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 26 m
Pine Tree Arch
A slightly longer hike that takes you to a beautiful, less crowded arch. The trail is relatively easy and provides excellent photo opportunities
- Distance: 1.6 km
- Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 60 m
Canyonlands
Canyonlands National Park boasts dramatic desert landscapes carved by the Colorado River. Divided into four districts, each offers unique vistas, with Island in the Sky providing some of the most accessible panoramic views.
Mesa arch
A short hike to a stunning natural arch that perfectly frames the views of the canyon below. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise.
- Distance: 0.8 km
- Time: 30 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 18 m
Grand View Point Overlook
This trail offers sweeping views of the Canyonlands. The moderate hike is worth the effort for the panoramic vistas at the end.
- Distance: 3.2 km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 61 m
Gooseneck Overlook
A brief walk to an overlook that provides dramatic views of the Colorado River’s winding path through the canyon.
- Distance: 0.5 km
- Time: 20 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 12 m
Horseshoe Bend (buggy-proof walk)
A family-friendly, paved path that leads to a stunning view of the Colorado River’s horseshoe-shaped bend. Ideal for photos and easy for strollers.
- Distance: 2.4 km
- Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 50 m
Final Tips
Always check the official national park websites in advance for road conditions and closures. Even when not stated on the website, be prepared to switch your plans.
Wear layers! We did our trip in october, when we woke up we needed thermal clothing but around 10 o’clock we were able to walk in shorts and tshirt
There’s more than enough to see in this beautiful part of the US, so you can’t choose wrongly. We often had to completely switch up our dayplan, which made for the best memories. Happy hiking!
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