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Utah Hiking|Nature

13 Utah Hikes So Easy Your Grandma Can Come Along

By Catherine Armstrong | Updated on February 09, 2021   (Originally published February 04, 2021)
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Catherine Armstrong

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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.

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Here in Utah, we have some of the very best hiking trails in the country. Utahns enjoy hundreds of hiking trails — we certainly have no shortage of beautiful vistas, aspen-lined trails, and clear mountain air. But many of Utah’s hikes are admittedly more difficult, climbing hundreds of feet in elevation and for advanced hikers only. But not all. We’ve chosen the following hikes that are suitable for beginners and families; these hikes are so easy your grandma can come along! (And we mean that with the upmost respect, because Utah grandmas are a tough bunch!) These Utah hikes will let you see some of the most beautiful places in The Beehive State:

1) Riverside Walk, Zion National Park
Don Graham/Flikr
This paved, two-mile walk meanders from the parking lot along the Virgin River to a narrow opening in the canyon -- where more agile hikers can continue on the Zion Narrows Trail. Riverside Walk offers some breathtaking views and is almost completely flat, making it a perfect medium-sized hike for beginners! To find the trailhead, get off the Zion Shuttle at the Temple of Sinawava stop.
2) Lower Emerald Pools Trail, Zion National Park
Don Graham/Flikr
Lower Emerald Pools Trail is an easy, 1.2-mile hike shaded by cottonwood trees. It’s only a 70-foot change of elevation, so it’s perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities. The falls are best in the spring and start to dry up to a trickle during late summer. Start your hike at Zion Lodge by crossing the footbridge and following the signs.
3) Grotto Falls, Payson Canyon
Garrett Wahlquist/Google Local
This shady hike ends at a little waterfall where you can splash around and cool off on a hot summer day. It can be somewhat slippery in spots, so take care. Find the Grotto Falls trailhead about 7 miles up Payson Canyon -- it's just .6 miles round-trip.
4) Silver Lake Interpretive Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon
U.S. Forest Service
This short trail around Silver Lake is mostly ADA accessible. Walk on boardwalks across marshes and over small tributaries. Much of the hike is shaded by aspens and pines. The boardwalk starts from the Silver Lake Center at Brighton. This hike is just .75 miles round trip.
5) Mossy Cave Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park
Don Graham/Flikr
Visit hoodoos, walk along the stream and enjoy the coolness of the shelter cave. This mile-long hike does have a few short, steep sections, but overall is easy. Find the trailhead from Hwy 12, about 4 miles past the main entrance to Bryce.
6) Tony Grove Lake, Logan
mbush_utah/Flikr
This hike is full of wildflowers. In fact, it’s designated a U.S. Forest Service Wildflower Viewing Area! Take the Tony Grove turnoff about 15 miles up Logan Canyon, then proceed about 6 miles to the end of the road. This hike is the perfect length, clocking in at a total of 1.3 miles.

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7) Dry Fork Rock Art, Dry Fork Canyon
rjcox/Flikr
See hundreds of Fremont Indian drawings on the walls of Dry Fork Canyon. The trail is part of McConkie Ranch, which is private property but can be accessed for a small fee. From Dry Fork Canyon Road in Vernal, turn onto 3500 West, then drive 6 miles McConkie Ranch.

 

8) Mill B South Interpretive Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon
Abdelaziz Farhat/Google Local
Mill B South is a paved trail, accessible to wheelchairs (though parts are slightly steep). The trail, which runs along a Big Cottonwood creek, culminates with a small waterfall. 0.7 miles roundtrip. The trailhead is 4.4 miles from the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
9) Hidden Falls Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon
CodeFin/Flikr
This very short hike ends with a hidden waterfall. It’s unpaved, but only gains 40 feet of elevation, so most kids should be able to handle it without any problems. To get to the trailhead, drive 4.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Take the lower left trail. This is one of the shorter Utah hikes you can take -- just .3 miles round-trip!
10) Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park
UnShutteredSoul/Flikr
Mesa Arch is popular with photographers. It’s also a beautiful but short hike that will take you to the edge of the rim where you’ll have a magnificent view of the arch. Go at sunrise for the best pics. Access the trailhead from the parking lot on Grand View Point Road. This hike is a little over a half mile.
11) Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail, Soldier Hollow
Utah.com
Cascade Springs offers several boardwalk trails featuring pools, springs and cascading water. The shady area is home to tons of wildlife -- watch for trout in the myriad pools. To get there, take the Alpine Loop and drive to the summit. Make sure to watch for the Cascade turnoff.
12) Birdsong Trail, Ogden
Kenny Day/Facebook
This trail, located on the bench above Ogden, has six springs and a pond. Oh... and birds for days (hence, the name!). Start your hike at the parking lot at Rainbow Gardens, or on 20th Street and Fillmore Avenue. This hike is 1 mile, round-trip.
13) Barrier Free Trail, Little Cottonwood Canyon
Tom Thompson/Google Local
Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, this short, easy hike offers interpretive signs and plenty of wildflowers. After a short .4 miles, you’ll come to the end of the route -- a wooden deck that overlooks the valley. Start at Snowbird Center’s third level. Follow the wheelchair ramp to the ski area, then traverse a couple switchbacks to reach the trailhead. .08 miles roundtrip.

 

Even though these hikes are all very short and easy, don’t forget that you’re still heading off into the Utah wilderness. Take along plenty of water, some snacks, a jacket and some sunscreen. The elevation may be challenging for out-of-state visitors and those with breathing or heart problems.

For more beautiful (and accessible) Utah hikes, be sure to check out this hiking bucket list, featuring 15 of the most gorgeous, must-take hikes in the state!

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More to Explore

Utah Hikes

Sarah | February 09, 2021

Does Utah have any trails for more experienced hikers?

While Utah has some of the most accessible hiking trails in the country, there are some that are best reserved for more experienced hikers. At the top of the list is Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. This iconic adventure features narrow ledges and major drop-offs, and it’s most definitely not for everyone. Only technically advanced hikers should consider this difficult trail. But those who embark on this adventure will be rewarded with spectacular views of the park, and the view from the pinnacle of Angel’s Landing truly compares to none other in the area.

What are the best parks in Utah?

Utah is the state with some of the best parks in the nation. From our world-famous national parks to an impressive state park system, there’s simply no shortage of recreational opportunity here in the Beehive State. If you’re looking for the best parks in Utah, you can start with any of the following destinations: Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Snow Canyon State Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Sand Hollow State Park, Goosenecks State Park, Natural Bridge National Monument, and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

What kind of outdoor recreation is popular in Utah?

If it's outdoor adventure you're seeking, Utah is *the* place for you. Utah truly has some of the best outdoor recreation in the country -- and we don't just throw superlatives around. In 2019, Trover.com and Eddie Bauer ranked two of Utah's parks in the top three in the country. (Wondering which Utah state parks made the list? Arches National Park and Zion National Park -- and we couldn't agree more.) Within Utah's incredible parks, there are endless opportunities for camping, skiing, rock climbing, hiking, trail running, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The Beehive State is best experienced outdoors!

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Explore Utah

Featured Addresses
Riverside Walk, Utah 84767, USA
Emerald Pools Trail, Utah 84737, USA
Grotto Falls Trail, Utah 84651, USA
8073 Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Brighton, UT 84121, USA
Mossy Cave Trail, Utah, USA
Tony Grove Lake, Utah 84333, USA
Dry Fork Canyon, Utah 84532, USA
Big Cottonwood Canyon, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121, USA
Moab, UT 84532, USA
Cascade Springs, Cascade Scenic Dr, Provo, UT 84604, USA
Birdsong Terrace, Spencerport, NY 14559, USA
Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah 84092, USA