6 more family-friendly Utah hikes with waterfalls

6 more family-friendly Utah hikes with waterfalls

(Jenna Para)


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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Utah is a hiker's paradise. From the high mountain peaks to the rolling foothills and majestic mesas, Utah has something for everybody and that includes kids.

However, sometimes it takes a little coaxing to get children out hiking or at least to the top of the mountain without complaining. Good thing Utah has many kid-friendly hikes that offer one of the best motivators out there: waterfalls.

Here are six kid-friendly hikes with waterfalls.

Mossy Cave Falls ================

Located among the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, Mossy Cave Falls is a short .6-mile hike round trip, which is perfect for kids.

While the falls are not technically, "natural," there is some history behind them. In fact, the falls are runoff from a water ditch created in 1892 by Mormon Pioneers to divert water to the towns of Tropic and Cannonville. It is no doubt that these towns wouldn't exist without the innovation of these early settlers.

Stewart Falls =============

At 4 miles round trip, Stewart Falls is a little longer but still very doable for children of all ages.

Located near Sundance, Stewart Falls can be accessed by one of three trailheads. But don't count on Google Maps to get you there unless you want to drive straight to the falls (which isn't recommended.) Frequent hikers in the area suggest that you ask for directions at one of the local lodges if you want to know just where to go.

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Ghost Falls ===========Tucked away in the Draper Trail system, Ghost Falls is not nearly as large a waterfall as the others, but the cool, shaded hike with colorful leaves and plants throughout more than makes up for it.

The hike is 3.5 miles total, but has some technical parts throughout. Be prepared to make a few stops along the way and keep an eye out for mountain bikers who frequent the single track that makes up most of the trail.

Doughnut Falls ==============

Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, this hike comes in at just under 3 miles round trip. Much like Ghost Falls, this is a shaded hike throughout, but visitors say the falls and creek bed are much more kid friendly.

There's one thing that will make this hike a family favorite: Bring a box of doughnuts to eat as a reward for having finished the hike. The kids will leave feeling cool, refreshed and happy from head to toe.

Cascade Falls =============

Located above the Dixie National Forest, this 1.5-mile hike has views that go for miles. There are man-made steps carefully placed throughout the trail, making the hike more accessible, while not taking away from the beauty of the natural landscapes in the area.

While the falls are only accessible when you have completed the hike, there is a natural ice cave that is just a 5-minute drive away. Your kids will cool off easily in this natural wonder that was used by pioneers long before refrigerators were invented.

If there's any downside about taking your kids on a waterfall hike, it's that you may have a difficult time getting them to leave.


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About the Author: Arianne Brown -------------------------------

Arianne is a mother to six young children. Her down time is spent running the mountain trails of the Wasatch Mountains and beyond. Contact her at ariannebrown1@gmail.com, follow her on Twitter @arimom6 or search her Facebook page, "A Mother's Write."

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