The Salt Lake ValleyFive easy Wasatch hikes the whole family can do
Alpine lakes and waterfalls that don't require a death march to reach.
Good morning, Salt Lake.
The best thing about living here is that a real mountain trail is fifteen minutes from your driveway. These five are short, shaded, and forgiving enough for little legs, with a payoff at the end.
📍 30 seconds in the valley⏱️ 5 min read
- 🍩Donut Falls
- 🏔️Cecret Lake
- 🌲Silver Lake boardwalk
🥾 Easy hikes with a big payoff
Worth it
Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon
A 3.3-mile out-and-back to a waterfall that pours through a hole in the rock, hence the name. Mostly gentle grade on a groomed trail with plenty of shade, which makes it a summer favorite for families.
Our take
The last scramble to the falls is slick rock, so older kids love it and toddlers need a hand.⚠️ Heads up: The small lot fills early on weekends; go before 9am or take a weekday.
Free familieswaterfallshade
Best of the week
Cecret Lake, Albion Basin
A 1.2-mile climb to a clear alpine lake ringed by peaks near Alta, gaining about 450 feet. In July and August the basin is one of the best wildflower displays in the state.
Our take
Time it for peak wildflowers in late July and it is hard to beat anywhere in Utah.⚠️ Heads up: The dirt road to the trailhead opens only in summer and gets rough; check conditions first.
Free familiesalpine lakewildflowers
Worth it
Silver Lake boardwalk loop, Brighton
A flat 0.9-mile loop on a boardwalk and smooth dirt around a mountain lake at the top of Big Cottonwood. Stroller-friendly, moose-friendly, and short enough for the shortest attention spans.
Our take
The fishing dock is a great turnaround snack spot; watch for moose at dawn and dusk.⚠️ Heads up: It is at 8,700 feet, so bring a layer even when the valley is baking.
Free familiesstroller-friendlylake
Worth it
Bonneville Shoreline Trail, East Bench
A mostly flat 3.5-mile stretch tracing the ancient Lake Bonneville shoreline, starting near the Natural History Museum of Utah and running behind This Is the Place Heritage Park. Valley views the whole way and no canyon drive required.
Our take
Do an out-and-back as long or short as your crew wants; it is easy to bail early.⚠️ Heads up: Little shade and it bakes midday in summer, so go early or near sunset.
Free familiesdogsviews
Lace up, beat the lot, and let the kids find the waterfall. The canyon is fifteen minutes away for a reason.
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