Highlights of Family-Oriented Attractions in Southern Utah
Discovering the Wonders of Utah: Family-Friendly Hikes in Zion, Bryce, and Arches National Parks
Embark on a family adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Utah, as we explore some of the most family-friendly hikes in Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Parks.
Zion National Park
Your journey begins in Zion, home to a variety of hikes that cater to families. The Windows Loop & Turret Arch Trail, a 1.2-mile busy trail, offers unique and beautiful sights, including chances to see wildlife.
For families seeking a more leisurely stroll, the Emerald Pools Trail is a great choice. This trail features lower, middle, and upper pools, with the lower section being flat and easy, making it suitable for families with children. The full trail varies between 1.5 to 3 miles, with some moderate uphill sections near the upper pools, but it is generally accessible and scenic.
Another easy trail is the Canyon Overlook Trail, about 1 mile long with only 187 feet of elevation gain, ending with spectacular views. The Pa’rus Trail is a largely flat, 3.5-mile roundtrip trail that runs along the canyon floor and the Virgin River, making it great for kids, including strollers and bikes. The Riverside Walk is a paved, easy trail that follows the Virgin River and can serve as the entry point for many families to The Narrows hike.
Bryce Canyon National Park
In Bryce Canyon, the Rim Canyon Trail is a 10.7-mile moderate hike, recommended for families in most seasons.
Arches National Park
Arches is another park filled with family-friendly hikes. The Windows Loop Trail offers stunning views of several arches, while the Balanced Rock Trail is an easy, short loop around the iconic Balanced Rock. For older children, the Devils Garden Trail (to Landscape Arch) is a moderate hike, about 1.6 miles one-way to the famous Landscape Arch.
Camping and Rentals
For those looking to extend their stay, consider camping at the Zion National Park Campground & RV resort outside the park, or the Zion South Campground inside the park. Both offer rustic camping facilities. If you're planning a road trip, consider booking a campervan from the Salt Lake City Utah campervan rental location to start your journey in Southern Utah.
Exploring Utah
Over a long weekend, we scratched the surface of what Southern Utah offers. From the stunning drive into Zion National Park from the east entrance, to the breathtaking views of Bryce Canyon on a snowy Thanksgiving day, this trip was an unforgettable family adventure. Despite the packed itinerary, there's still so much more to discover.
[1] Zion National Park Official Website [2] Bryce Canyon National Park Official Website [3] Arches National Park Official Website [4] AllTrails - Zion National Park Trails [5] AllTrails - Bryce Canyon National Park Trails [6] AllTrails - Arches National Park Trails
- Embracing the spirit of outdoor-living, our electric vehicles, ideal for a road trip, grant us the freedom to explore Utah's national parks.
- The Windows Loop & Turret Arch Trail in Zion National Park, presenting a wealth of adventure for families, is a must-experience element of our travel lifestyle.
- Camping at the Zion National Park Campground & RV resort provides an opportunity to immerse ourselves deeper in the family-friendly hikes and home-and-garden vistas of the region.
- Our journey through Utah serves as a unique testament to the bonding power of family-dynamics, as we create relationships and memories while traversing the road trip with our cars.
- As we delve further into Bryce Canyon National Park, the Rim Canyon Trail captivates us with its moderate path, perfect for family exploration.
- At Arches National Park, the Devils Garden Trail (to Landscape Arch) offers an escalation in our adventure, providing older children with a challenging yet rewarding hike.
- Involving our kids in the planning and preparation of this travel itinerary further strengthens our home-and-garden dynamics, enriching our outdoor-living experience as a family.
