Easy Waterfall Hikes Salt Lake City: Top Trails for Families and Beginners

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Salt Lake City and its surrounding areas offer a variety of easy waterfall hikes suitable for families and beginners. These trails provide stunning views of cascading water, lush forests, and scenic mountain landscapes. From short walks to slightly longer treks, there’s a waterfall hike for every skill level near Salt Lake City. This guide will help you discover the best easy waterfall hikes in the area, complete with trail details, family-friendly options, and scenic highlights.

What Are the Most Accessible Waterfall Hikes Near Salt Lake City?

For those seeking easy waterfall hikes near Salt Lake City, several options stand out for their accessibility and beauty:

  1. Donut Falls
  2. Length: 1.5 miles roundtrip (3.3 miles in winter)
  3. Elevation Gain: 400 ft
  4. Difficulty: Easy
  5. Trailhead: Donut Falls Trailhead (summer) or Mill D Trailhead (winter)

Donut Falls is a family-friendly hike featuring a unique donut-shaped rock formation. The trail offers a gradual incline through wooded areas, with a rope assist for a small rock scramble near the creek.

  1. Lower Adams Canyon Waterfall
  2. Length: 1.0 mile roundtrip
  3. Elevation Gain: 250 ft
  4. Difficulty: Easy
  5. Trailhead: Directions available online

This short, sunny hike includes steep switchbacks in sandy terrain. While there’s limited shade until reaching the falls, the small but beautiful waterfall at the end makes it worthwhile.

  1. Bridal Veil Falls
  2. Length: 1.4 miles roundtrip
  3. Elevation Gain: 110 ft
  4. Difficulty: Easy (last 0.25 miles moderate)
  5. Trailhead: Bridal Veil park

Bridal Veil Falls is an iconic waterfall easily visible from the road. The trail is mostly paved, making it accessible for many visitors.

Which Waterfall Hikes Are Best for Families with Young Children?

easy waterfall hikes salt lake city

When hiking with young children, consider these family-friendly waterfall trails:

  1. Lisa Falls
  2. Length: 0.25 miles roundtrip
  3. Elevation Gain: Minimal
  4. Difficulty: Easy
  5. Trailhead: Near Gloria Falls trailhead

Lisa Falls offers a very short hike to a small waterfall, perfect for families with young children or those looking for a quick nature excursion.

  1. Mill B South Interpretive Trail
  2. Amenities: Restrooms available, paved trail
  3. Accessibility: Suitable for strollers and wheelchairs

This trail provides an educational experience along with its natural beauty, making it ideal for families looking to combine learning with outdoor adventure.

  1. Grotto Falls
  2. Seasonal Conditions: Best in spring
  3. Scenic Features: Shaded trees, stream crossings, grotto waterfall
  4. Difficulty: Easy and flat

Grotto Falls offers a flat, easy hike with multiple stream crossings, providing an engaging experience for children while remaining manageable for parents.

What Are the Most Scenic Waterfall Trails in the Salt Lake City Area?

For those seeking picturesque waterfall hikes, consider these options:

  1. Stewart Falls
  2. Seasonal Conditions: Best during spring and early summer
  3. Scenic Highlights: Beautiful aspen forest, mountain views
  4. Difficulty: Moderate

Stewart Falls offers a stunning combination of aspen forests and mountain scenery, with the waterfall being particularly impressive during high water seasons.

  1. Waterfall Canyon
  2. Seasonal Conditions: Best after heavy snow or early spring
  3. Scenic Features: Views of Ogden and the valley, steep rocky ascent
  4. Difficulty: Steep but rewarding

While more challenging, Waterfall Canyon provides unique views and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the falls.

Are There Any Short Waterfall Hikes Near Sandy, Utah?

While specific hikes in Sandy aren’t mentioned in the sources, nearby options include:

  1. Donut Falls (Big Cottonwood Canyon)
  2. Trailhead: Donut Falls Trailhead (summer) or Mill D Trailhead (winter)
  3. Parking: Available, but fills up quickly in summer

  4. Cost: Free access, no permits required

  5. Bridal Veil Falls (Provo Canyon)

  6. Trailhead: Bridal Veil park
  7. Parking: Ample parking in the park

  8. Cost: No fees mentioned

  9. Upper Falls (Provo Canyon)

  10. Trailhead: Further up Provo Canyon from Bridal Veil Falls
  11. Length: 0.6 miles roundtrip
  12. Elevation Gain: 324 ft
  13. Difficulty: Short but steep

What Should Hikers Know Before Attempting These Waterfall Trails?

Before embarking on these easy waterfall hikes near Salt Lake City, consider the following tips:

  1. Seasonal Variations:
  2. Spring and early summer often offer the best water flow.

  3. Some trails may be inaccessible or require different access points in winter.

  4. Trail Conditions:

  5. Many trails involve some rocky or uneven terrain.

  6. Some hikes, like Donut Falls, include areas that may require scrambling or use of ropes.

  7. Accessibility:

  8. While many trails are family-friendly, not all are suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

  9. Check trail descriptions for specific accessibility information.

  10. Parking and Facilities:

  11. Popular trails like Donut Falls can have limited parking, especially on weekends.

  12. Not all trailheads have restroom facilities or picnic areas.

  13. Safety Precautions:

  14. Wear appropriate footwear for potentially slippery conditions near waterfalls.
  15. Stay on designated trails and be cautious around water, especially with children.

By considering these factors, hikers can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on Salt Lake City’s easy waterfall trails.

References:

  1. Amanda Outside: 16 Waterfall Hikes Near Salt Lake City [MAPPED]
  2. Lost with Lydia: 10+ of the Best Hikes Near Salt Lake City
  3. Utah’s Adventure Family: Easy Waterfall Hikes in Utah

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