Emerald Pools: Zions National Park

Difficulty: Easy

2 miles round

This is a very easy hike in the Zions National Park. It is one of the most popular hikes due to it's ease, beauty, and the fact that it is right across the street from the only lodge located within the parks boundaries. We did this hike the night we arrived, to stretch our legs after being in the car all day. It's a great little hike and perfect if you're hiking with little ones.

Denny Creek Water Slides

Difficulty: Easy

2 Miles round trip

Northwest Forest Pass

This is one of my all-time favorite hikes to take kids on. It's short, it's easy, the drive isn't too long to get there and you get to play in the water. Who could ask for a better little people hike? 

Coal Creek Falls

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 6 Mile Loop

Hiking on Cougar Mountain, which is where you will find Coal Creek Falls, is like hiking on a complicated spider web: there is a labyrinth of over 36 miles of trail to explore. It's best to either map out your route before you go, or if they are available grab a map at the trailhead, so you will not be putting in a lot of hiking time trying to get yourself back to your car. If you have the time there are also some old mine shafts you can see, and an old mine cave. It's closed to going inside, but still cool to look at. The trails up here are very well maintained and super easy to hike on, all you have to do is decide how adventurous you want to be and how many miles you want to log.

Twin Falls

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3 Miles

Discovery Pass Required

This hike is short, easy and beautiful. It's perfect on those days the kids are getting antsy in the summer time and need something to workout some energy. 

Annette Lake

Difficulty: Moderate
8 miles round trip
Northwest Forest Pass Required

A very nice waterfall right out of the gate on this hike. This hike starts out pretty easy, with gradual climbs. After about 1/2 mile or so, you cross over the Iron Horse Trail and things start to get a little more steep. You will climb pretty high for a couple of miles and then the trail evens out and opens up a bit. Once you have reached this point, the trail will eventually start descending into the lake.

Tolmie Peak

Difficulty: Moderate
5 1/2 miles Round Trip
National Park Day Use Fee Area

This was one of our more memorable hiking trips. When we first started out Jeff, our son, wasn't really feeling the love that day, but by the time we got done he was super glad he came with us. This hike has just about everything. A beautiful waterfall, a great lake to eat lunch by and cool off on a hot day, and one of the most amazing views of Mt. Rainier ever. I would totally recommend this hike!

Spray Falls

Difficulty: Moderate
4 miles round trip
National Park Day Use Fee Area

This is a very easy fun hike to do if you have kids in tow. There are a few climbs here and there but for the most part the trail is pretty level and very well maintained. You will pass several small waterfalls along your way to your destination of Spray Falls. For the best view, cross the river. This is a great place to watch the water cascading down the rocks while eating your lunch.