Are you from a place where fall exists? Oh I hope so!! This week officially launched us into a new season +I can honestly tell you that this is our favorite time to dive into the beauty in our own backyard! The perfect time to soak up the beautiful hikes Utah has to offer. The temperatures are cool + crisp, all the leaves are starting to change colors. They call this place beUTAHful for a reason!! The trick is finding ones that set your kids up for success as well.
GP: pullover | hiking boots |sunglasses
JUAN: hat| crewneck | joggers | boots
RIGG: hiking boots | socks
JACK: shorts | beanie | boots
Two key players for hiking with kids. SKITTLES + comfortable Hiking boots or shoes. I look for something waterproof + something broken in. Packing light + bringing layers. Doesn’t that sound like a contradiction? Not for BACKCOUNTRY. The most reliable shop for outdoor family gear! I’d also say find an old school compass that is only out when you’re hiking. We only have one + the boys get so jazzed when it’s their turn to lead!
We have gotten our money worth on this Thule Baby Carrier! Rigg has taken his fair share of rides in here + it’s much more comfortable for any of the kids if they get tired from hiking. Way easier than carrying them on your back. It stands on it’s own once you set it down + also has lots of storage space for waters, snacks, wipes, sunscreen, etc.
I’m not a huge planner, so I’m usually needing something day of or next day (thank you overnight shipping) when it comes to gear or food. 🙂 A huge perk of living local SLC – are the Backcountry pick up options. They will pull your order for you if you call or hop on with a gear head after you place it! Otherwise it all ships within 2 days! Their customer experience gurus are legit the besssst company I’ve ever partnered with. We were fortunate enough for them to give you all an ongoing promo code!! So you can dress/gear up your crew for your fall/winter activities at a cheaper price. Keep in mind they have alllll kinds of outdoor gear.
Use code : GINGER for 15% off your first backcountry order. *exclusions apply
Hiking with kids is no joke. Don’t be fooled by the pictures, the boys still complain. But for whatever reason carrying a pocket full of skittles really eleviates a big part of the complaining. TRY IT!! Wanted to share a few of our favorite hikes that made it back to our #PARRISHFAMBUCKETLIST.
5 KID FRIENDLY HIKES IN UTAH TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST:
FARMINGTON POND TRAIL AKA PARRISH NEVERLAND :
I have never been here when it’s crowded. I’m hoping this post doesn’t send the masses, but I absolutely loveeeee the overgrown trees + calm feeling it has. I’ve shared this book reading picnic spot on our instagram. It has a small trail you can walk up alongside the river + plenty of nooks to hang hammocks or read books or feed the ducks. There’s a rope swing the boys love to play on + plenty of hungry ducks to feed. We plan to invest in some smaller paddleboards + try to make it to the other side without falling in. If you live in or around Davis County add it to your bucket list. I betcha a bag of sour patch kids you won’t be disappointed.
SILVER LAKE BIG COTTONWOOD:
I’ve visited here in each of the seasons. Fall is beeeautiful. The drive up to it is even remarkable. Bring your big camera! The views are unreal + lots of times there’s even a moose or two hanging out. There’s a planked walking path almost all the way around the lake. It’s all flat + even. I even see people bringing strollers, not sure I would because there is a small part that there isn’t a trail, but is totally doable. Have you ever taken yours? We’ve done scooters, but that kinda stressed me out. I’d suggest a scavenger hunt or game to play while you walk. Or go on a date night sans kids 🙂 That’s always a win! There are TONS of trail heads that you can find around the lake if you’re feeling up to something more.
DONUT FALLS :
Probably one of the most popular hikes people talk about in Utah, and for good reason. It’s only about 1 mile each way + is super easy hiking, with a wide trail for half of it. The waterfall at the top is beautiful!! People climb up to the top of the waterfall to complete the hike, but with kids I would not recommend this. Please make sure the water isn’t too high or moving too fast.
Right before you get to the waterfall there is a small hike down on rocks you have to do. It’s super short + most of the time they’re lots of people there to help! I would recommend carrying or wearing your babies. You will also cross a 2 foot long river, but it is only a couple inches deep. Wear shoes that you don’t mind get wet. You can usually spot out rocks to walk across so this isn’t really even an issue. Once you crossed that small river crossing you’ve made it!
ADAMS CANYON :
We haven’t been up there since the fire, I’m nervous about it. WE LOVE this canyon. Especially around the 4th of july when the flags are up. We had a devastating fire blow through here last week + I haven’t seen how things are shaping up there. This is normally one of the most spectacular fall trails to do with kids. Try to go during the week if possible, it tends to get more busy on the weekend.
This is another hike that goes to a beautiful waterfall in Layton (Davis County). This hike is a little more difficult than Donut Falls + I would recommend having a carrier for young tired prone hikers. The switchbacks at the beginning are a little steep and can be tiresome on little legs. That’s the steepest part of the hike, but there’s still a lot of uphill left. Some of the spots can get a little rocky – – – both of our older boys haven’t had a problem though.
BLOODS LAKE :
This is located just off the Guardsman Pass Overlook (Big Cottonwood Canyon) Parking lot is located on your left. This is a great hike for kids because it is so short, so you get the reward of the lake early on. It can be steep going down though so I would recommend walking sticks (ask Rigg if you need to find a good one) + a good pair of hiking shoes for kids. It may be short, but it’s supppper pretty. This is a great Sunday afternoon picnic spot + the boys would stay all night throwing rocks into the lake if we let them.
I hope one of these hikes helps you unplug + get outside together as a family. The more you do it, the less they complain. AND depending on how tired they are before we even start. But my advice is to KEEP GOING. Keep finding ways to get outside. Let the kiddos in on your brainstorming session or let them lead the songs on the trail. Believe it or not I haven’t always been outdoorsy. But the more I see their little minds light up at the most simple things the more determined I am to disconnect + plug into these special boys that mean the most to me! Happy Fall, YALL!
We love you! xx
this post is sponsored by Backcountry. I am partnering with Backcountry to keep encouraging you to get outside and find your backcountry, wherever that may be. Use code GINGER for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com! *exclusions apply
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