We understand that the winter is continuing for too long this year. But spring is just around the corner, and it will soon be time to indulge in some great outdoor activities. The mild spring weather in Utah County makes it ideal for outdoor activities with your family and friends. The County has some great hiking trails for people with different levels of physical ability.
PHOTO UnsplashIt is necessary to always prepare for your hike with some basic supplies like adequate water, a first-aid kit, insect repellent, enough food, and a flashlight. You should also ensure that you wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots and carry extra pairs of socks to save yourself from sore feet or blisters.
When you are hiking with your kids, the journey is more important than reaching your destination. So it’s okay if you have to turn around and head back due to some reason.
In our opinion, these are some of the best hikes in Utah valley that you can enjoy in the spring or summer.
Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is a short and family-friendly hike near the town of Payson along the Mount Nebo scenic byway. The hiking trail has some beautiful log bridges on the way, and the waterfall is surrounded on all sides by rock formations. It is a perfect place to cool off when the Payson temperature is rising rapidly in the summer.
The hike is just 0.6 miles to the fall and back and is very easy for kids or elderly people. The waterfall is perfect to visit between March to October, but you can also enjoy a winter hike to see the frozen waterfall.
Big East Lake
Big East Lake is the biggest of the three Payson Lakes, and the hike is perfect for people of all age groups. The trail is 1 mile long and loops around the entire lake. The Big East Lake offers beautiful views of the mountains around the lake and is one of the least crowded spots in comparison to the other lakes located in the valley.
Devil’s Kitchen Canyon
The Devil’s Kitchen is an interesting geological formation of red rocks located at the Payson Canyon. It is a short hike less than a quarter of a mile long, which passes through beautiful pine trees and aspens, offering you a view of the red rock formations. The vista will remind you of the canyons in southern Utah. The trail is properly paved and is accessible by wheelchair.
Silver Lake Trail
The Silver Lake trail starts at the Silver Lake Flat Reservoir and the surrounded by several peaks, such as Box Elder peak, White Baldy, and Twin Peaks. You can also see Mount Timpanogos at the backdrop of the lake. The 1.8 miles long trail is moderately difficult and perfect for hikers, bikers, and anglers.
Stewart Falls
Stewart Falls is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall more than 200 feet tall. The hike is known for the splendid views of the mountains and trees, especially the east side of Mount Timpanogos. The waterfall is tucked away near Sundance, and you can enjoy the hike in spring, summer, and fall.
The length of this moderate hike is approximately 3.5 miles both ways, and you will gain an elevation of 346 feet on this hike. To reach the starting point, you will have to head east on Highway 189 and then take a left toward Sundance Mountain resort. Once you pass the Sundance Nordic Centre, take a left towards Aspen Grove parking.
Bridal Veil Falls
The Bridal Veil Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located up the Provo Canyon and is accessible quite easily. The double-tiered waterfall is 607 feet high and drops into the Provo River. The trail is accessible throughout the year and is surprisingly crowded in winter by ice climbers climbing up the frozen waterfall.
The length of the hike is 1.4 miles to the waterfall and back and is quite easy. You can also find picnic areas near the trailhead, which are perfect for some family time. There is also a paved bike path near the trailhead.
Spring Creek Canyon Trail
Spring Creek Canyon trail offers breathtaking views of the Hobble Creek Canyon filled with wild roses, ferns, and aspen trees. Make sure that you wear sturdy hiking boots as the trail has some rocky portions and steep inclines.
The trail is a bit difficult, but the view at the end of the hike makes it worth it. You will gain an elevation of 1856 feet at the end of the trail, which is 5.2 miles to the end and back.
We hope that you find this information useful to plans some outdoor hikes in the spring or summer. Please check our other blog posts and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram so that we can keep providing helpful information to you.
