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Southern Utah is an outdoor lover’s paradise with adventures for everyone. Whether you’re wanting to slide into a tight slot canyon, find a waterfall amidst a desert oasis, scale sandstone cliffs or explore Dr. Seuss-like rock formations this part of the state has it all. While there’s no shortage of “epic” when it comes to hikes in Southern Utah, finding the right ones that you can take your kiddos on can be a little more of a challenge. Here is a list of our favorite adventure driven hikes around Southern Utah that the kiddos will love and we feel pretty confident that parents will too. I’ve explored the trails of Southern Utah with my kids for years, so I’ve got some serious firsthand experience about which hikes in Southern Utah are kid-friendly. Trust me, I’ve put in the mileage here…literally! The Best Hikes in Southern Utah for Kids Here is a list of our favorite adventure driven hikes around Southern Utah that the kiddos will love and we feel pretty confident that parents will too. ;-) ZION NATIONAL PARK 1. Riverside Walk 2. The Narrows 3. Lower Pine Creek Falls 4. Canyon Overlook 5. Emerald Pool 6. Clear Creek KOLOB CANYONS/TERRACE 7. Lambs Knoll 8. Taylor Creek 9. Timber Creek Overlook 10. Northgate Peaks KANAB AREA 11. Kanab Sand Caves 12. Squaw Trail 13. Wire Pass 14. Toadstools 15. The Nautilus SNOW CANYON 16. Jenny’s Canyon 17. Scout Cave 18. Johnson’s Canyon 19. Petrified Dunes KANARRAVILLE 20. Kanarra Falls 21. Spring Creek Canyon ORDERVILLE 22. Belly of the Dragon 23. Red Hollow RED CLIFFS RESERVE 24. Red Reef Trail 25. Babylon Arch OTHER AREAS IN SOUTHERN UTAH 26. Yant Flat (Dixie National Forest) 27. Water Canyon (Canaan Mountain/Hildale) 28. Cascade Falls (Duck Creek) 29. Hidden Haven (Brian Head) 30. Ramparts Trail (Cedar Breaks) 31. Ashdown Gorge (Cedar Canyon) 1. RIVERSIDE WALK - Main Canyon, Zion National Park TRAIL STATS Beginner 2.5 miles round trip Minimal elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This is a perfect hike as an intro to hiking in Zion with kids . To get there, take the shuttle all the way through the park (35 mins) and get a wonderful scenic view of the canyon. When you start hiking, you can choose the paved trail or the sand trail that runs parallel to it and is usually less crowded. The kiddos will love that they can play in the river and explore and climb around the trail. The end of this hike is the start of The Narrows. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR RIVERSIDE WALK 2. THE NARROWS - Main Canyon, Zion National Park TRAIL STATS Advanced 9 miles total, but you can turn around whenever you want 300 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS If you are visiting Zion National Park in the summer with kids who love to hike and who love water then The Narrows is a hike that should be at the very top of your list. Such a great way to beat the intense summer heat, The Narrows is an amazing slot canyon hike that will take your breath away around every turn. The full hike is 9 miles round trip but you can just hike until everyone is ready to turn around. Note: The Narrows hike is closed when the river is flowing too fast. Always check conditions on the Zion NPS site , and don’t hike The Narrows during or after heavy rain because of the possibility of flash floods. CLICK HERE FOR O UR TOP 10 TIPS FOR HIKING THE NARROWS WITH KIDS 3. LOWER PINE CREEK FALLS - Main Canyon, Zion National Park TRAIL STATS Intermediate 1 mile round trip Minimal elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Lower Pine Creek Falls is a great trail to get away from the crowds in Zion and also an excellent way to cool off in the heat of the summer. It’s less than a mile round trip hike to get to the picturesque pond and 15-foot waterfall, but it is a true adventure with some stream hopping, boulder climbing and sketchy ledges. Warning, once you get to the waterfall you might never want to leave! If you go in the summer bring swimsuits for the kids. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO LOWER PINE CREEK FALLS   4. CANYON OVERLOOK - East Side, Zion National Park TRAIL STATS Beginner/Intermediate 1.25 miles round trip 157 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This family-friendly trail on the east side of Zion features big horn sheep sightings, caves (kinda) and one of the most breathtaking views in the park. It almost feels like cheating to get views like this with such an easy hike. At about a mile round trip, Canyon Overlook is great for families, and there is only some slight elevation gain. It is important to keep a close eye on the kiddos though, since this trail has lots of steep drop offs especially at the overlook.  CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO CANYON OVERLOOK     5. EMERALD POOLS - Main Canyon, Zion National Park TRAIL STATS Intermediate Lower Pool: 1 mile round trip/Middle Pool: 1.25 miles round trip/Upper Pool: 2.5 miles round trip 620 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS One of the most popular hikes in the park, this trail is located right across from the Zion Lodge. The hike takes you to three gorgeous pools, and the waterfalls and stream along the way make this hike super fun for kids. You can also take the  Kayenta Trail on your way back to get some different views. Local tip: Swimming is not allowed in the pools, so there’s no need to bring your swimsuits. 6. CLEAR CREEK - East Side, Zion National Park TRAIL STATS Beginner/Intermediate No set distance, you can hike as little or as much as you want Elevation gain varies  TRAIL DETAILS Clear Creek does not have an actual starting point or end point, so you can choose your own adventure. As you drive along Route 9 on the upper east side of Zion, you will see the dry creek bed down below. Simply pick a spot to pull off and go exploring! I recommend pulling over at the Many Pools trailhead. The kids will totally love all the areas to run and play here. Local tip:  Please respect the landscape and do NOT let your kids draw on the canyon walls! CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO CANYON OVERLOOK   7. LAMBS KNOLL - Kolob Terrace TRAIL STATS Beginner 1/2 mile round trip Minimal elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Lambs Knoll is an area along Kolob Terrace Road that is popular for rock climbing and canyoneering, but you can keep it easy to explore this super fun area with kids. The hike is short and leads you to a small and tight slot canyon that is a huge hit with the kiddos. There are picnic tables here, so you can make it into a fun half day adventure by bringing lunch or dinner. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR LAMBS KNOLL 8. TAYLOR CREEK - Kolob Canyons TRAIL STATS Intermediate 5.5 miles round trip 620 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS The kiddos will love that you are walking along a small stream for the majority of this hike, which is especially nice in the summer. The trail is really lovely, and the cool double arch alcove at the end is a great spot to stop for lunch and snacks before turning back. There are also two historic cabins along the trail that are interesting to look around and peak in. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR TAYLOR CREEK 9. TIMBER CREEK OVERLOOK - Kolob Canyons TRAIL STATS Beginner/Intermediate 1 mile round trip 255 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Timber Creek Overlook is a sandy and flat trail with a few short rocky hills. The hike is short and keeps the kids engaged along the way. It’s really the perfect quick hike with kids to experience the beautiful sandstone cliffs of Kolob Canyon…the views on this hike are stunning! 10. NORTHGATE PEAKS -  Kolob Terrace TRAIL STATS Beginner/Intermediate 4.5 miles round trip 100 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This hike goes along a flat ponderosa forest and through wildflower meadows for 2 miles. Although this can get a little boring for the kiddos, the trail eventually rewards you with beautiful and unique views of Zion peaks and backcountry canyons. This is the area of Zion that most people don't see, and it's really worth it to get off the beaten path. Local tip: August is an especially gorgeous time to hike this trail on Kolob Terrace, since that’s when the many wildflowers will be in full bloom along the trail.  CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR NORTHGATE PEAKS 11. MOQUI CAVERNS/KANAB SAND CAVES - Kanab, UT TRAIL STATS Intermediate 0.25 miles round trip Elevation gain is just the scrambling up the wall to the caves TRAIL DETAILS The Kanab Sand Caves are located 10 minutes outside of Kanab, and it is such a fun hike with kids to scramble up to these cool caves. These man-made caves were used to harvest sand for glass production in the 1970s. Crazy, right? The quarter mile round trip hike to the caves is easy and family friendly. You will have to scale up a sand stone wall for a very short distance, which can be a bit slippery and difficult for both kids and adults, so make sure you have good traction on your shoes. Shoes with good traction are a must! There are steep drop off ledges at the caves so keep a close eye on your kiddos. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO THE SAND CAVES 12. SQUAW TRAIL - Kanab, UT TRAIL STATS Intermediate 3 miles round trip 600 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This short but steep trail is located right in the town of Kanab and is perfect for a morning or evening hike with the kiddos. You might have to encourage them on the steep uphill section, but it’s totally worth it to experience gorgeous views of Kanab from above. CHECK OUT THIS BLOG POST FOR MANY MORE REASONS TO VISIT KANAB 13. WIRE PASS - Outside Kanab TRAIL STATS Intermediate 3.7 miles round trip 180 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Wire Pass Trail is an awesome escape to a slot canyon about an hour east of Kanab off a bumpy dirt road. It’s a great hike that feels like an adventure yet is totally doable for families. Everyone will enjoy exploring in the deep narrows and taking in the quiet solitude and beauty of the wavy red rock walls. You can also make the hike a little bit longer and explore the beautiful Buckskin Gulch slot canyon, too. Note:  Permits ($6/person) are required for day use in this area. You should purchase your Wire Pass permits on recreation.gov  before you arrive because cell service is spotty here. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR WIRE PASS TRAIL 14. TOADSTOOLS - Outside Kanab TRAIL STATS Beginner 1.8 miles round trip 141 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS  This is truly one of the most fun hikes in Southern Utah for kids! The easy trail will take you to an area filled with rock formations and hoodoos that seriously look just like toadstools. Running from toadstool to toadstool and playing hide and go seek kept my kiddos entertained for hours. In fact, my kiddos loved this hike so much that we came back to the Toadstools again just a few weeks after our first visit. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR THE TOADSTOOLS 15. THE NAUTILUS - Outside Kanab TRAIL STATS Beginner 0.9 miles Minimal elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Another total hit with the kiddos is The Nautilus, just outside Kanab near Page, AZ. This short hike brings you to a unique swirly white rock formation. The formation is named "The Nautilus" because when you hike down into the formation, it spirals around, giving you the feeling you are exploring a large mollusk seashell. You can even sit on your bum and slide down, which my kiddos thought was the coolest thing ever! Adults will love The Nautilus, too, because it’s absolutely stunning. I adored the light inside the mollusk-like formation, with ripples of yellow stripes running through the white rock. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR THE NAUTILUS 16. JENNY’S CANYON - Snow Canyon State Park TRAIL STATS Beginner 0.5 miles round trip Minimal elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Jenny’s Canyon is a short, sandy walk to a quaint yet magnificent slot canyon. It’s honestly lovely to run your fingertips along the soft red walls of the canyon, and it offers a cool refuge from the hot desert summers. This trail is less than a half mile round trip walk and is lightly trafficked throughout the day,, so it’s a good place to get away from the crowds on some of the more well-known hikes in Southern Utah. CHECK OUT THIS BLOG POST FOR MORE ABOUT VISITING SNOW CANYON STATE PARK 17. SCOUT CAVE - Snow Canyon State Park TRAIL STATS Intermediate 3.5 miles round trip 500 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This mostly flat trail takes you through a lava flow and along a really pretty creek bed with lots of trees and desert vegetation. Near the end of the hike, you will climb a set of stairs and then a rocky path leads you up and into the cave.The views of the St George Valley from up here are beautiful and totally worth the short climb (although it might not be the best for young children). It’s not a super big cave but seriously, who doesn’t love a good cave? CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR SCOUT CAVE 18. JOHNSON’S CANYON - Snow Canyon State Park TRAIL STATS Beginner 1.7 miles round trip 154 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Johnson’s Canyon starts from the same trailhead as Scout Cave, and it’s a really nice hike to combine the two. The trail starts through the same lava flow and creek bed as Scout Cave, and then you continue straight instead of branching off. You’ll hike through the canyon and then get an awesome view of the 200 foot Johnson’s Arch. Note: Johnson’s Canyon Trail is closed seasonally from March 15-September 14 for turtle conservation. 19. PETRIFIED DUNES - Snow Canyon State Park TRAIL STATS Beginner/Intermediate 1.2 miles round trip 216 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This short trail is very family-friendly and packed with incredible views. The petrified sand dunes are essentially massive hills of Navajo sandstone that surround you. You can wander wherever you want, and kiddos especially love the freedom to run around here. Although there are some uneven surfaces and steep hills,  the dunes are pretty easy to navigate, so this hike is a fantastic family outing in Southern Utah. 20. KANARRA FALLS - Kanarraville, UT TRAIL STATS Advanced 4.4 miles round trip 692 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS A stunning slot canyon where you climb a ladder in the midst of a magical waterfall. Yes, please! This trail is 4.4 miles round trip and about as photogenic as they come with vibrant green trees and stunning slot canyons that will leave you speechless. There is a decent amount of rock scrambling and the beginning of the trail is a bit boring but keep going, it's worth it! If you can make it to the first slot canyon (about 1.5 miles in) with the kiddos I call that a win! Note: A permit ($15/person) is required to hike to Kanarra Falls. You can purchase permits at the trailhead kiosk, but permits are limited to 200 each day, so it’s better to buy online here  if you want to guarantee that you get them. CLICK HERE FOR F ULL HIKING DETAILS TO KANARRA FALLS 21. SPRING CREEK CANYON - Kanarraville, UT TRAIL STATS Intermediate/Advanced 5.3 miles round trip 761 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Spring Creek is an excellent alternative to Kanarra Falls if you want to avoid the crowds (and permits). The first mile of the trail is a bit boring, but once you reach the towering sandstone cliffs, it will take your breath away!! You’ll head deep into the canyon for an amazing Southern Utah red rock experience. The slot canyon never narrows too much, so it’s totally doable with kids, although the little ones might have more of a challenge. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR SPRING CREEK CANYON 22. Belly Of The Dragon - Orderville, UT TRAIL STATS Beginner 0.5 miles round trip Minimal elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS A  short hike through a manmade tunnel is the highlight of this unique, family-friendly trail located just 20 miles east of Zion National Park. The cave-like tunnel/Belly of the Dragon was originally created as a water culvert under HWY89 but over time drainage from upper canyon water flow has carved the sandstone walls and created a beautiful rippling tunnel prime for exploring. This is such a great adventure with kids so bring the whole family and have some fun. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO BELLY OF THE DRAGON 23. RED HOLLOW - Orderville, UT TRAIL STATS Beginner 1 mile round trip 157 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Red Hollow Canyon is such a good easy slot canyon for beginners and kids. From the trailhead, you’ll head through a sandy wash while you’re surrounded by a mix of white and red sandstone which is just gorgeous. Soon the canyon will narrow into the slot canyon, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the breathtaking red walls.   24. RED REEF TRAIL - Red Cliffs Desert Reserve TRAIL STATS Beginner 3 miles round trip 219 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This trail is a fan favorite. It is a short 3-mile round trip hike with very little elevation gain, lots of cool spots for playing and exploring along the trail and the rock climbing rope area near the end makes the hike feel truly adventurous. If you choose to climb the rocks to the upper section with a small child on your back we recommend using a soft carrier. This will keep your center of gravity more even. There is a seasonal waterfall that runs in the spring but this hike is great any time of year.  CLICK HERE FOR F ULL HIKING DETAILS TO RED REEF TRAIL 25. BABYLON ARCH - Red Cliffs Desert Reserve TRAIL STATS Beginner/Intermediate 2.9 miles round trip 331 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Epic views, an epic sandhill, and an epic arch make this trail such a fun adventure with kids. At 2.9 miles round trip, The only issue is the trail isn't as well marked as it could be, and the arch can be a little hard to find. Take a gps with you to make sure you stay on the trail if this is your first time.  CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO BABYLON ARCH   26. YANT FLATS - Dixie National Forest TRAIL STATS Intermediate 3.4 miles round trip 337 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS The other wordly Yant Flats begins with a short 1.5-mile hike through the woods before reaching open terrain of swirling smooth rock formations that spill out for miles. The landscape can be steep at times, and there are cliffs to be aware of, but the sticky rock will allow kids to adventure across much of the area with a little hand holding from mom & dad. Beware that the road getting out to Yant Flat is an 8-mile bumpy dirt road. It is a pretty intense drive if you are not used to dirt roads.    CLICK HERE FOR F ULL HIKING DETAILS TO YANT FLAT   27. WATER CANYON - Cannan Mountain Wilderness TRAIL STATS Advanced 4.25 miles round trip 500 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This hidden gem of a hike located just outside of Hildale, UT has a shallow year-round creek and a rocky waterfall oasis at the end. You can venture on past the waterfall, but this isn’t advised with young kids. At 3.5 miles round trip the trail can be a little more advanced due to the moderate elevation gain and tricky rock scrambling.  CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO WATER CANYON 28. CASCADE FALLS - Duck Creek Village TRAIL STATS Beginner/Intermediate 1.2 miles round trip 150 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This short hike still delivers stunning views overlooking Zion National Park and a waterfall! Cascade Falls is a rare type of waterfall that starts in Navajo Lake, drains through a lava tube, flows straight out of a cave on the side of a mountain, and cascades down steep cliffs into the Virgin River. The gravel path is lined with stairs and benches where you can rest with the kiddos during the steeper parts. This is a family-friendly hike, but keep your little ones close. The gravel tends to be slippery, and there are some steep drop-offs to watch out for.  CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS FOR CASCADE FALLS 29. HIDDEN HAVEN - Brian Head, UT TRAIL STATS Intermediate/Advanced 1.2 miles round trip 275 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS Hidden Haven is one of the best waterfall hikes in southern Utah , and it’s fairly family friendly. But flooding has washed out parts of the trail so now it can be a little sketchier in places. The trail follows a creek for a while along a mostly shady trail. Soon you’ll start hiking over rocks with a bit of minor scrambling. Keep an eye on your kids here and be ready to lend a hand in the tricky sections. Finally,  you’ll come to the end where you’ll esperience the unique sight of water flowing down the blocky, angular rocks of Hidden Haven. Local tip: Do this hike in the spring if you want to see the waterfall flowing. 30. RAMPARTS TRAIL - Cedar Breaks National Monument TRAIL STATS Intermediate/Advanced 4 miles round trip 393 feet elevation gain TRAIL DETAILS This trail heads along the South Rim of Cedar Breaks National Monument, also known as the“Circle of the Painted Cliffs.” You’ll hit the Spectra Viewpoint at about 1 mile in, and the Ramparts Viewpoint after 2 miles. Both overlooks offer amazing views of the naturally-formed rock coliseum and its colorful arches and hoodoos. Keep in mind that the trail heads down to the viewpoints, so you might have to encourage the kiddos a little more on the way back up. 31. ASHDOWN GORGE TRAIL STATS Intermediate Go in as far as you want. 2 miles to the waterfalls TRAIL DETAIL If you’re looking for things to do in Cedar City, Utah, you can’t beat Ashdown Gorge…especially if you're trying to beat the heat in Southern Utah ! Ashdown Gorge is a wonderful hike through a canyon along a creek where you can cool off. There’s even a fun waterfall to splash in. While the whole hike is 10 miles one way (it goes all the way to Cedar Breaks), most people make this an 8.8 mile out and back to the where the canyon opens up. You can also choose to turn around at any time if the kiddos get tired. Ashdown Gorge is located outside of Cedar City off of Highway 14 up Cedar Canyon, so it’s a good place to get away from the crowds in Zion. Tips for Hikes in Southern Utah with Kids Plan for trails to take longer with the kiddos than estimates you might find online. Going slow, especially on the more advanced hikes, is usually the way to go. Bring lots of snacks and water! These are essential not only for keeping everyone fueled and hydrated, but yummy snacks also make great motivation when the kiddos are complaining. :) Packing a sack lunch is also a good idea on the longer hikes, and many of these trails have lovely spots for a lunch break. Don’t forget sun protection –sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc. The desert sun is no joke, and you definitely don’t want to ruin your family trip to Southern Utah because the kiddos get sunburned. Always keep an eye on the weather! If it’s a hot day, you’ll want to seek the shady trails, but if rain is in the forecast, you should not go into the canyons. You can also avoid the heat by getting an early start in the morning. We hope you have such a great time hiking your way though Zion and Southern Utah. Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here   CLICK HERE FOR RELATED BLOG POSTS

Kanarra Falls was once considered a hidden secret but not anymore. The stunning slot canyons and waterfalls make this hike about as photogenic as it comes and with all those amazing pictures posted all over social media, this hike has become a destination spot for many travelers visiting Zion + Southern Utah. Even if you aren't the only one on the trail, this really is a hike you don't want to miss when visiting Southern Utah. Bring the family and make a day of it. You will be making memories that will last a lifetime while hiking Kanarra Falls, Utah with kids. FEE + Permit Info $15 permit per person is required. You can get one online CLICK HERE to get your permit online . 200 people a day will be able to get a permit so best to get one ahead of time online to make sure you get the permit needed to access the hike. Once summer hits these permits go fast. Hiking distance for Kanarra Falls Kanarra Falls is 4 miles round trip but it is only a little over 2 miles round trip to get to the first waterfall and ladder. This is where I usually turn around when hiking Kanarra Falls with kids. Difficulty of hiking Kannara Falls with kids This trail has a little elevation gain in the beginning as you walk up the dirt road but it levels out quickly. There are ups and downs, some rock scrambling and lots of walking in water, but for the most part, this is a family-friendly hike. Walking in the water and maneuvering up around and over obstacles will be the most difficult and intimidating for kids. Kids may also need help with the metal ladder and climbing boulders. The water at Kanarra Falls is very cold for little feet (see footwear recommendation below). Depending on your pace and how far you go, this trail could take anywhere from 2-4 hours to hike. Location of Kannara Falls Kannara Falls is located in the small town of Kanarraville, UT, just 15 minutes south of Cedar City and 1-hour north-west of Zion. Click here for map and directions from your location. Trail Details for Hiking Kanarra Falls This trail starts out on a dirt road for about 1/2 mile as you head towards Kanarra Canyon. Once the dirt road ends, you will follow a dirt path going back and forth along a small stream. Eventually, you will be required to hike in the stream. A little over a mile in you will come to a waterfall. Just about 10 to 15 minutes past the waterfall is the famous and beautiful slot canyon....it is amazing you guys!!! Just a short hike through the slot canyon and you will come to a waterfall with a ladder to climb up. The new metal ladder that was installed a few years ago makes the climb up fairly safe. Kids may need a little help. Once at the top, you will soon come to a large boulder and waterfall to climb. Kids will require assistance here as well. Past this section, you will follow the stream up for much more beauty and fun.....or so that is what I hear. We usually only make it a short way past the first waterfall. Go as far as you want and then turn around and go back the way you came. I have only hiked to the 2nd ladder. I don't think the end of the trail is too far past the 2nd ladder. Scroll down for tips and additional information. Top Gear Recommendation for hiking Kanarra Falls with kids I didn't want to give my kiddos any additional reasons to complain on my recent hike to Kanarra falls with my kiddos so we rented water shoes and neoprene sock from Zion Adventure Company in Springdale. The boots were amazing and kept our feet at the perfect temperature. I highly recommend renting water boots when hiking Kanarra Falls with kids. WHAT TO WEAR + BRING WITH YOU HIKING CLOTHES  - Wear comfortable, light and breathable clothes if visiting in the summer. If visiting in the spring/fall, bring a light jacket. Chances are it will warm up mid-day. SUNSCREEN  - Always take sunscreen with your wherever you go in the desert! HAT & SUNGLASSES  - The sun is intense. Having a hat and sunglasses is a must. SNACKS, AND LOTS OF WATER  - Always hike with snacks and plenty of water HIKING DAY PACK  - You will want a small backpack to carry snacks, water, camera & phone. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO At the end of August, I did this hike by myself. The water was very cold, but it was manageable. I went on a weekday morning and beat the crowds (if there are crowds on a weekday at the end of August?). I made it about 15 minutes past the 1st ladder. This took me about 1 1/2 hours going at a fast pace. We did this trail with the kids (2, 5,8) and some friends, with a 4 and ten yr old, at the end of October. We should have brought jackets for the kids because it got very cold once we were in the shaded slot canyon. Hiking in the cold water was hard for the younger kids. The 10-year-old seemed to do great. If we try something like this again, I will look into neoprene socks or even rain boots to keep the kid's feet dry. We made it up past the ladder and then turned around. The hike took us about 3 hours. For adults wear hiking boots with good traction that can get wet, hiking sandals work too in the middle of the summer when the water isn't as cold. Bring plenty of snacks and water. This trail gets very hot in the summer so make sure you have enough water for everyone you are hiking with. I always recommend going first thing in the morning or later in the day to beat the crowds. This will definitely be the best way to go in the summer when there are lots of people. If you are doing this hike In the summer with kids, I would go early in the morning and take sack lunches to eat just outside the first waterfall/slot canyon . Go slow and bring suits for the kids so they can play in the water. Make it an all-day activity. LOCAL TIP FOR WHERE TO EAT Located just minutes from the trailhead for Kanarra Falls is the most amazing barbecue restaurant in Southern Utah. Fire & Smoke is a locally owned Texas style BBQ joint that specializes in brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked Turkey, sausage links, smoked chicken and wings. I was so blown away by this place! You can not go to Kanarra Falls without making a stop here after your hike. You can thank me later! Kanarra Falls is such a great trial in Southern Utah to hike with kids and beat the heat in Southern Utah. Get out and enjoy! Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here   CLICK HERE FOR RELATED BLOG POSTS

Cedar City is the perfect place  to cool off from the intense summer heat that engulfs much of Southern Utah. Since Cedar City sits at a higher elevation than the majority of Southern Utah towns, summer temps average in the 90's –  which is refreshing for the Utah desert! Along with being cooler in temperature, Cedar City has a ton of family-friendly activities in town and nearby, making it the perfect summer destination with kids. Check out my list of 27 things to do in Cedar City, Utah with kids on your next trip to Southern Utah. 1 - SOUTHERN UTAH MUSEUM OF ART I know what you're thinking, an art museum with kids? But yes!   The Southern Utah Museum Of Art  located on the campus of Southern Utah University is excellent for kids, and such a wonderful way to get out of the mid-day summer heat. The art is changed out often, and once a month they do a family art day. We happened upon a family art day this winter, and it was so much fun.   Click here  to find out when the next family art day is because I highly recommend this as one of the top things to do in Cedar City, Utah with kids. 2-Shakespeare Festival Cedar City is world-famous for the   Utah Shakespeare Festival  that comes to town every summer. It’s definitely one of the can’t miss things to do in Cedar City, Utah for anyone! Even though the festival isn't for the small kids - only 7 and up allowed - you can still go as a family because child care is provided for the littles. Just be sure to purchase childcare at the time of ticket booking. My nine-year-old, Lucy and I went to Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She loved it! It was such a fun mommy-daughter date! 3- Shakespeare Festival Green Show Held in the courtyard next to the Engelstate theater, this free 30-minute   Greenshow  is fun entertainment for the whole family. The show includes music, dance, juggling, and puppets. My kids loved the show so much, and I loved that it was free......haha!!! There are snacks available for purchase. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to spread out on the lawn. The performances are held June through early September from Monday through Saturday. 4- Park Discovery Park Discovery in Cedar City sits above the city and has killer views along with tons of interactive play opportunities for the kids. A rocket, boat, some cars, swings, slides, and climbing walls will keep the littles entertained for hours of play. 5-Frontier Homestead State Park Museum Frontier Homestead State Park Museum is such a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about early pioneers and the history of Cedar City. With 13 hands-on activities like washing laundry, playing dominoes, panning for gold, and writing using the Deseret (Mormon)alphabet, kids will be having fun and learning at the same time. Several preserved historic structures are scattered through the park for exploring. These structures are so great for imagining the life of early pioneers. 6 - Ice Cream at Bulloch Drug Store Bulloch Drug Store , located along the historic downtown area of Cedar City is so much fun and should be at the top of your list of things to do in Cedar City, Utah with kids. The candy and ice cream shop inside the drug store has a fun old school retro feel. I loved how it had so many favorite candies from my childhood. And when I paid for four ice creams the total was only $5.75!!! I thought I had literally stepped back in time. 7 - Cedar Breaks National Monument Located just 30 minutes from Cedar City,   Cedar Breaks National Monument  features a massive amphitheater with stone spires, columns, arches, pinnacles, and intricate canyons. The monument, often referred to as a mini Bryce Canyon, is open from late May to mid-October and the visitor center is open from mid-June to mid-September (weather permitting). Kids will totally think a visit to Cedar Breaks is one of their favorite things to do in Cedar City, Utah, especially if they check out the Junior Ranger Program or sign up for a ranger-guided hike. There are also educational programs where visitors can learn about the geology and history of the monument. Check out this blog post for even more awesome state parks in Southern Utah ! 8 - Parowan Gap Petroglyphs Another great learning opportunity for the kids is a visit to the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs. Located just 20 minutes from Cedar City, the petroglyph site is easily accessible and contains some of the most fascinating and visible petroglyphs in Utah. Make sure to pick up a Parowan Gap brochure at the Cedar City Visitor Center before you head out. The booklet contains a detailed history of the petroglyphs, possible meanings, and things to look for while at the site. 9 - Kolob Canyons This less busy section of Zion is 30 minutes from Cedar City and the perfect day trip for hiking and sightseeing. My two favorite family-friendly hikes to check out when visiting   Kolob Canyons  are Taylor Creek Trail and Timber Creek Trail. Taylor Creek  is a 5-mile round trip trail with minimal elevation gain and a beautiful little stream to cool off in. Plus, there are 2 amazing historic cabins along the trail and a stunning double arch alcove at the end. At the end of the scenic Kolob Canyon Road, Timber Creek Overlook Trail is one-mile round trip. This trail is short and easy with minimal elevation gain and stunning views all along the trail. 10 - BRIAN HEAD Brian Head  is not just for winter sports, it is also a premier summer destination. Filled to the brim with activities on the weekends in the summer, Brian Head offers mountain biking, hiking, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, avalanche tubbing, zip lining, archery, and ATV riding. There is a little something for everyone for a full day of family adventure. Last year my kiddos and I headed to Brian Head to escape the heat for the 4th of July and we had such a blast!!! If you’re a mountain biker, one of the best things to do in Cedar City, Utah is to bring your own or rent a bike and join in for a complimentary mountain bike tour at Brian Head Resort or sign up for mountain bike lessons. Check out my ultimate guide to all the things to do in Brian Head here ! 11- Duck Creek Village Duck Creek Village  is a thriving community near Cedar City with shops and restaurants, lodges, inns, cabin rentals, and a campground. Sitting at the edge of a large mountain meadow at an elevation of 8,400 feet, Duck Creek Village is a popular summer destination with hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, ATV riding, and mountain biking. My favorite alpine lake, located super close to town, is Aspen Mirror Lake. It is the perfect spot for hiking, fishing, or watching a beautiful sunset. Duck Creek is also a cool winter destination – find out more about visiting Duck Creek in winter here ! 12 - CASCADE FALLS If you’re visiting Duck Creek, you don’t want to miss the hike to Cascade Falls. This is a great family-friendly hike that’s just one mile out and back and takes you to a 100-foot waterfall fed by Navajo Lake. The waterfall flows straight out of a cave on the side of a mountain, and it’s so cool! Along this well-maintained trail, you will see several varieties of plant life and incredible views overlooking the Markagunt Plateau and Zion National Park. For more info on hiking Cascade Falls, check out my blog post here ! 13 - NAVAJO LAKE This stunning alpine lake, centrally located 40 minutes from Cedar City is filled with activities like trout fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking. Navajo Lake was originally known to the Paiute Indians as “Pa-Cu-Ay”, meaning “Cloud Lake” and was formed when an ancient lava flow dammed the eastern side of the lake valley. Navajo Lake is a popular camping destination but If camping isn't your thing you can book a cozy cabin just steps from the water at Navajo Lake Lodge . The lodge also offers rentals for pontoon boats, motor boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. This summer we rented a canoe, kayaks and the pontoon boat at Navajo Lake Lodge and had such an amazing time with the family! 14 - MAMMOTH CAVE Mammoth Cave is a really fascinating area to explore in Dixie National Forest near Duck Creek Village. The cave is actually a lava tube that was formed by cooling lava and water less than 2,00 years ago. The tube has four chambers with over 2,200 feet of passage and is about a quarter mile long.  Heights of the cave range from stand-up-comfortably to crawl-on-your-belly so you can choose your own adventure with the kiddos! You’ll want to bring a light jacket, flashlight, and good hiking shoes to hike and explore Mammoth Cave…and beware that water can be found in some portions of the cave. 15 - ASHDOWN GORGE If you’re looking for things to do in Cedar City, Utah, you can’t beat Ashdown Gorge…especially if you're trying to beat the heat in Southern Utah ! Ashdown Gorge is a wonderful hike through a canyon along a creek where you can cool off. There’s even a fun waterfall to splash in. While the whole hike is 10 miles one way (it goes all the way to Cedar Breaks), most people make this an 8.8 mile out and back to the where the canyon opens up. You can also choose to turn around at any time if the kiddos get tired. Ashdown Gorge is located outside of Cedar City off of Highway 14 up Cedar Canyon, so it’s a good place to get away from the crowds in Zion. 16 - SPRING CREEK CANYON Just about 15 minutes down the road from Cedar City is the town of Kanarraville, UT, where you’ll find one of my favorite hidden gems in Southern Utah - Spring Creek Canyon. This stunning slot canyon provides the solitude that you won’t find in the more popular canyons in the area. The hike into Spring Creek Canyon starts out a little boring, but soon you’ll reach the breathtaking sandstone cliffs that mark the start of the canyon. While it narrows down in places as you go through, it really never becomes too tight to easily slip through. For all the trail details, check out my Spring Creek Canyon post here ! 17 - MYSTIC HOT SPRINGS Mystic Hot Springs is a bit of a drive from Cedar City (about an hour and a half) in Monroe, UT, but it’s totally worth the trip. I love these hot springs so much! They have a real hippie vibe and aren’t fancy, but trust me, the experience is absolutely magical. You’ll find two pools and several soaking tubs here. The cast iron tubs are unique and lovely, and the pools are fun for swimming and playing. The temperature varies between each pool and tub, so you can find your perfect spot or try them all. No matter what, soaking in the hot springs surrounded by mounds of red mineral deposits is something special. Local tip:  You need to make a soaking pass reservation online for Mystic Hot Springs . The passes are for a 2-hour window, and cost $25/adult and $12.50/child. Get all the info about Mystic Hot Springs in my guide here ! 18 - RED HILLS HOT SPRINGS Make it into a hot springs road trip to Monroe with a visit to Red Hills Hot Springs, too! These hot springs are undeveloped and free, and they offer a great view over the Monroe Valley from up on a hill. Red Hills Hot Springs features four small pools that range in temperature. The pools are pretty shallow, and it can get crowded here, but it’s a nice stop before or after a visit to Mystic Hot Springs if you want some more soaking time. 19 - KANARRA FALLS The secret is out about Kanarra Falls…the stunning slot canyon and waterfalls make it one of the most popular things to do in Cedar City, Utah, but even if you’re not alone on the trail, you’ll make lasting memories with your kids on this photogenic adventure. This trail takes you hiking through a stream and into a slot canyon where you’ll discover incredible waterfalls. While you will have to do some scrambling, ladders have been installed by the waterfalls to make it easier to climb up. The full Kanarra Falls hike is 4 miles round trip, but I often turn around at the first waterfall that has a ladder in the slot canyon when I’m hiking with my kiddos, which makes it a just over 2 mile round trip.  Local tip: A permit ($15/person) is required to hike Kanarra Falls, and only 200 permits are available each day. I highly recommend booking your Kanarra Falls permit online here  to make sure you get one! Find out more about Kanarra Falls in my full guide here ! 20 - HIDDEN HAVEN WATERFALL If you have visiting a waterfall as one of your things to do in Cedar City, Utah, Hidden Haven is the perfect way to check that off your list! It’s only 1.4 miles round trip to see the cool waterfall, so it’s a great hike with kids. The hike to Hidden Haven starts following a creek along the road on a mostly shady trail. The defined trail will eventually disappear, and then you’ll have to hike over rocks and do some minor scrambling. After a while, you’ll be rewarded with the unique sight of water flowing down the blocky, angular rocks at Hidden Haven. Local tip: You definitely want to do this hike in the spring to see the waterfall running…it’s really only a trickle the rest of the year. For more amazing waterfalls in Southern Utah, take a look at this post ! 21 - BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Cedar City makes a great home base for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park since it’s only about an hour and a half away, and you can’t miss Bryce Canyon when visiting southern Utah. The landscape of Bryce is incredibly cool, featuring the highest concentration of hoodoos anywhere on earth! The Navajo Loop Trail  is a perfect way to get a taste of all that Bryce Canyon has to offer. It’s a short, 1.4 mile loop hike that the kiddos will love…until they have to hike uphill out of the canyon at the end, haha! The trail starts at Sunset Point and descends to the canyon floor where you can explore Wall Street, the only slot canyon in Bryce, before heading back up the switchbacks to the rim. Check out this blog post for lots more epic things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park ! 22 - ZION NATIONAL PARK Of course, you really can’t go anywhere in southern Utah without visiting the crown jewel of the area, Zion National Park. Cedar City is about an hour away from the Springdale entrance to Zion, and you must spend some of your time exploring all that Zion has to offer. From the iconic Angels Landing  to The Narrows  slot canyon to the stunning views from The Watchman , Zion National Park is full of amazing trails to explore and adventures to take. Some of my favorite hikes with kids in Zion  are the Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, and Canyon Overlook on the east side of the park. If you just have one day to spend in Zion, here are ten different itineraries  to get the most out of a short visit to the park. 23 - SNOW CANYON STATE PARK Snow Canyon State Park is about an hour away from Cedar City, and it feels more secluded and less busy than some of the other more popular areas in Southern Utah. But it’s absolutely gorgeous with petrified sand dunes, ancient lava formations, and amazing views. Be sure to stop by the Snow Canyon scenic overlook to take in those views, and don’t miss the Lava Tube Trail and the Petrified Sand Dunes made of Navajo sandstone which the kids will love running around. Plus, Jenny’s Canyon is a super short trail through a magnificent slot canyon. Check out this blog post for more about visiting Snow Canyon State Park ! 24 - THREE PEAKS RECREATION AREA Three Peaks Recreation Area is a wonderful space for outdoor fun just 10 miles northwest of Cedar City. The landscape is made up of hills and volcanic rock formations, making it perfect for mountain biking on over 27 miles of trails with a mix of terrain. If you’re more into motorized riding, there are also 42 miles of OHV routes in the area. The recreation area also offers two separate disc golf courses in an amazing location. You can also camp here if you want to spend a night under the stars.  25 - THOR’S LOOKOUT Thor’s Hideout is a fun trail that is part of Thunderbird Gardens, an awesome recreation area in Cedar City. The hike is steadily uphill the whole way, but it doesn’t feel too bad, and it’s definitely doable for kids. The views are beautiful along the whole trail, but especially when you get to the top of the ridge. The hike to the hideout is about 3 miles round trip, but it’s worth taking the short extension to find Thor’s Lookout, too. The kids - and adults! - will love the cool throne made of rocks that you’ll find there! 26 - FESTIVAL CITY FARMERS MARKET Cedar City features an amazing farmers market which runs all year long! The Festival City Farmers Market  features the wares of farmers, bakers, and artisans on Saturdays throughout the year. Plus, during the summer, you can enjoy Festival Wednesdays, which brings the party to the middle of the week with food trucks and live music. It’s a great time for the whole family! 27 - AQUATIC CENTER & LAKE AT THE HILLS For an oasis in the desert in Cedar City, check out the Aquatic Center and Lake at the Hills. The Cedar City Aquatic Center is definitely a hit with the kiddos with its lazy river and water slide, and they can also splash at the playground. Adults will enjoy the lap pool or soaking in the hot tub. The whole family can also have a lovely time at Lake at the Hills, located behind the Aquatic Center. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards to get out on the lake or just hang out and have a picnic on the beach. The lake is also great for fishing, with catfish, bass, and trout. You could really plan to spend a whole day at this water playground in the desert! Where to Stay in Cedar City Cedar City honestly doesn't have a huge selection of interesting lodging choices. They have all the chain hotels but those are boring. We like to stay in a places with character, something that the kids will love and that will be a part of the memories we make on our trip. The Barn Airbnb ,  just 10 minutes north of Cedar City is such a great place to stay with kids. We absolutely loved everything about our stay. The property is on a working farm and has all the amenities you need with all the comforts of home. We cooked, played games, and watched movies in the upstairs theater room. It can even fit up to 14 guests. If you plan on visiting Cedar City with kids this is the place to stay. So what do you think? Are you ready to head to Cedar City for some summer fun? I hope I have inspired you to add another Southern Utah town to your bucket list.  Planning to visit Cedar City this winter? Make sure to check out this winter itinerary......... Visit Cedar City - A Family Winter Weekend Adventure Happy adventuring, Arika CHECK OUT THESE OTHER RELATED POSTS

Looking for an outdoor adventure paradise? You’ll find it in the southern Utah desert of Kanab, UT! The sandstone rock formations that make up the local landscape here offer the opportunity for hiking, canyoneering, paddling, off-roading, and so much more in a truly stunning setting. Believe me, you won’t run out of awesome and adventurous things to do in Kanab, Utah. Where is Kanab? The town of Kanab is in southern Utah, sitting right on the border of Arizona. Kanab is about an hour east of Zion National Park , an hour and a half south of Bryce Canyon National Park , and an hour and a half north of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon . 12 Adventurous Things to Do in Kanab, Utah Kanab has adventurous activities for everyone, no matter how you like to spend time outside. And with lots of great guide services offering tours, you can try tons of new things to do in Kanab, Utah, too. Dive into Canyoneering My number one favorite way to adventure in Kanab is canyoneering with All Ways Adventure . With so many otherworldly slot canyons to explore in this sandstone landscape of southern Utah, Kanab is an amazing place for canyoneering! Canyoneering should be a must on your list of things to do in Kanab, Utah.  After my first time canyoneering over 8 years ago, I was hooked! It is such a fun way to see secret slot canyons that aren’t accessible just by hiking, and I love that it is a family activity that I can do with my kiddos. While I love hiking, I don’t have a ton of knowledge when it comes to more technical outdoor skills, but if you go canyoneering with a guide, you don’t need much skill to feel like a legit adventurer! All Ways Adventure  is a canyoneering guiding service based out of Kanab that can show you the ropes (literally, when you’re rappelling) and guide you through some of the amazing and off the beaten path slot canyons in the area. The owners Nathan and Jillian have been guiding in Southern Utah for over 10 years and are experts at tailoring trips to all sorts of adventure levels. All Ways Adventure is hands down my favorite guide company in Kanab and all of Southern Utah for that matter. I have gone on several canyoneering trips with All Ways Adventure from full day, half day and even a guided backpacking trip, and they have all been incredible! My kids and I did some rappelling in Red Cliffs Reserve , and on a solo guided adventure, I explored a cool off-the-beaten-path canyon and even got to rappel down a frozen waterfall ! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO TO BOOK A PHOTOSHOOT TODAY I took my kiddos on a canyoneering adventure with Nathan recently that was all about squeezing and sliding through the tight canyons with a little less repelling. It was like a natural obstacle course and my kids loved the challenge. There are so many different ways to adventure with All Ways Adventure .   For those who are wanting a full out adventure, a guided backpacking trip is the way to go! Explore the backcountry of Southern Utah with a guided backpacking trip. I went on a guided backpacking trip to Neon Canyon in Escalante with All Ways Adventure in May and it was the most magical 3 day backpacking adventure ever!  I am not skilled at knowing what to pack and how to survive in the backcountry, I have only done one other backpacking trip, so going with a guide was a must for me. You can hire them to take you out and you can also join in on one of the trips that are already on the schedule. When I was preparing for my trip, All Ways Adventure let me borrow all the gear I didn’t have, like a backpack, tent, canyoneering gear, and dry suit, and they guided me on everything I needed to do to prepare for the trip. They also provided all the food.....such a huge bonus! They were so helpful and made the whole process of preparing for the trip so easy and stress free. The three day trip was filled with jaw dropping views, camping in a beautiful canyon, lots of laughter, canyoneering, hiking, and pushing myself to do things outside of my comfort zone in all the best ways. Find out more about their guided backpacking trip options here .  If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Kanab, Utah, I highly recommend canyoneering + more with All Ways Adventure for an experience you won’t forget. For more about canyoneering with All Ways Adventure, check out my blog post here ! ***Image from Shutterstock Hike the Wave The Wave is an iconic hike that truly tops the list of things to do in Kanab, Utah. You might have seen the unique undulating red and white sandstone formation in photos but seeing it in person is even more spectacular. The trailhead for The Wave is about an hour outside of Kanab proper in the Coyote Buttes area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The Wave trail is a 6.7 out and back hike that’s pretty moderate so it’s a very doable epic adventure. The trail is really not a marked trail though, so you should have a GPS to navigate. Honestly, the biggest challenge of hiking The Wave is getting the required permits to allow you to do so. There is both a Wave advanced lottery  and a daily lottery for Wave permits , but it is extremely competitive, so you might have to try several times. Note: The road to The Wave becomes a real washed out mess when it’s wet, and you might need 4WD to reach the trailhead. It’s a good idea to check the toad conditions before you head out. Explore Buckskin Gulch & Wire Pass Trail Hiking from Wire Pass Trail through the slot canyon of Buckskin Gulch with the light streaming in and illuminating the canyon walls is a highlight of things to do in Kanab, Utah. Wire Pass Trail starts from the same trailhead as The Wave, so it’s a great alternative adventure if you can’t snag a permit for The Wave. While the beginning of Wire Pass Trail isn’t super exciting, once you enter the slots, it’s such a treat to explore. After about half a mile in the slots, the cliffs open up where Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch intersect. From here, you can go up both ways to explore all the beauty that Buckskin Gulch has to offer. Note: Permits are required and are $6/person (and $6/dog). Service can be spotty at the trailhead, so purchase your Buckskin Gulch/Wire Pass Trail permit online ahead of time here . Check out more about Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch in my post here ! Take a Jeep Tour to Peekaboo Canyon Peekaboo Canyon is a stunning slot canyon near Kanab, and you can have a blast exploring it on an ATV tour!  We took an ATV adventure through Peekaboo Canyon with Kanab Tour Company , and our guide was awesome. Along with the thrills of off-roading over the desert terrain, we learned a ton about the area, too. We also got to go sandboarding at the end of the tour, which was definitely a highlight for the kiddos. Plus, our pup even came along on this adventure, so it was truly fun for the whole family! Drive Cottonwood Canyon Road Take a beautiful scenic drive off the beaten path in southern Utah along Cottonwood Canyon Road. The dirt road stretches 47 miles from Kanab to Kodachrome Basin State Park, so plan a full day for exploring and hiking all along Cottonwood Canyon. WARNING : Do not attempt this road if there is a chance of rain in the forcast. The road will quickly become a muddy mess and there is no cell service if you do get stuck. There are so many hikes and adventure opportunities along the road. I recommend stopping along the way to hike Cottonwood Narrows North…the slot canyon is stunning, and it’s a quick and easy hike to get to it. Hackberry Canyon is another hike that I hear is amazing. When we went at the end of June there were fields of sunflowers in bloom which was absolutely breathtaking! Grosvenor Arch at the end of the road is a great spot to stop and explore before turning around. Or, after visiting the arch, you can head 10 more minutes down the road to explore Kodachrome Basin State Park . Paddle Antelope Canyon Paddling through Antelope Canyon was on my bucket list of things to do in Kanab, Utah for a long time, and when I finally got a chance to do it, the experience totally lived up to the hype! While you need to take a guided tour to visit the protected areas of Antelope Canyon, you can do this route without a permit or a guide. Starting at the Antelope Point Launch ramp, we paddle boarded Lake Powell for 2 miles to the very bottom portion of Antelope Canyon. Then we hiked up Antelope Canyon for 3 miles until we came to a dead end where we turned around. Hiking through this section of Antelope Canyon is gorgeous with swirly sandstone cliffs and beautiful light streaming through. Several guide companies in Page & Lake Powell will bring the kayaks/paddleboards and guide you up the canyon or you can rent the kayaks and go on your own. We recommend Paddle Lake Powell . Get all the details about an epic day of paddling and hiking Antelope Canyon in this post ! Tour Great Chamber The Great Chamber is a massive cave with a sand dune inside. It’s so cool to visit, but it’s hard to get to, which is why it makes for such a fun ATV adventure. The road to the Great Chamber is deep sand, very bumpy, and unmarked, so I highly recommend going with a tour like Expedition Kanab . After your thrilling ATV ride, the actual hike to the Great Chamber is short (but seems long in the hot desert sun, so make sure you have sunscreen and water). Once you reach the chamber itself, have some fun playing around in the sand and make sure to get some super stunning photos of the unique, cavernous Great Chamber. Go on a Horseback Ride  I have done several horseback rides in Southern Utah, and riding in Cave Lakes Canyon with ROAM Adventures  was by far my favorite. You’ll ride through a private canyon near Kanab that features the classic stunning red sandstone walls of the desert along with plenty of lush greenery. Riding through the canyon, you’ll discover so many hidden cave lakes and alcoves to explore, and the open meadow at the end of the canyon is so stunning. Believe me, it’s just so beautiful every step of the way! Find out more about taking an adventurous glamping getaway at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch here ! ***Image from Shutterstock Visit White Pocket White Pocket is a magical place across the border from Kanab in northern Arizona. It’s a long, rough road to get there, but once you step foot in the landscape of colorful sandstone formations, it will all be worth it! The striated rock of white, red, and orange is truly breathtaking, and White Pocket is much more secluded than The Wave. Because of the complicated drive to get there, the best way to experience White Pocket is through a guided tour – check out Dreamland Safari Tours , Kanab Tour Company , Paria Outpost , or Coral Cliffs Tours  to explore this special place. Paddle Horseshoe Bend Horseshoe Bend is an iconic overlook about an hour outside Kanab in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Page, AZ. While the view from the overlook is even more stunning in person than in pictures, you can get a totally different perspective on this popular spot by paddling down the Colorado River through Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend is typically crowded and it's a short hike so not much of an adventure, but kayaking Horseshoe Bend is a full on adventure! I did this adventure recently with adventure photog Sammie and am planning to take my kiddos soon, too, since I think they will love it! We rented our kayaks from Kayak Horseshoe Bend  and used their backhaul services to launch into the river. That all went smoothly, but we made the mistake of going in the middle of the afternoon, so we were only able to go up the canyon 5 miles because of limited time. I recommend getting there early rather than later so that you can go all the way to Horseshoe Bend to make it a full day activity.  While paddling in the intense summer sun is very hot, the water is so cold that you can easily cool off when you need to. Definitely bring a sun hat, more water than you think you could possibly need, snacks and lots of sunscreen though! Hike and UTV Around Crimson Canyon Get two adventures in one with a thrilling UTV ride and a spectacular slot canyon hike on a guided tour of Crimson Canyon with East Zion Adventures . The UTV portion is an absolute blast! Speeding through the desert and navigating the rocky path was a snap for our amazing guides, but it got our adrenaline pumping and my kiddos loved every second.  Then you can calm down with a gentle hike through the slot canyon, which iss stunning from the first moment you step in. The deep red canyon walls rise over 100 feet high to surround you, with a narrow (but not too narrow!) gap to hike through. Plus, since Crimson Canyon is private access, we didn't see a single other soul the whole hike. Take a Stargazing Tour (with S’mores!) The perfect capper to your adventures in Kanab is a Campfire S’mores and Stargazing Tour with Adventure Tour Company . You’ll take a drive in a large open-air truck to a private canyon with an old fort where over 35 movies have been filmed. Here you’ll spend time getting up close with longhorn cows, playing campfire games, and making s'mores with gourmet homemade marshmallows. And don’t forget to look up at the desert sky! Kanab is a dark sky destination, so if the clouds clear, you can soak in the celestial beauty. Whichever one – or several! – of these adventurous things to do in Kanab, Utah you choose, you will have a fantastic time exploring all that this special section of the southern Utah desert has to offer! Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here   CLICK HERE FOR RELATED BLOG POSTS

I love taking road trips from Zion National Park to explore all around southern Utah, and the trip from Zion to Escalante is especially spectacular! The town of Escalante is such a lovely little spot, and it’s the perfect base camp to explore Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. While the landscape is stunning, you’ll also find so many other things to do in Escalante, Utah that make it more than worth the trip, from a 5-star farm-to-table restaurant to a classic drive-in movie theater, and of course, some truly amazing hikes. Zion National Park to Escalante, Utah Itinerary I recently took a girls trip to Escalante, Utah, and it was such a great getaway! A road trip from Zion to Escalante would also be a wonderful vacation for families or couples. Here’s the itinerary of our 48 hour girls getaway and all our favorite things to do in Escalante, Utah including hiking to a waterfall, savoring a 5-star dinner, and even watching an old school drive-in movie. How to Get From Zion National Park to Escalante, Utah The drive from Zion to Escalante is about two and a half hours to three and a half hours depending where you start. If you start from Orderville (East side of Zion) it will be a one hour 45 minute drive and you’ll pass Bryce Canyon National Park  on the way. From Springdale it will be a two hour fourty-five minute drive. From Springdale head east on UT-9 through Zion to Mt. Carmel Junction and then go north on US-89. Eventually, you’ll take UT-12 east and keep going about 45 mins past the turnoff for Bryce. The other way you can go from Zion National Park to Escalante if you are staying in Hurricane or Saint George is by going north on I-15 to US-89 to UT-12. This is a three hour drive. Where to Stay: Ofland Escalante We stayed at Ofland Escalante  (formerly Yonder) and absolutely loved it! The location is ideal for exploring all the things to do in Escalante, Utah. Plus, the property has cabins, airstreams, and even campsites available, so you can choose the accommodation that’s right for what you need. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORBE ABOUT BOOKING A PHOTO SHOOT IN ZION We spent the night in one of the Tiny Cabins which was perfect for two people. If I brought my kiddos for a family vacay, we would need something a little bigger like the Deluxe Cabin. The cabins feature glass walls or panoramic windows, so you get a stunning view of the landscape from inside. Ofland Escalante also offers some pretty amazing amenities that make your stay extra special. The pool and jacuzzi were the absolutely perfect place to relax after a long day of hiking, and the drive-in movie theater on the property is just a blast! I also really loved that they have an onsite food truck for when you get hungry, and they have meal kits that you can purchase at the front desk to cook on the grill on-site. This makes meal-planning very convenient…especially if you are traveling with kids and don’t want to have to wrangle them to go out. Things to Do in Escalante Utah: Day 1 Since it’s a bit of a drive from Zion to Escalante, we kept day 1 of our girls trip pretty relaxed, with the highlight being an exceptional dinner. Morning: Drive to Escalante & Check into Ofland Starting slow since we’re getting up early tomorrow, we hit the road and made our way from Zion to Escalante. If starting from Springdale or East Zion/Orderville you can make a pit stop at The Shop Coffee Company for some coffee and a snack. (closed on Mondays). We love this little coffee shop! You could also easily take a break to stretch your legs at Bryce Canyon National Park or hike the Mossy Cave Trail, which is on the way but outside the park. This trail is only a mile round trip, and it’s great with kids. Plus, you could stop for lunch at The Pizza Place right near the trailhead, which has something to please everyone. For more fun ways to spend one in Bryce Canyon with kids, check out this post! Once you get to Ofland, you can check in, leave your luggage, and explore all the cool spaces to hang out on the property, including the outdoor lodge with a firepit. Local tip: Check in isn’t until 3pm, but you can try to request an early check in if you’ll arrive earlier in the day. Afternoon: Head Over to Devils Garden to Explore After we settled in, we decided to go check out Devils Garden. It’s just a 25-minute drive from Escalante on Hole-in-the-Rock Road and is such a great place to explore and get some movement in after driving from Zion. The rock formations here are incredible  hoodoos, domes, arches, and narrow passageways made of Navajo sandstone. This is an excellent place for photography, so bring your camera! And if you are with the kiddos, it’s pretty much a rock playground for them, and you might have to drag them away when it’s time to go. The formations are super easy to get to, which is especially nice if you’re visiting in the middle of the day in the summer like we did. Even in the heat, walking around this spot is still doable because it isn’t really a hike…..just exploring. You stay close to the cars the whole time. Evening: Take a Scenic Drive to Hell’s Backbone Grill for Dinner For an amazing 5-star dinner in Escalante, we made a 45-minute drive to Hell’s Backbone Grill + Farm . If you are a foodie, believe me, this restaurant is a MUST. I have eaten here twice, and it has been an incredible experience both times. Hell’s Backbone describes itself as serving “fanciful Four Corners cuisine: a blend of Western Range and Southwestern flavors,” featuring a seasonal selection of produce from the farm, farm fresh eggs, handmade breads, and locally-raised meat. They also offer plenty of delicious vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Beyond the mouth-watering meal, it’s worth the trip to Hell’s Backbone because the drive is absolutely stunning along a section of Scenic Byway 12 . Heading from Escalante to the town of Boulder, you’ll be on the “Hogsback” of the byway with hairpin turns and sheer drop offs into the canyons below. It’s really something special to witness out the window! Local tip: Make sure to make a reservation, and also call ahead and ask to be seated outside on the covered patio…I wish we had done this! Things to Do in Escalante Utah: Day 2 With Ofland Escalante as our convenient base camp, we were ready for a jam-packed day of fun things to do in Escalante, Utah on day 2. Morning: Wake Up Early to Hike Calf Creek Falls We wanted to get an early start on this day, so we grabbed breakfast sandwiches to go from the food truck on-site at Ofland Escalante. I loved how convenient it was so we didn’t need to make another stop, and it was so yummy! Then we had a 30 minute drive to our destination, the trailhead for Lower Calf Creek Falls. Local tip: There is a $5/vehicle day use fee at the trailhead. Lower Calf Creek Falls is a stunning 6-mile round trip hike to the most incredible waterfall, and it is at the top of the list of things to do in Escalante, Utah. As you make your way to the waterfall, you’ll pass a couple granaries, some beaver dams, and a large pictograph, so keep your eyes peeled. When you arrive at the waterfall, your jaw might literally drop as you watch the water flow more than 100 feet over the sandstone down to the pool below. The hike is relatively easy with very little elevation gain over the course of the trail. However, you will be hiking in deep sand some of the time, and it gets very hot in the summer, which is why we went early to beat the heat. You can also cool off a little in the mist at the waterfall, and even jump in the pool and swim under the waterfall before hiking back out. Note: Lower Calf Creek Falls will be temporarily closed for maintenance beginning July 8th, 2024. The closure is estimated to take up to two months, and you can check for updates on the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument site . Lunch: Kiva Koffeehouse After hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls, we had worked up an appetite, so we went to Kiva Koffeehouse  for lunch. It’s just about 10 minutes from the trailhead, on the way back toward Ofland. I’d heard about this place, and it definitely lived up to the hype! The coffee and food (it’s a constantly changing menu) were both delicious, and you can soak in the most amazing views while you eat. Note:  Kiva Koffeehouse is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays. Afternoon: Cool Off & Chill in the Pool at Ofland Next it was time to escape the desert heat by taking advantage of the amazing pool at Offland Escalante. The outdoor pool is oversized, so there’s plenty of room for splashing around or lounging in the poolside chairs. There’s also a hot tub, but that’s probably better for when the temps drop at night. Dinner: Escalante Outfitter When we were ready for dinner, we headed into town (just a few minutes away) to Escalante Outfitters. Don’t be fooled, while it’s a great little gear shop, they also have a restaurant with the best food. We sat out on the patio for an al fresco dinner, and it was so lovely. I highly recommend the unique Big Horn pizza (olive tapenade, prosciutto, ham, goat cheese, and roasted tomato) and the apple pecan arugula salad…….seriously so amazing! Evening: Drive-In Movie at Ofland For evening entertainment, we headed back to Ofland Escalante for a screening at their drive-in movie theater. They show movies every night of the week when the sun starts to go down, and you don’t need your own car, because a bunch of classic cars are parked in front of the screen to be your seats. You can grab snacks at the concession stand, including free popcorn to make it a true movie experience! More Things to Do in Escalante, Utah Honestly, this itinerary is just a taste of all the awesome things to do in Escalante, Utah. If you have more time to explore this area, here are are a few other cool places to check out: Petrified Forest State Park Just down the road from downtown Escalante (and Ofland Escalante) is Petrified Forest State Park . You might spot ancient petrified wood and lava flows on the trails, but the main attraction here is Wide Hollow Reservoir, where you can swim, paddleboard, kayak, and fish. Discover more incredible southern Utah state parks in my blog post here ! Escalante River Trailhead This trailhead off of UT-12 offers access to upper Escalante River canyon and several easy to moderate trails for exploring. Take a short hike to see the 100 Hands Pictograph or a slightly longer hike to Natural Bridge Arch. Zebra Canyon Get your slot canyon fix at Zebra Canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It’s an easy hike to this slot canyon, which narrows down and can be a bit tricky in sections if you’re not used to navigating this terrain. But it’s non-technical and totally worth it to see the stunning striped sandstone in the canyon! Whether you're planning a girls' getaway, a family vacation, or a romantic escape, a road trip from Zion to Escalante promises an unforgettable adventure filled with natural wonders, delicious dining, and unique experiences. Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here   CLICK HERE FOR RELATED BLOG POSTS

Great Basin National Park is one of the least-visited national parks, but that makes it an amazing hidden gem. Great Basin is home to some of the oldest trees on earth, incredible limestone caves, and the second highest peak in Nevada. Many people don’t realize that Great Basin National Park is just 3 hours from southern Utah, but it offers an entirely different landscape to explore. Why Take a Road Trip to Great Basin National Park Taking a road trip from southern Utah  to Great Basin National Park is so much fun! Along the way, you can discover mining history, swim in a warm spring, wander through clay spires, tour a beautiful cave, go on some great hikes, and so much more. Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park Great Basin National Park weather provides a great escape from the heat of southern Utah in the summer since it sits at higher elevation and is typically much cooler than Zion National Park and the surrounding areas. ​​We did our road trip in July, so while it was very warm at Cathedral Gorge (even at 9am), the temps at Great Basin were in the 70s and lovely. CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BOOKING A PHOTO SHOOT IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH I think a road trip in the spring or fall might be a little better for Cathedral Gorge, but you should be prepared that Great Basin will be quite cold during that time. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park and Cathedral Gorge would probably be early summer, like June, to avoid extreme weather in either park. Southern Utah to Great Basin Road Trip Itinerary This was the itinerary my kiddos and I took for our road trip from southern Utah to Great Basin National Park. It has a variety of adventures with a little something for everyone! Driving to Great Basin National Park from Southern Utah Great Basin is about 3-4 hours north of Zion National Park  just across the state border in Nevada. -If you are staying in St George or Hurricane the drive is 3 hours -If you are staying in Cedar City the drive is only 2hr 21 minutes NOTE: Utah is on Mountain Time, while Nevada is in the Pacific Time Zone, so the time in Great Basin is an hour behind the time in Zion. While it’s slightly faster to drive from Springdale  to Great Basin along UT-21, I prefer taking UT-56 and NV-319 to US-93 for a more interesting road trip. Here are the stops we made along the way: Road Trip Stop: Cathedral Gorge State Park (Nevada) The first stop on our road trip to Great Basin was Cathedral Gorge State Park in Nevada. It’s just around 1.5 - 2 hours to Cathedral Gorge, depending on exactly where you’re coming from in southern Utah. My kiddos and I absolutely love Cathedral Gorge! Cathedral Gorge is full of soft bentonite clay spires which were formed over a million years ago from a volcanic eruption. This surreal landscape of canvas-colored mud spires continues to erode and change shape every time it rains. It is such a cool spot to explore, and the kids love to run around here and exploring the unique clay formations. FAVORITE THINGS IN THE PARK -Moon Caves This is the first stop inside the park. Park here and explore to your hearts content. -Civillian Conservation Corps Water Tower Has some cool history and in a fun photo op. -Miller Point If you don't want to hike to Miller Point from the main section then make sure to make a stop on the way out of town. We love this lookout point with incredible views of the park and a beatiful wooden structure with benches and shade. Check out my full guide to Cathedral Gorge on the blog here ! Road Trip Stop: Panaca Warm Springs Just 10 minutes from Cathedral Gorge was our next road trip stop, Panaca Warm Springs. This was an interesting little place to visit, but don’t expect hot springs here! The springs are lukewarm (around 85 degrees), and the water felt quite nice on a hot summer day. On a cooler day, I’m sure it would feel a bit warmer. The water of Panaca Warm Springs is crystal clear, so you can see some pretty fish swimming around, although it was a little mossy, which my kids weren’t big fans of, haha. The springs are not super deep…about waist deep for me, and it seems like the water levels might vary during different times of the year. I think this would also be a great place to have a little car picnic during your road trip. There is some shade here, but no picnic tables. Road Trip Stop: Pioche, NV Instead of a picnic, we chose to go to the old mining town of Pioche  for lunch at the Historic Silver Cafe . Pioche is known as “Nevada’s liveliest ghost town,” and we found it super interesting (though perhaps a little creepy) walking the rundown main street. Pioche was founded as a silver mining town in 1868, the same year Nevada became a state, and it soon became the largest mining town in southeastern Nevada. As you stroll through the town’s historic sites, including an opera house, a theater, a hotel & saloon, and the Million Dollar Courthouse (now a museum), it’s fun to envision what life was like here when the town was booming. Things to Do in Great Basin National Park From Pioche, it was just under two hours to our road trip destination of Great Basin. I wish we had more time to check out all the things to do in Great Basin National Park , but here is what we were able to fit in during our short visit. Check Out the Visitor Center Great Basin National Park has a couple of visitor centers. There is one just outside the park entrance, but we went to the one inside the park at the end of the main entrance road. This visitor center is small but has several fun interactive exhibits that the kiddos enjoyed. You check in for your cave tour here, so we did that then went next door to the little cafe and gift shop to grab a snack and do a little shopping while we waited for our tour. Take a Tour of Lehman Caves Exploring Lehman Caves is at the top of the list of things to do in Great Basin National Park, but the only way to get into the caves is on a ranger-guided tour .  The tours are very popular, and tickets often sell out so you need to plan ahead. Lehman Cave tour tickets become available 30 days in advance on recreation.gov ,  and that’s when we purchased ours. Lehman Caves are an absolute must-see for a reason. The limestone caves are full of stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations, including more than 300 shields which are rare in other caves. Our guide was great, and the tour was fascinating. We really enjoyed our time in this beautiful cave. Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive To fully appreciate the landscape and get a fantastic perspective of Great Basin National Park, I highly recommend Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. We drove the road to Wheeler Peak, and it was an absolutely gorgeous drive along a mountain road in the South Snake Range. Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is 12 miles one way and gains over 4,000 feet of elevation as you end up above 10,000 feet. Along the way, you’ll see the flora change from sagebrush and pinyon pine to mountain mahogany, conifers, and aspens. There are many pull-outs along the way, including Mather Overlook, which features incredible views of Wheeler Peak. Hiking Great Basin National Park Sadly, we didn’t have time to do any hiking during our visit, and I really regret that! If you’re interested in hiking, Great Basin National Park has some amazing trails. Here are a few I’d like to check out next time I visit Great Basin: BRISTLECONE & GLACIER TRAIL If you only do one hike in Great Basin, this is the perfect trail to see some of the coolest attractions in the park. First you’ll hike to a grove of ancient bristlecone pine trees, which are some of the oldest trees on the planet. You can turn around here or continue on the base of the only active glacier in Nevada. ALPINE LAKES LOOP The Alpine Lakes Loop is an easy trail which passes both Teresa and Stella Lakes and offers breathtaking views of Wheeler Peak rising above. This is a popular trail, and you can combine it with the Bristlecone and Glacier Trail since they start from the same trailhead and partially overlap. BAKER CREEK LOOP This beautiful loop takes you along a creek through forests and open meadows with mountain views in the distance. If you hike Baker Creek Loop in spring and early summer, you’ll be treated to abundant wildflowers blooming in the meadows. WHEELER PEAK If you’re in great shape and seeking a summit, the strenuous hike up Wheeler Peak will take you to the top of the second highest mountain in Nevada at 13,065 feet. This is a very steep and exposed  trail with 3,100 feet of elevation gain, but if you’re an experienced hiker ready for the challenge, the summit views are stunning. Camping in Great Basin National Park There are several campgrounds in Great Basin National Park , and we camped at Upper Lehman campground. It is such a beautiful campground, and I wish I would have booked two nights so we could enjoy it longer (and that would have given us time to hike, too). We booked our site about a month in advance through recreation.gov . NOTE: In 2024, there are several infrastructure projects going on in Great Basin, so sites at Upper Lehman Campground, Lower Lehman Campground, and Wheeler Peak Campground are only available on a first-come/first-serve basis all year instead of being reservable in advance like they typically are during peak season in the park. A road trip from southern Utah to Great Basin National Park is such a great way to see so many interesting places, and I hope this post helps you hit the road to check it out yourself! Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here   CLICK HERE FOR RELATED BLOG POSTS

If you’re wondering how to decide between visiting Zion National Park in southwestern Utah or Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in the Moab area, I have the solution for you – don’t! Instead, take a road trip from Zion to Moab to experience both of these incredible areas along with lots of other amazing stops in Utah along the way! With this itinerary that takes you from southwestern to eastern Utah, you can explore the spectacular slot canyons of The Narrows in Zion, stare at the spires in Bryce, hike along the creek in Capitol Reef, marvel at the many arch formations in Arches, and see the sunrise over the landscape of Canyonlands. Zion to Moab is truly the perfect road trip to get a taste of all that Utah has to offer! 7-Day Utah Road Trip Itinerary – Zion to Moab Here is a brief overview of an epic 7-day itinerary for a road trip from Zion to Moab: Day 1 : Fly into Las Vegas then drive to Zion & explore (2.5 hr drive) Spend 2 Nights in Zion Day 2: Hike The Narrows Day 3: Drive to Bryce & explore (2 hr drive) then head to Capitol Reef (2 hr drive) Spend 2 Nights in Capitol Reef Day 4:  Explore Capitol Reef Day 5:  Drive to Goblin Valley & explore (1.25 hr drive) then head to Moab (1 hr 40 min drive) Spend 2 Nights in Moab Day 6:  Explore Arches Day 7:   Sunrise at Canyonlands then hike to Corona Arch then fly home from Salt Lake City Note: Since this road trip takes you from western to eastern Utah, I recommend flying into Las Vegas and flying out of Salt Lake City. And this is the whole detailed itinerary to explore all the way across Utah from Zion to Moab. Day 1: Fly into Las Vegas then Drive to Zion & Explore 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas Airport to Zion The closest major airport to Zion is Las Vegas is Las Vegas International Airport which is about a 2.5 hour drive from the park. For this Zion to Moab road trip, I recommend flying in the morning on your first day so you can drive to Zion, check into your hotel, and still have some time to enjoy in Zion National Park. Where to Stay in Zion While you will find tons of lodging options near Zion, my number one place to stay in Zion (especially with kids)  is Zion Wildflower. This resort is in a stellar location in the town of Virgin, UT just 15 mins from the Springdale entrance to Zion, and it’s situated on a hill with stunning views of the surrounding mesas. CLICK TO LEARN MORE Zion Wildflower  is a glamping destination with a variety of lodging options from charming bungalows to covered wagons to single-pole tents. Read more about why my kiddos and I loved our stay at Zion Wildflower so much here ! Evening East Zion After you settle into your lodging in Zion, head to the park itself and make a quick stop at the Visitor Center right inside the park entrance to get your bearings. Then drive through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel to East Zion. Park at one of the pullouts to hike along Clear Creek  for a bit, then make your way to Canyon Overlook  for a spectacular sunset from one of the  best views in Zion. Local tip : Rent your gear for The Narrows hike today at Zion Outfitter  before it closes, so don’t have to wait the next morning before you can hike. If you’re hiking in summer, all you need to rent is the boots and a walking stick, but in cooler seasons (especially April or October/November), you’ll need a full-body drysuit, special canyoneering shoes, and neoprene booties along with the walking stick. Day 2: Hike The Narrows in Zion This is your big day in Zion  for the famous Narrows hike plus another epic hike if you have the energy (or an easier one if you don’t). Morning The Narrows The Narrows in Zion National Park  is one of the most famous adventure hikes in the park, and it’s absolutely incredible! You’ll begin on the paved Riverside Walk to get to the start of The Narrows. Then you’ll wade in the Virgin River as you head up into the canyon. The walls close in, and soon you are surrounded by stunning 1,000 foot tall cliffs. You’ll want to wake up early to hike The Narrows first thing in the morning and beat the crowds. Pack your lunches and plan to get on the first Zion shuttle  if you can (if you’re visiting during shuttle season). If the water is running too high and conditions are unsafe, the park will close The Narrows. In that case, you could hike Riverside Walk , Scouts Lookout , or  Emerald Pools  instead. Evening Watchman or Pa’Rus Trail In the evening, you have a couple options to savor the rest of your time in Zion. If you have extra energy, I highly recommend hiking the Watchman Trail  for an incredible view from up on the cliffs down into the canyon below. It’s just over 3 miles round trip with nearly 500 feet of elevation gain.  For an easier excursion, you can walk the Pa'Rus Trail  which starts at the Visitor Center. The Pa’Rus Trail is a paved path running along the Virgin River that’s perfect for an evening stroll. Instead of hiking up The Watchman, you’ll get great views of this awesome rock formation from down below. Day 3: Drive to Bryce & Explore then Drive to Capitol Reef 2 hour drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon 2 hour drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef Day 3 of this Zion to Moab road trip involves a lot of driving but it’s broken up by some quality time in Bryce Canyon National Park. Morning/Afternoon Bryce Canyon Make the most of your one day in Bryce Canyon  with a few of my favorite hikes in the park. When you arrive in the area, stretch your legs on the short and easy 1-mile round trip Mossy Cave Trail hike that’s actually just outside the entrance to the park. The trailhead is just 5 minutes from the town of Tropic where you can grab a bite to eat before or after the hike (I recommend The Pizza Place!). Then make your way into Bryce Canyon National Park itself and go straight to Sunset Point. The views here are truly phenomenal!! Get in a little more hiking in on the Navajo Loop Trail , a 1.5 mile hike that takes you down to the canyon floor and back. Then it’s time to hit the road again to head to Capitol Reef, about 2 hours away! Where to Stay in Capitol Reef I love the cool atmosphere at Skyview Hotel  in the town of Torrey, just outside of Capitol Reef. Skyview features “design inspired by the destination,” and you can see that both in the artwork in the hotel and the views of the surrounding landscape from the property. We stayed in an excellent modern hotel room, but they also have luxurious glamping domes if that’s your vibe. Skyview is located close to town and places to eat, and it’s only a convenient 15 minute drive to get to Capitol Reef. Day 4: Explore Capitol Reef After all the driving yesterday, you’ll stay in one spot today to check out all that Capitol Reef National Park  has to offer. Morning Sulphur Creek Canyon Hike The Sulphur Creek Canyon hike is such a cool hike past three waterfalls! Until you hit Sulphur Creek, the trail is kind of dry and hot for about a mile, but from there, it gets a lot better. You’ll follow the stream all the way through the canyon with stunning rock cliffs all around you. Local tip: This hike is 6 miles one way, so you’ll either want to park an extra car for a shuttle if you’re with a group or try to hitch a ride back to the trailhead. Afternoon Burgers & Chill You’ll probably be pretty hungry after your hike, and you HAVE to go to the Capitol Burger Food Truck for lunch! I really can’t stress enough how amazing these burgers are, and they are definitely the perfect post-hike meal. If you need some down time from all the road trip adventures, Skyview has plenty of great spots to relax, both in the room and on the property. You could also take a scenic drive along Utah State Route 24 through the park, where you can stop at the historic Fruita Schoolhouse and cross the beautiful wooden boardwalk to see the petroglyphs. Evening Sunset at Goosenecks Overlook & Panorama Point For an absolutely stunning sunset with minimal hiking, head to Panorama Point, which is right off the road, or Goosenecks Overlook just a tenth of a mile down the trail. You can also hike just a little farther (0.3 miles one way) to Sunset Point to see a spectacular view of the Waterpocket Fold that makes up the Capitol Reef landscape. Day 5: Pit Stop in Goblin Valley then Drive to Moab 1 hour 15 min drive from Capitol Reef to Goblin Valley 1 hour 40 min drive from Goblin Valley to Moab This is another big driving day, but you’ll take a fun pit stop where you can explore (and the kiddos can run around) for a while. Morning Hike to Hickman Bridge For one last stop in Capitol Reef, enjoy the lovely hike to the Hickman Bridge natural arch. It’s just a 2-mile round trip so it’s a great quick morning hike before you hit the road again. Afternoon Pit Stop in Goblin Valley After your morning hike, head east from Capitol Reef and stop in Hanksville for lunch at Outlaw’s Roost. You can build your own tasty burritos, tacos, and rice bowls at this local Mexican spot. Then continue on to Goblin Valley State Park for a pit stop. We love Goblin Valley so much! It is literally a rock playground where you and the kiddos can spend a few hours running, climbing, and exploring to your heart's content. Just keep in mind that Goblin Valley will be super hot in the dead of summer. So if you’re taking this road trip in the summer, have plenty of water and plan to spend less time exploring. After this jam-packed day, make your way another hour and 40 mins to your final road trip destination of Moab. Where to Stay in Moab While there are tons of lodging options in the Moab area from camping to glamping to hotels, I stayed at Field Station Moab , and it was awesome. Field Station is designed for adventurers, and they offer a variety of rooms, including bunk bed rooms for bigger groups, plus posts for van lifers to park. They have a cafe and a gear shop on-site, and you can book fun tour experiences through them, too. For dinner in Moab, you have to check out the Moab Food Truck Park ! The 14 different food trucks offer something for everyone, from hot dogs to tacos to sushi to pizza…and, of course, ice cream and sweet treats for dessert. Day 6: Explore Arches National Park It’s finally time to visit Arches National Park and see all the amazing sandstone arch formations that give the park its name! Note: From April 1 to October 31, timed entry reservations  (along with your National Park entrance fee) are required to enter Arches from 7am-4pm each day. Not gonna lie, I’m not very good at planning in advance to get the timed entry tickets I want, so instead we woke up early to get in the park and see the sunrise. No timed entry pass is needed if you get in before 7am, and it was totally worth the early wake up. But before you head into Arches, make sure to get some breakfast and have plenty of snacks to eat on the go since you won’t find any concessions in the park. (So bring your water bottles, too!) Morning Scenic Drive Through Arches The best way to get the most bang for your buck in Arches National Park is to do a scenic drive and stop whenever an arch strikes your fancy. Most of the arches don’t require much of a hike to get to. ***North Window Arch ***South Window Arch ***Pine Tree Arch ***Devils Garden ***Dune Arch ***Landscape Arch ***Courthouse Towers In fact, you can see all of these arches in a morning because of short drive times and hiking times: Devils Garden Landscape Arch Pine Tree Arch Sand Dune Arch Courthouse Towers (the lookout here is so beautiful!) North Window South Window Turret Arch Afternoon Mill Creek Hike in Moab Mill Creek is an oasis in the desert, and I loved it so much! The short trail (around 2 miles round trip) leads you to a beautiful waterfall cascading down the sandstone cliffs into a pool you can jump in. It’s such a fun and easy waterfall hike, and I could have stayed here all day to enjoy it. Day 7: Sunrise in Canyonlands, Hike to Corona Arch, then Drive to Salt Lake City to Fly Home 3 hour 45 min drive from Moab to Salt Lake City Airport For the last day on your Zion to Moab road trip, it’s all about the views…including the sunrise, which is absolutely worth getting up early for! Morning Canyonlands for Sunrise Mesa Arch is one of the most iconic formations in Canyonlands, and the hike to the arch is easy at only half a mile round trip. Because of this, it gets pretty crowded, even first thing in the morning. But once the sun pops up over the horizon, and you see that amazing glow through the arch, you definitely won’t regret being there among the crowds. Dead Horse Point State Park Dead Horse Point State Park is a must-visit when in Moab, and you don’t have to do any hiking for the best view of the Colorado River curving through the multicolored sandstone buttes. Believe me, you’ll want to squeeze a visit to the stunning overlook here into your time in Moab because his view is the definition of breathtaking! Afternoon Hike to Corona Arch If you have any time and energy left before you head to the airport in Salt Lake City, then the hike to Corona Arch is a must. The 3-mile round trip trail takes you to a massive arch that stands out even among all the other arches in the area. Keep in mind that this hike has zero shade along the trail, so it is a hike that you need to do during milder temps (either early morning or cooler months). While we did this hike during the afternoon in late August, that was only because it was overcast and stormy that day so the sun and heat weren’t a concern. Evening Drive to Salt Lake City & Fly Home Finally, it’s time for your Zion to Moab road trip to come to an end. The closest major airport to Moab is Salt Lake City (about a 3 hour and 45 min drive), so I recommend flying home from there. Best Time of Year for This Utah Road Trip from Zion to Moab The best time of year for this Zion to Moab itinerary is from April to mid November. The temps in the spring and fall should be pleasant, but you might encounter rain or even snow early and late in the season.  If you are going in the heat of the summer (June, July, August), you will have to cut out some of these hikes during the heat of the day (the ones with water should be okay). In the summer, you should only hike early in the morning and later in the day because the temperatures mid-day can be extreme in the desert. Always bring more water with you than you think you could possibly need, and electrolytes or salty snacks are good, too. Packing List for Your Zion to Moab Road Trip Here are a few key things to bring on your Zion to Moab road trip so you can be comfortable while hiking and exploring across Utah: Light, breathable clothing Warmer layers if coming in April, October, or November Swimsuit (especially in summer) Hiking sandals, like Tevas or Chacos (I love my Tevas!) Hiking shoes Small day pack (to carry other things on the list) Water bottle Snacks Sunscreen Sun hat Sunglasses This obviously isn’t everything you’ll need, but just a quick rundown of some important things you don’t want to forget. Hope this itinerary inspires you to plan your own Southwest road trip to explore all the awesome destinations from Zion National Park to Grand Canyon! Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here   CLICK HERE FOR RELATED BLOG POSTS

When I capture memories for my photography clients in Zion, many of them tell me that they are also visiting Arches National Park on their trip. Even though Zion and Arches are on opposite sides of Utah, it’s a reasonable road trip to get from Zion to Arches National Park, so it’s fairly easy to combine these two amazing Utah destinations in one trip. Take A Trip from Zion to Arches National Park This guide will give you all the info for how to make it happen, including when to visit, how to get to Zion and Arches, where to stay near each park, driving from Zion to Arches National Park, entrance fees and logistics for each park, and the top things to do in both parks. Here is a basic itinerary for a trip from Zion to Arches National Park: Fly into Las Vegas and drive to Zion National Park (2.5 hr drive) Spend a couple days hiking and exploring in Zion Drive to Arches National Park (5 hr drive) Spend a couple days hiking and exploring in Arches Drive to Salt Lake City and fly home (3.5 hr drive) Check out my Zion to Moab road trip guide for a longer road trip itinerary with a few more cool stops along the way! Best Time of Year for Visiting Zion and Arches While you can have a great visit to Zion and Arches at any time of the year, I would recommend April to mid November as the best time to visit these parks. The temps in the spring and fall are usually quite pleasant, though you could encounter rain or even snow early and late in the season. Summer is a very popular time to visit Zion and Arches, but keep in mind that this is the desert, and it can get extremely hot, especially mid-day. How to Get to Zion and Arches National Parks Zion National Park is in southwestern Utah, near the border of Arizona and Nevada. Arches National Park is near the town of Moab in eastern Utah, near the border of Colorado. When you’re taking a road trip from Zion to Arches National Park, I recommend flying into a different airport than you fly out of so you don’t have to drive across Utah twice. Here are the airports closest to each of the parks. Closest Airports to Zion National Park The closest major airport to Zion National Park is Las Vegas International Airport which is about a 2.5 hour drive from the Springdale entrance to Zion. The Las Vegas airport offers the most flight options in the area, so while it isn’t technically the closest airport to Zion, it is typically the most convenient. St. George Regional Airport is actually the closest airport to Zion, and it’s just an hour away. But the flights into St. George are very limited, only coming  from Denver, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City (and seasonally from Dallas), so it’s not an option for most people. Check out my guide to the closest airports to Zion  for more details! Closest Airports to Arches National Park The closest major airport to Arches National Park is Salt Lake City International Airport which is about a 3.5 hour drive away. A couple smaller airports nearby are Canyonlands Field Airport (just 15 mins away) or Grand Junction Regional Airport (about an hour and a half away), but flight options are much more limited at those airports compared to Salt Lake City. Driving from Zion to Arches National Park If you just want to drive straight through from Zion to Arches National Park, the drive is around 5 hours via I-15 North and I-70 East. A more scenic drive through Zion along UT-9 and then north on US-89 past Byrce Canyon is about 5.5-6 hours. You can also make the drive into a Zion to Moab road trip across Utah with several awesome stops along the way. Where to Stay Near Zion and Arches Believe me, you won’t be lacking for options of places to stay near both Zion and Arches since these national parks are so popular. If you need help narrowing it down, here are my top recommendations for lodging near Zion and Arches. For even more places to stay near Zion, check out my extensive list of Zion lodging here ! Where to Stay Near Zion National Park Among all the places to stay near Zion, Zion Wildflower Resort  ranks at the top of my list. Zion Wildflower is situated on a hill with stunning views of the surrounding mesas in the town of Virgin, UT, which is just 15 mins from the Springdale entrance to Zion. And the stellar location is just part of its charm! Zion Wildflower is a glamping escape with lodging options ranging from charming bungalows to covered wagons to single-pole tents. All the amenities on the property including a pool and hot tub, firepits, outdoor games, movie nights, and more make staying here so much fun. Find out more about why Zion Wildflower is such a great place to stay with kids here ! Where to Stay Near Arches National Park On my last visit to Arches, I stayed at Field Station Moab , and it was fantastic! Field Station is meant to be a home base for adventurers, and it’s just a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Arches. Field Station has a variety of rooms, including bunk bed rooms for bigger groups and even posts for van lifers to park. Plus, they have a cafe and a gear shop on-site, and you can book fun tour experiences through them, too. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO Important Info for Visiting Zion and Arches Both Zion and Arches National Parks require entry fees and have some other logistical considerations for visiting, especially during peak season. Here’s what you need to know to visit these national parks: Standard Pass vs Annual National Parks Pass A standard entrance pass to Zion National Park  for one vehicle is $35 and the standard entrance fee for Arches National Park  is $30. Both are valid for up to 7 days, but they do not transfer to other parks. So if you plan to visit both Zion and Arches, it might be worth purchasing an annual National Parks pass. The America the Beautiful pass is $80  and gives you access to all national parks as well as many other areas (including national forests and BLM land). If you plan to visit any other national park during the next year (like perhaps visiting Bryce Canyon on the way from Zion to Arches National Park), the annual pass is a better deal. Arches Timed Entry Reservations During peak season from April 1 to October 31, timed entry reservations (along with the park entrance fee) are required to enter Arches National Park from 7am-4pm each day. You must reserve your timed entry ticket ahead of time either through recreation.gov or by calling the reservation line, and you can find all the info for Arches timed entry reservations here . Local tip: I won’t lie, I’m not very good at planning in advance to get the timed entry tickets I want. So on my recent visit to Arches, we decided to wake up early because no timed entry reservation is needed if you get into the park before 7am. It was totally worth the early wake up to see the sunrise and avoid worrying about the timed entry. Zion Shuttle Information You do NOT need a timed entry ticket to visit Zion National Park. However, from March through November, you do need to use the free Zion Shuttle  to access areas in the main canyon, since Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed when the shuttles are operating. Check out my full guide to the Zion Shuttle here ! Top Things to Do in Zion National Park Zion is truly an incredible place, and I would definitely recommend spending at least a few days exploring the park before you head to Arches. Here are some of my must-dos in Zion! If you have limited time, check out some ways to make the most of one day in Zion here ! Hiking in Zion National Park Zion is a hiker’s paradise, and you’ll find trails for all levels of hiking ability here. These are a few of the best hikes in Zion  to choose from. The Narrows The Narrows is one of the most famous adventure hikes in Zion, and for good reason, because it's amazing! After you make your way up the Riverside Walk, you’ll step off the paved trail and start wading the Virgin River into the canyon. Soon, the walls close in, and you are surrounded by massive cliffs that will take your breath away. Read my detailed guide to hiking The Narrows here ! Angels Landing Angels Landing is an absolute bucket list hike in Zion! You start this hike along the Virgin River before beginning the steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. When you reach Scout’s Lookout, you’ll enjoy some jaw-dropping views of the canyon from above before you ascend the iconic chains section with steep drop offs. The views from the summit are so freaking amazing, and you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment. Check out my in-depth guide to hiking Angels Landing here ! Note: You don’t need a permit to hike the first portion of the trail up to Scout’s Lookout, but you do need a permit to hike the chains section  to the summit of Angels Landing, which you can get through a seasonal or day-before lottery. Watchman Trail The Watchman Trail often gets overshadowed by the more famous hikes in Zion, but it shouldn't. This trail is truly gorgeous with epic Zion views and a prime perspective of the Watchman formation near the entrance to the park. It’s a moderate hike of around 3 miles with just under 500 feet of elevation gain, so it’s a fairly family-friendly adventure. Find out more about hiking the Watchman Trail here ! Pa’Rus Trail The Pa’Rus Trail is a perfect intro to Zion National Park! It’s an easy path that starts at the Visitor Center and takes you along the Virgin River to Canyon Junction (the shuttle stop that takes you into the canyon). Along the way, you’ll pass over several beautiful bridges that cross the Virgin River. Learn more about biking the Pa’Rus Trail here ! Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive Explore a different - and less crowded - side of Zion in Kolob Canyons! The best way to explore this separate section of the park is via Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive. The road winds through stunning scenery of beautiful box canyons and sandstone cliffs and offers access to amazing overlooks, lovely picnic areas, and trailheads for hiking. Check out my full guide to Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive here ! Top Things to Do in Arches National Park You can easily see a lot of Arches National Park in one day, but if you want to do some more hiking, you can savor a couple days here. Scenic Drive Through Arches The road that runs through Arches National Park is a beautiful scenic drive, and the many pull offs along the way make it convenient to simply stop whenever an arch strikes your fancy. Since most of the arches don’t require much of a hike to get to, you can pack a whole plethora of the signature sandstone arches into an afternoon. Here is just a sampling of the many arches I saw driving through the park: Landscape Arch   -  the largest arch in the world! Pine Tree Arch - cool arch on a family-friendly trail Sand Dune Arch - short trail you can extend to Broken Arch Courthouse Towers -  absolutely stunning viewpoint North Window, South Window, & Turret Arch - just 1 mile hike to see all 3 arches Hiking in Arches National Park If you have more time to spend in Arches, here are some of the most popular hikes in the park. Delicate Arch This is the iconic arch that graces Utah license plates and represents the state. You can’t see Delicate Arch from the parking lot, but there are a couple viewpoints along the 3-mile round trip trail to the arch. It’s worth hiking the full trail to see Delicate Arch up close though! Park Avenue This easy trail starts from Courthouse Towers viewpoint for a two-mile round trip that gives you a closer perspective of a number of stunning formations including the Courthouse Towers, the Three Gossips, the Organ, and the Tower of Babel. Double Arch It’s just a short half-mile round trip hike down to Double Arch, but it’s a fun one since you can scramble around the base of this unique formation of two connected arches. Devils Garden You’ll find the amazing Devils Garden area at the very end of the road through Arches. This is a very popular area for hiking through the arches, spires, and fins of sandstone on a network of trails to choose from. A two-mile round trip hike will take you to the largest arch in the world, Landscape Arch. Packing List for a Zion to Arches National Park Trip Here are some of the most important things to bring on your trip from Zion to Arches National Park so you can enjoy exploring the parks and trails: Light, breathable clothing Extra warm layers if coming in cooler months (like April, October, & November) Swimsuit (to play in the water, especially in the summer) Hiking sandals, like Tevas or Chacos (I love my Tevas!) Lightweight hiking shoes Small day pack (to carry other things here) Water bottle Snacks Sunscreen Sun hat Sunglasses This obviously isn’t everything you’ll need to pack, but it gives you a good start with a few key items you don’t want to forget. Hope all the info in this guide helps you plan your own amazing adventure from Zion to Arches National Park! Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here   CLICK HERE FOR RELATED BLOG POSTS

Growing up in the Hurricane Valley, I have fond memories of jumping out of bed, running barefoot to the window and peeking out in wonder at the blanket of snow covering my backyard, but that was rare. I spent the majority of my winter days as a kid in Southern Utah, running around without even a coat! When I moved to Logan, Utah, for school and later Salt Lake City for ten years, I came to understand what winter was all about.....brrrrrrr! Even though I love the snow, my love for snow is tainted a bit by the fact that I do not like the cold.....haha! I am a Southern Utah native, after all. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION/SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE Southern Utah is known for its mild winter temps and unlimited hiking and outdoor activities. It is one of the best places to ditch the puffy coat and replace it with hiking boots and a backpack. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE WINTER IN SOUTHERN UTAH Winters in Southern Utah are very mild. It generally snows 2-3 times a year, but the snow doesn't stick around for long. Often temperatures barely drop below 30 degrees, and when it does, the sun is usually still shining. The graph below will give you an idea of the average temperatures in St. George in the winter months. ****information from Google The Weather in Zion does tend to get a little colder, so make sure to plan for a range of temperatures and keep an eye on the weather forecast before you visit so you can be prepared for cold spells and possible storms. ***Big Firepit at The Ardella Cottage in La Verkin WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTHERN UTAH IN THE WINTER WITH KIDS For this itinerary, I recommend staying in St George/Washington or the Hurricane Valley. Wherever you stay, it needs to have a jacuzzi for those chilly winter nights.....am I right?!? ARDELLA COTTAGE - This stunning historic home in La Verkin, Ut, is just 30 minutes from Zion National Park and 30 minutes from Snow Canyon State Park. It is filled with all the luxury, comfort, and all the charm you could possibly want for your Southern Utah getaway. This home is the perfect winter retreat for a big family. It has a jacuzzi, cozy nooks, and a big firepit. THE ADVENIER - The Advenier is the perfect setting for thrilling outdoor adventure meets small-town hospitality and charm. The Advenier, Autograph Collection, is St George's first and only full-service luxury boutique hotel. The Advenier is centered in the Historic Arts District and minutes from great restaurants and things to do in the heart of downtown. A short walk takes you to the Children's Museum, and the rooftop jacuzzi is the perfect spot to hang out on a winter evening after a day of adventure! ARCADIA RESORT - This vacation home resort in Saint George is perfect for big families and is filled with tons of fun activities for kids. Looking at their website, I have not doubt that this is one of the best places to stay in Southern Utah with kids. Their lazy river and slide may not be open in the winter, but they do have a heated pool and jacuzzi year-round.....um yes please! WINTER HIKING TIPS FOR ZION If you are intimidated by winter hiking, don't be. The snow doesn't stick around long in Zion. Other than muddy conditions on some trails, you will find the hiking about the same as the other seasons in Zion, it will just be a little colder, which is great for hiking.....right!?! Before your trip, purchase a pair of Yaktrax for everyone in the family and take them with you in your backpack as you hike, just in case you come across slippery trails. Keep an insulated thermos of hot water in your car and hot chocolate or tea for post-hike warm-up. Bring extra warm clothes if things get wet and you want to do multiple hikes. As it gets closer to spring, there's a lot of water and red mud on the trail that kids love to play in. Bring a towel for clean up before getting back in the car. Make sure to add an extra plastic bag in the back of the car for muddy boots. Bring a bigger backpack than you normally would so that you can pack extra warm weather gear in case it is colder than you were expecting. If you have a kiddo who won't wear a hat, make sure you have a jacket or sweatshirt with a hood for when the wind whips up and they admit they are cold. Stay hydrated. It is easy to forget to drink water when you are cold so make it a priority to stop often and drink. Pay attention to the weather forecast so that you will know the kind of conditions you will be hiking in, and you can plan accordingly. HOW TO PACK FOR VISITING SOUTHERN UTAH IN THE WINTER WITH KIDS It's all about layers when dressing for winter in Southern Utah. Mornings and evenings are chilly, but during the day, if the sun is shining, it will warm up, and you will probably want to shed some layers. Bring puffy jackets, beanies, and gloves for the mornings and evenings or a possible storm bringing cooler temps. In the mid-day, when it's nice and sunny, be ready to strip down to a long sleeve t-shirt or sweatshirt. Here are some items that are similar to what we have used and loved in the past. I just purchased these boots from LLbean ! I'll come back and let you know how they are after I have worn them for a bit. Toddler/Young Kid Winter Boots Big Kid Winter Boots Kids Winter Coat Women's Beanie Women's Warm Leggings Women's Down Jacket ***All the yummy treats at River Rock Roasting Company in La Verkin WHERE TO EAT IN SOUTHERN UTAH WITH KIDS You will be in St George, Hurricane, Kanab, and Springdale for this itinerary. Here is an overview of some great places to eat for adults and kids. KANAB Wild Thyme Brown Box Sego Big Al's HURRICANE VALLEY River Rock Costa Vida Dixie Pizza Wagon Muddy Bees Bakery ST GEORGE Wood Ash Rye Pizzaria Limone Viva Chicken Cafe Rio SPRINGDALE Zion Pizza Noodle Oscars Cafe Wiptail Grill Meme's Cafe FIVE DAY WINTER ITINERARY - SOUTHERN UTAH WITH KIDS So now that you know what to pack, what to expect, and where to eat it's time to get to the itinerary. I have put together five days in Southern Utah that pack a punch. These are fun days full of beautiful spots that the adults and kids will love! Mix and match or choose a few days that work best for you. These five days are perfect for any family itching to escape the cold with swirling red rock and desert adventures. DAY ONE - SNOW CANYON Morning - Jenny's Canyon slot canyon hike Run and play at the Sand Dunes Explore the Petrified Dunes Afternoon - Johnson's Canyon hike Snow Canyon State Park is a hidden gem in Southern Utah, filled with great hiking, beautiful Navajo sandstone formations, ancient lava rock (basalt), and out-of-this-world views. The park is located 10 minutes north of St. George and 30 minutes from Hurricane. Pay the $10 vehicle entrance fee at the south entrance and drive 1/4 mile to Jenny's Canyon trailhead. It will be the fist pull-out/trailhead to your right. This .3-mile round-trip trail will take you to a towering slot canyon on your left, and an overlook to your right. The slot canyon is ideal for exploring, and kids can even do a bit of rock climbing on the canyon walls. After your short hike, head up the road a short distance to the Sand Dunes. This giant-sized sandbox is the perfect place to let the kids run, play, and dig to their heart's content. Once the kids have had enough fun playing in the sand, drive north to the Petrified Dunes. The parking lot will be to your left, and a short trail will take you to incredible rolling mounds of petrified Navajo Sandstone. At the heart of Snow Canyon, the views from the top of the once-flowing mountains of sand are some of the most breathtaking in the park. Don't worry about following a trail. Just climb, explore and enjoy the beauty until everyone is ready to head back to the car. Later in the day, head back to Snow Canyon and hike Johnson's Canyon trail. Parking is just outside the park entrance at a dirt parking lot. This popular trail is 2 miles round trip, easy and family-friendly. Hikers may see remnants of a historical pipe once used to transport water from Snow Spring to agricultural areas in Ivins. After steady rains, a 200' waterfall often flows at the end of the canyon creating a large pool. DAY TWO - RED ROCK ADVENTURES Morning - Pioneer Park + Red Hills Desert Garden Downtown Children's Museum Afternoon - Hike Red Reef Trail Evening - Explore Sand Hollow Pioneer Park and Red Hills Desert Garden are fun ways to spend the morning. This red rock playground set above St. George is perfect for exploring, climbing, hiking, and enjoying all that makes Southern Utah so special. Pioneer Park is a 52-acre park featuring Dixie Rock, views of the city, hiking, BBQs & a covered pavilion. The park is chocked full of sandstone cliffs, rocks to climb, little canyons, and caverns to explore. Red Hills Desert Garden , situated next to Pioneer Park, is Utah's first interactive desert garden showcasing water-efficient landscapes, endangered species, and prehistoric tracks in one central location. This 5-acre preserve has more than 5,000 desert plants, a stream, a replica slot canyon & dinosaur tracks. After exploring the garden, head over to The St. George Children's Museum , located in the heart of downtown. The Museum encourages guests to play and explore throughout their twelve exhibit rooms. The rooms are designed to encourage interaction between children and adults. Minds, both young and old, will discover a world of imagination as they play and interact with the exhibits. It is the Museum's goal to offer and provide educational opportunities for all children and adults to learn and create memories. Later in the afternoon head over to Red Reef Trail . This trail is a fan favorite. It is a short 2.5 mile round trip hike with minimal elevation gain, lots of cool spots for playing and exploring along the trail, and the rock climbing rope area near the end makes the hike feel truly adventurous. A seasonal waterfall runs in the spring but not usually in the winter. PRO TIP If you choose to climb the rocks to the upper section with a small child on your back, we recommend using a soft carrier. This will keep your center of gravity more even. This trail doesn't see snow very often so if you do get lucky and catch Red Reef with a little bit of snow, count yourself lucky! Click here to read more about hiking Red Reef Trail. If you have more energy after hiking Red Reef, head to Sand Hollow State Park to play along the water and climb the red rocks. This lake is a super fun area for kids to play and explore. It is peaceful and quiet in the winter, not so much in the summer...haha! DAY THREE - CANYONEERING ADVENTURE Morning - Canyoneering with All Ways Adventure Afternoon - Sand Boarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes Day three is an action-packed day full of adventure and is perfect for a family looking to push outside their comfort zone. Book a half day morning family canyoneering package with All ways Adventure . The location of your canyoneering adventure will be selected with regards to starting location, season, and conditions. Age 4/5 is usually the youngest family member they will take. All Ways Adventure has access to canyons that suit all ages, fitness levels, abilities, and desires for adventure. Nathan and his team are so great with kids, and they know exactly how to make sure that everyone has a great time, even if they are a little nervous about dangling from a rope. READ MORE ABOUT CANYONEERING HERE. After lunch, head over to Coral Pink Sand Dunes, a stunning state park located in between Kanab and Zion that is covered in fine red sand, perfect for sandboarding. Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, which involves riding across or down a sand dune while standing on a board. Rent boards from the ranger station for $25, head across the street towards the dunes, kick off your shoes, and head for the hills. Hike up the red sandhills, jump on the sled, and fly down. Repeat over and over again. The board will go faster or slower depending on the grade of the hill and whether or not it is waxed up properly. DAY FOUR - ZION NATIONAL PARK Morning - Stop at the visitor center for a junior ranger handbook Hike Riverside Walk Picnic lunch at The Lodge Afternoon - Hike Emerald Pools Start your day by visiting the Zion National Park Visitor Center to get a Junior Ranger Handbook for the kids to work on throughout the day. If you are visiting Zion during December or January, chances are the shuttles won't be running. If the shuttles are running, jump on and ride it to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, where you will hike the Riverside Walk trail. PRO TIP If the shuttles aren't running, make sure to get an extra early start so that you will find parking. Parking is very limited in the canyon. RELATED POST - VISITING ZION NATIONAL PARK IN THE WINTER The the 2.5-mile round trip Riverside Walk trail is mostly level and paved, making it doable for all skill levels. Shear red rock mountains and hanging gardens line the path as you walk along the Virgin River. The end of this trail is the beginning of one of Zion's most popular hikes in the summer, The Narrows. YOU CAN FIND ALL THE INFO FOR HIKING Riverside Walk HERE Head over to The Lodge and eat a picnic lunch on the lawn. The large field is so fun for kids to run and play. After lunch, walk across the road to the start of the Emerald Pools trail. This classic Zion hike is great for kids and features one of the few waterfalls on display in the park. In the winter, the waterfall section usually has ice. Be careful not to slip. Hike 1 mile round trip for the lower pool, 1.25 miles for the middle pool, and 2.5 miles round trip for the upper pool. DAY FIVE - EAST SIDE OF ZION Morning - Hike Canyon Overlook Explore Clear Creek Picnic lunch Explore along the Pa'Rus trail Afternoon - visit the Natural History Museum Get Junior Ranger Badge at Visitor Center. Canyon Overlook in Zion National Park is a family-friendly trail on the east side of Zion that features big horn sheep sightings, caves (kinda), and one of the most breathtaking views in the park. It almost feels like cheating to get views like this with such an easy hike. The trail is mostly level, but in the very beginning, there are some short uphill switchbacks that the younger kiddos may need a bit of help with. It is important to note that even though this is a very kid-friendly hike, there are plenty of spots along the trail and especially at the overlook, that can be dangerous. Make sure your children stick to the trail and away from the edges. Plan to spend some time at the overlook enjoying the amazing views. Click here to read more about hiking Canyon Overlook . After Canyon Overlook head up the road 5 miles to the Many Pools parking area for some exploring along the dry stream bed below. Clear Creek is the main dry streambed that follows Route 9 throughout the east side of Zion. Although it may not be an actual named hike in Zion, it is excellent for some off-the-beaten-path hiking and fun. Filled with cave-like tunnels, family-friendly slot canyons, and sandstone cliffs, you will find surprises around every corner. Click here to read more about hiking Clear Creek . After your day of hiking, stop at the Human History Museum to learn the history of Zion, see artifacts from the native people and watch a short film about the history of Zion. There are lots of opportunities for learning that kids will find interesting. The film is one of the activities to pass off in the Junior Ranger Handbook. Finish up the last of the Junior Ranger Handbook and then head back to the visitor center, where your child will present their completed handbook to a park ranger and take an oath to protect and care for the National Parks. If you have a little more energy after picking up the junior ranger badges, you can walk along the beautiful Pa'Rus trail that starts right at the Visitor Center. This paved trail is so beautiful and perfect for an evening stroll. Make sure to take a few of the little paths down to the river to let the kids play in the sand and throw rocks in the river. I hope this five-day itinerary inspires you to plan a winter getaway to Southern Utah. Don't let the cooler temps stop you from getting out with your kiddos. With mild weather and many great things to do with kids, Southern Utah is the perfect winter destination. Happy Adventuring, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS

Tucked into the Southwest corner of Utah is a charming little town surrounded by beautiful red rock cliffs and wide open desert. Kanab, Utah, is one of the best little towns in Southern Utah to make your home base when planning a family vacation to Zion National and the surrounding areas of southern Utah. This little town has the best small-town vibe, excellent lodging options, great places to eat, and is central to tons of great hiking and things to do with kids.   Plus, it’s so easy to get from Kanab, Utah to Zion National Park! With three national parks and two beautiful state parks close by, you could spend days, even weeks exploring in and around Kanab without running out of things to do with your kiddos! It really is a great little town . HOW TO GET TO KANAB One of the most popular ways to get to Kanab is to fly into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas , rent a car and drive 3 hours. Driving from Las Vegas to Kanab, Utah, you can stop at Valley of Fire State Park & Snow Canyon State park to break up the drive and see some stunning sights on your drive. The next closest major airport is Salt Lake City . Salt Lake is a 5.5-hour drive from Kanab. Flying into Salt Lake will allow you to turn your vacation into a road trip! First, go through Moab and hit up Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Then head south and stop at Goblin Valley State Park and Capitol Reef National Park. You can also fly into the Saint George Regional airport . This airport is much smaller with minimal flight options, but if you can find one that works for you, the time savings and convenience will be a huge bonus. It is a 1 hr 30-minute drive from Saint George to Kanab. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KANAB? Kanab is excellent in all seasons, even winter. Actually, it might be at it's best in the winter! Kanab averages 256 days of sunshine each year so chances are pretty good you are going to get some sunshine anytime of the year you visit. ☀️SUMMER IN KANAB (June - September) There's no beating around the bush, summer in Kanab is hot. This is a busy time to visit Kanab/Southern Utah but not so busy that you can't escape the crowds. Crowds die down a little in August and September when kids start going back to school. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE Temps from June - August are 100+, sometimes evening getting up to 110 degrees but don't let that stop you. Just head to Lake Powell or to Duck Creek to cool off. Getting out first thing in the morning is also a great way to beat the heat. 🌼🍁SPRING AND FALL IN KANAB (Oct, Nov, April & May) Spring and Fall in Kanab are beyond perfect. This tends to be a more busy time to visit because of the perfect temps . Mornings and evenings are cool but temps warm up nicely during the day. It is perfect hiking weather. ❄️WINTER IN KANAB (November-March) This is the least busy time to visit Kanab/Southern Utah. Rates for lodging will be lower and you will have more solitude while out hiking. Holiday weekends are an exception. If the weather is nice, it gets especially busy. Winter temps in Kanab are very mild. It generally snows 2-3 times a year, but the snow doesn't stick around for long. Often temperatures barely drop below 30 degrees, and when it does, the sun is usually still shining. Average temps during the day range from 49-55 degrees. The adventure opportunities in Kanab are endless. I have put together a list of my top 20 reasons that Kanab should be at the top of your list for your next family vacation. So let's get to it! Table Of Contents East entrance to Zion National Park is 35 minutes away Bryce Canyon National Park is 1 hour 20 minutes away Great kid friendly hiking near Kanab The Kanab Visitor Center North Rim of Grand Canyon is one hour 45 minutes away Kanab Utah restaurants offer tons of great food options Great museums and kid-friendly activities right in town Lake Powell is 1 hour away Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for animal lovers Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is 30 minutes away Tons of Great Guided Adventures to choose from Horseshoe Bend is 1 hr 10 mins away Antelope Canyon 1 hr 20 mins away Snow Canyon State Park is 1 hour 30 minutes away Kanab has tons of unique family friendly lodging Red Cliffs National Reserve is 1 hr 15 mins away Duck Creek Village is 1 hour away Cedar Breaks is 1 hour 20 minutes away Kolob Canyons is 1 hour 30 minutes away Great Family Friendly Events in Kanab, UT 1 - East entrance to Zion National Park is 35 minutes away Spend a day or two in Zion National Park hiking among the soaring sandstone cliffs, playing in the Virgin River, and spotting wildlife like mule deer and bighorn sheep. Kanab, Utah to Zion National Park is just over half an hour drive, so it’s super convenient to make Kanab your home base when you visit. My favorite kid-friendly hikes in Zion include Riverside Walk Trail , Canyon Overlook , The Narrows , Clear Creek , Lower Pine Creek Falls, Emerald Pools, and Sand Bench Loop . RELATED POST - Hiking Zion with Kids: The Ultimate Guide 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park is 1 hour 20 minutes away A day trip from Kanab, Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park, land of hoodoos, is a must when visiting Southern Utah. When staying in Kanab, visiting Bryce is the perfect quick and easy day trip. One day in Bryce will give you plenty of time to check out our two favorite family-friendly hikes, Mossy Cave Trail, and Navajo Loop Trail . R ELATED POST - VISITING BRYCE IN THE WINTER - A ONE DAY ITINERARY 3- Great family-friendly hiking near Kanab Along with all the great hiking you can do in the surrounding National Parks, there are a ton of great trails in and around Kanab that are beautiful and family-friendly. Here are my favorite family-friendly hikes in Kanab, Utah. BELLY OF THE DRAGON - A short hike through a water culvert/tunnel. Located 25 minutes outside of Kanab. DINOSAUR TRACKS TRAIL - A 1 mile round trip hike a few minutes outside of Kanab where you get to hike to huge 185 million-year-old dinosaur tracks in well preserved slick rock outcrops. MOQUI CAVERNS / KANAB SAND CAVES - A short hike to beautiful light filled caves just 5 minutes outside of Kanab. WIRE PASS TRAIL - A 3 mile trail through a stunning slot canyon just 45 minutes outside of Kanab THE TOAD STOOLS - A 1.5 mile round trip hike to very cool rock formations in the desert just 45 minutes outside of Kanab SQUAW TRAIL - A 2 mile round trip hike to stunning views overlooking Kanab. Located right in town. THE NAUTILUS - A 1 mile round trip hike to a cool rock formation with a giant slide. 45 minutes outside Kanab. WATER CANYON - A 3.5 mile round trip hike to a lush desert oasis and stream for water play. Located 45 minutes from Kanab. RED HOLLOW - .5 mile hike to a small slot canyon. Located 40 minutes outside of Kanab. 4 - The Kanab Visitor Center If you don't have time to plan your trip ahead of time, no worries. One stop at the Kanab Visitor Center and you will be good to go. This visitor center has detailed brochures for all the hikes, activities and attractions in and around Kanab. These one-page brochures make it so easy to find where you are going and plan your activities accordingly. The staff at the Kanab visitor center is also invaluable at helping visitors figure out what to do and where to go. 5 - North Rim of Grand Canyon is 1 hour 45 minutes away When visiting Kanab, a day trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a must. With cooler temps, epic views, and great hiking there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained for the day. On your drive, you have to make a stop at Jacob Lake Inn Gift Shop for their world famous cookies. Seriously you guys, the best cookies I have ever had! ***Please note that the North Rim is closed in the winter starting November 30th (earlier if there is a big storm) and does not usually open for the summer until May 15th. CHECK OUT OUR DETAILED BLOG POST ALL ABOUT VISITING THE NORTH RIM OF THE GRAND CANYON 6 - Kanab , Utah restaurants have tons of great food options Being a small town, you wouldn't expect Kanab to have much to choose from as far as food options go, but they have a ton. It is seriously one of the reasons I love Kanab so much! Here are some of my favorite Kanab, Utah restaurants: For something quick and easy, we love Big Al's . It's a small-town frost stop with buffalo burgers, sweet potato fries, and yummy milkshakes. If you are a lover of fine food, then you don't want to miss the world-class Sego Restaurant . Sego serves diners a selection of regional new American cuisine with all the ingredients locally sourced and grown. It may not be the most kid-friendly option so grab them a fast-food hamburger and then head over to enjoy one of the best meals of your life. I will never stop craving the Artichoke and Foraged Mushroom toast!!! For coffee and amazing french pastries, hit up Kanab Creek Bakery . Wild Thyme is also an excellent option for a nice dinner. We have also tried Rockin V Cafe & Escobars Mexican Restaurant, and both were great. Asava Juice & Smoothies is a super healthy option, great for organic juice, smoothies, and toast. Brown Box Bake Shop an adorable bakeshop that has incredible grilled cheese sandwiches and is the perfect place to grab an ice cream when you’re craving a sweet treat. 7 - Great museums and kid-friendly activities right in town I love that there are so many things right in the heart of Kanab, Utah  to keep kids busy.   Heritage House Museum ,   Little Hollywood land , and   Jacob Hamblin Park  are just a few of the activities/attractions in Kanab that will entertain your littles and get their imaginations going. 8 - Lake Powell is 1 hour away Lake Powell, the largest man-made lake in North America, is widely known as one of the premier water-based destinations in the world. The activity options at Lake Powell are endless, and it’s just an hour away from Kanab . Rent a boat for the day, paddle board Antelope Canyon, go cliff jumping at The Chains, play along the shore at the Wahweep Marina, or go hiking and exploring the endless rugged water-and wind-carved canyons around the lake. PRO TIP - If you don't have a boat to play on the water, hit up The Chains. This area is the best spot to go cliff jumping, swim in Lake Powell, and still be surrounded by beautiful red rock. CHECK OUT OUR DETAILED BLOG POST ABOUT VISITING THE CHAINS – THINGS TO DO AT LAKE POWELL WITHOUT A BOAT 9 - Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for animal lovers This lifesaving haven for hundreds of adoptable animals on 3,700 stunning acres is located just five miles north of Kanab. READ ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEERING AT BEST FRIENDS! Sign up to take a free tour of the sanctuary and your kiddos will be in animal-loving heaven. It is the perfect morning or afternoon activity for the whole family. Click here to book your Best Friends Animal Sanctuary tour! 10 - Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is 30 minutes away Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a stunning state park located in between Kanab and Zion that is covered in fine red sand, perfect for sand boarding. Sand boarding is similar to snowboarding, which involves riding across or down a sand dune while standing on a board. Rent boards from the ranger station for $25, head across the street towards the dunes, kick off your shoes, and head for the hills. In the hot Southern Utah sun, it seems that the sand might be too hot for play, but it is surprisingly perfect towards the end of the day. Hike up the red sandhills, jump on the sled, and fly down. Repeat over and over again. The board will go faster or slower depending on the grade of the hill and whether or not it is waxed up properly. CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO VISITING CORAL PINK SAND DUNES!!! 11 - Kanab has tons of Great Guided Adventures to choose from There are so many amazing guided adventures to check out when staying in Kanab. The hardest part is choosing which one. Guided adventures in Kanab are a great way to experience new places with kids. These tours allow you to be more in the moment with your kiddos because your guide has everything taken care of regarding planning, timing, and safety. Here are my top picks for guided adventures with kids in the Kanab area. Via Ferrata with Roam Canyoneering with All Ways Adventure Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon ATV Tour with Kanab Tour Company Ultimate Adventure with Coral Pink ATV Tours White Mountain Horseback Ride with East Zion Adventures Great Chamber with Expedition Kanab Crimson Canyon Hike and UTV Adventure with East Zion Adventures Campfire S'mores and Stargazing Tour by Adventure Tour Company RELATED POST : The 12 Most Adventurous Things to Do in Kanab, Utah 13 - Antelope Canyon is 1 hr 20 mins away Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous slot canyons in the world and it is located less than an hour and a half from Kanab . The way the light hits the smooth swirly canyon is truly magical. You must purchase a guided tour to see this protected slot canyon. The tours are in the $130-$200 per person range and require advanced booking. They fill up quite far in advance, so if you want to see this stunning slot canyon, make sure to book tickets as soon as you know your travel dates. CHECK OUT OUR ZION NATIONAL PARK TO ANTELOPE CANYON ROAD TRIP GUIDE 14 - Snow Canyon State Park is 1 hour 30 minutes away Snow Canyon State Park is a hidden gem in Southern Utah, filled with great hiking, beautiful Navajo sandstone formations, ancient lava rock (basalt), and out-of-this-world views. It’s just a convenient 90 min drive from Kanab, Utah to Snow Canyon. It gets very hot during the day in the summer with very little shade, so plan your adventures in Snow Canyon for early morning or later in the afternoon. Our favorite family-friendly trails in the park are Jenny's Canyon, Petrified Dunes, Lava Tubes, and Butterfly Trail. READ OUR BLOG POST ALL ABOUT VISITING SNOW CANYON STATE PARK 15 - Unique Family Friendly Lodging in Kanab, Utah I'm a sucker for cool lodging and Kanab has a plethora of fun and unique places to stay. Here is a list of my favorites. BASECAMP37 Basecamp37 is a spacious, secluded but totally connected hideaway with, safari-style tents, luxury beds and linens, hot showers, even hotter grills, and friendly folks. There is a shared house on the property plus a common area for all the guests. The 5 tents on the property face nothing but open land and huge vistas. It is located 8 miles east of Kanab in the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase under the magnificent Southern Utah sky. RELATED POST: Glamping near Zion National Park with Basecamp37° CAVE LAKES CANYON RANCH This is a unique new glamping property is tucked into a private canyon between Kanab and Orderville! The property features spring-fed ponds, cave lakes, beautifully designed glamping tents, and cabins all tucked into a stunning secluded private canyon. I can't get over how cool this property looks. RELATED POST: Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch - A Desert Oasis; Best Lodging in Southern Utah TIMBER AND TIN This mini resort located along main street is built on the homestead of the host's cowboy ancestors. Timber and Tin has all the amenities of a high-end resort but with peace and quiet of small town Kanab. The resort features 7 homes, a swimming pool, hot tub, a historic barn with games and a theater room, an outdoor picnic pavilion, and rooftop decks and fire pits for each home. RELATED POST: Timber and Tin Kanab – A Fantastic Family Getaway BEST FRIENDS ROADHOUSE AND MERCANTILE This is the ultimate place to stay with furry friends. While many hotels are pet-friendly, The Best Friends Roadhouse is the only pet-centric lodging in Kanab, Utah, or all of Southern Utah for that matter. The 40-room hotel is beautifully designed and features a fenced dog park, stunning murals, a splash zone, a washing station, slide-out pet beds, treats, and more. Your kiddos will be in animal-loving heaven. DARK SKY This boutique RV campground, located just three miles from the center of Kanab, sits on 40 acres of stunning desert landscape. Each of the 18 spacious sites offers unobstructed views to watch incredible sunrises and sunsets. The luxurious amenities include: Private bath suites Outdoor showers Outdoor kitchen with grill and pizza oven Open terrace lounge Meditative areas A dog park A kids' dig pit A 75' zipline Sites include a shade structure, dining table, low table, and propane firepit. RELATED POST: Best RV Park in Southern Utah; Dark Sky RV Resort in Kanab, Utah 16 - Red Cliffs National Reserve is 1 hr 15 mins away This small Desert Reserve is a fun, family-friendly location near Kanab. Red Cliffs National Reserve features great hiking, seasonal waterfalls, and beautiful red rock formations. Red Reef Trai l is a fan favorite. This trail is a short 3-mile round trip hike with minimal elevation gain, lots of cool spots for playing and exploring along the trail, and the rock climbing rope area near the end makes the hike feel truly adventurous. 17 - Duck Creek Village is 1 hour away Sitting at the edge of a large mountain meadow at an elevation of 8,400 feet Duck Creek Village is a thriving mountain community with shops, restaurants, lodges, inns, cabin rentals, and a campground. Duck Creek sits just an hour or so away from Kanab, and i t is a popular summer destination with hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, ATV riding, and mountain biking. In the winter it's great for a cozy winter getaway, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Don't miss Cascade Falls in the summer. This family-friendly hike is a one mile round trip hike to a 100-foot waterfall fed by Navajo Lake. Along this well-maintained family-friendly trail, you will see several varieties of plant life and incredible views of the Zion/Kolob Terrace. 18 - Cedar Breaks National Monument is 1 hour 20 minutes away Often referred to as a miniature Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks features a huge amphitheater with stone spires, columns, arches, pinnacles, and intricate canyons. Located in the mountains of Southern Utah and situated at 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks is shaped like a giant coliseum dropping 2,000 feet to its floor. Cedar Breaks is less than an hour and a half from Kanab, and t he monument is open from late May to mid-October, and the visitor center is open from mid-June to mid-September. Families are encouraged to stop by and check out the Junior Ranger Program or sign up for a ranger-guided hike. Our two favorite family-friendly trails are the Sunset Trail and the Alpine Pond Loop trail. PRO TIP - During the month of July the wildflowers are in full bloom, and they are absolutely stunning!!! 19 - Kolob Canyons is 1 hour 30 minutes away One of Zion's best kept secrets, Kolob Canyons is tucked into the northwest corner of Zion National Park. Soaring cliffs of red Navajo Sandstone and breathtaking views are the highlight along the stunning 5-mile Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive . The canyons are easily accessed from Interstate 15. Our favorite family-friendly hikes in Kolob Canyons are Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook. PRO TIP - Kolob sits at 6,000 feet, meaning that summer temperatures are usually 10 degrees cooler than Kanab & Zion Canyon. 20 - Tons of Great Family-Friendly Events   in Kanab, Utah It seems like there is always something fun going on in Kanab. The event calendar is packed all year long with activities like Balloons and Tunes, Jacob Hamblin Days, Kanab 4th, and Western Legends. My kiddos and I attended the Balloons and Tunes Festival in February, and we had the best weekend. We loved the lantern festival and waking up each morning to watch the air balloons fill the sky. The Western Legends event looks amazing. The event is held in September and hosts a boot-shakin' country concert, western movie stars, and a legendary rodeo. You're invited to experience wild country melodies, heroic bull riders, and unmatched adventure. Kanab also knows how to celebrate 4th of July with all the small town charm. It's like straight out of the movies. Whether you have a few days or a week, Kanab has everything you need to plan a magical family vacation. With excellent hiking and endless adventure opportunities, there is something for everyone. Are you ready to book your spring break, winter break, or summer vacation? Happy Adventuring, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS

The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most famous adventure hikes in the park because well, it's amazing!!! The trail starts as you step off the paved Riverside Walk trail, and start wading up the Virgin River into the canyon. The walls close in quick and you are surrounded by 1000 foot cliffs. In the summer this hike is the perfect reprieve from the intense summer heat but this hike can even be done year round with special gear. LENGTH OF THE HIKE To get to the turn around point at Big Springs (a permit is needed to go any further) it is 4.5 miles one way, including the paved hiking on Riverside Walk. To make it to the famous section in The Narrows called Wall Street it is 2.5 miles one way. DIFFICULTY OF THE HIKE The difficulty of The Narrows lies in all the climbing up, over, and around all the big and small rocks in and out of the river. It is easy to twist an ankle or scatch up your legs pretty good on this hike if you're not careful. With that being said it is a family friendly hike if you have good little hikers that love the water. It's even worth it to go up just a short way if you are nervous about how your kids will do. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE LOCATION OF THE NARROWS To get to this trail you will get off on the very last shuttle stop, Temple Of Sinawava. It's a 40-minute scenic shuttle ride from the visitor center and only accessible via the shuttle the majority of the year. You will hike the Riverside Walk trail to get to the start of The Narrows. Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it! TRAIL DETAILS FOR HIKING THE NARROWS The majority of the trail you will be hiking in knee-deep water along the Virgin River and crossing from one side to the other depending on the rocky condition and depth of the river. Around every corner, you will be greeted by views that will take your breath away. If you make it 2.5 miles in you will come to the famous Wall Street section of The Narrows. This is the tightest section of the slot canyon. A little further up you will reach a small slot canyon offshoot called Orderville Canyon. This canyon can be explored for a short distance. You will know you have reached the turn around point when you come to an area called Big Springs that has waterfalls coming right out of the walls on the west side of the canyon. Past this section is by permit only. Scroll through for tips and additional information. GOOD TO KNOW FOR PLANNING YOUR HIKE At the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop, there are water fill stations and bathrooms. Make sure to use the restrooms here. If you do need to go pee in The Narrows it is better to do it in the water than on the shore. If you need to go #2 while in The Narrows you MUST pack it out. WHEN TO HIKE THE NARROWS IN ZION The most comfortable time to hike The Narrows is in the Summer and early fall when the temps are warm and the cold water of the Virgin River is a refreshing respite from the heat. Summer is definitely the most popular time to go and the crowds get pretty intense. You can hike The Narrows in the winter to avoid crowds but you will need special gear, see below. During spring runoff (typically April-May) and after a rainstorm, the water levels in The Narrows get too high and the park service closes the trail. Storms are frequent during the monsoon season in July & August. Always pay close attention to the flash flood warnings issued by the park. This is a really great article about hiking The Narrows in the winter GEAR FOR HIKING THE NARROWS If hiking The Narrows in the summer you will need good hiking shoes, preferably boots, that you are ok with getting wet and have really good traction. If you are unsure about your shoes you can rent hiking boots specifically made for hiking in the water from a number of different outfitters in Springdale. My favorite here. You can also rent a walking stick. The walking stick is great to help with balance and checking water levels in the river. I especially recommend taking a walking stick if the water is at all muddy from a recent storm. The walking stick will be invaluable. During the winter a full-body drysuit, special canyoneering shoes, neoprene booties, and a walking stick are a must. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Always leave these places better than you found them and pack out all your trash. Do not make mud drawings or handprints on the walls of the canyon. Do not carve or scratch your name or anything else into the rock formations. Do not build cairns or other decorative formations out of the stones. If you need to pee do it in the water and if you need to go #2 then pack it out. If hiking The Narrows in the summer try to be on the first shuttle out in the morning. This is your only shot at having a little bit of solitude. On your hike back out, as you pass hoards of people, you will be so glad you got up early. Always pay attention to the flash flood warnings issued by the park. Take plenty of snacks and water for the hike. In the earlier and later parts of the summer bring a sweatshirt to pull out if you get cold. Be prepared that this is a very slow hike. Crossing the water and carefully navigating the rocks takes time. Wear clothes that are comfortable to hike in when wet. Chaffing from hiking in uncomfortable wet clothes is not fun. I often see people even hiking in swimming suits. Happy Hiking, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS

With its tepid blue waters and stunning red rock backdrop, Sand Hollow in the summer is the perfect place to spend a day playing in the sand, swimming, enjoying water sports, and cliff jumping. Read below to see which side of the lake is best for making sand castles and which side is best for cliff jumping. LOCATION Sand Hollow is located 10 minutes South West of Hurricane UT. Click here for directions. ENTRANCE FEE $10 per vehicle up to 8 people. If you have a Utah Parks pass you can use it at Sand Hollow HOURS April thru September Daily: 6 am to 10 pm October thru March Daily: 7 am to 9 pm Activities on the South Side of the Lake On the south side of the lake, young children can spend hours splashing in the shallow water and making sandcastles in the soft red sand. Pull over anywhere along the road as you drive along the south side. There are picnic tables all along the shore to make camp for the day. We love spending hot summer evenings here. While the kiddos play happily in the sand I walk along the sandy shore as the sun dips behind the mountains. Needless to say it is a beautiful sunset every time. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE ACTIVITIES ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE LAKE On the north side of the lake you can climb and explore the red rocks and if you are brave enough even do some cliff diving. Since my kiddos are not quite old enough to enjoy cliff diving, we spend most of our time swimming and playing on the red rocks. It's the perfect spot for playing mermaids.....just ask my girls The north side is such a fun area for exploring! There is a section in the red rocks where the water flows into the lake. It looks like a little river/water fall, and it is covered in bright green moss and vegetation. It is so beautiful you guys! HOW TO GO CLIFF JUMPING Cliff jumping at Sand Hollow is a popular activity for all ages. Make your way to the far east side of the north section of the lake. From there you will have to do some climbing to get over to the popular cliff jumping section. Younger children will need plenty of help here. The cliffs range from very high and advanced to very beginner, making this perfect for all ages and dare devil levels. Beware that cliff jumping is a risky activity and may result in injury or death......gotta add that. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO If you are visiting with kids don't forget the sand toys. Sand Hollow can get very busy on holiday weekends so if you are planning on visiting during a holiday weekend make sure to arrive very early (before 9 am) to get a good spot to play for the day. A bacteria known as Swimmers Itch lives in Sand Hollow in the summer due to the warm water. This allergy effects 7% of the population. It shows up as itchy bumps on the skin. To read more about it click here. If you plan to camp at Sand Hollow, try to get a spot in the Westside campground at the top section. The views are amazing, especially at sunset! If you are in need of a respite from the intense summer heat of Southern Utah, make sure to check out Sand Hollow. CHECK OUT THESE OTHER RELATED POSTS