Bok Tower Gardens: A Peaceful Florida Retreat

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 18, 2021 | Florida

Bok Tower Gardens: A Peaceful Florida Retreat

Need an escape from the bustle and crowds of the Florida Theme Parks? I have the perfect place for you to visit. Bok Tower Gardens is nestled among the orange orchards of Central Florida in Lake Wales. It provides a peaceful escape for all ages with breathtaking garden landscapes, the Singing Tower with daily bell concerts, children’s garden, koi pond, nature trails and a historical mansion.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 0.1 to 2 miles, depending on where you go in the gardens
Elevation Gain: Small rolling hills with one larger hill to get to the Singing Tower
Terrain: Paved paths, grassy areas
Time Needed: 1 to 3 hours
When to Go: 8:00 am to 6 pm, Anytime of the year, but early morning or evening in the summer months (avoid going on Earth day – this is when local schools have field trips to Bok Tower Gardens)

COST

Garden Admission

Garden admission includes everything but the Pinewood Estate tour.

$15 adults
$5 children 5 to 12 years old
Free for children under 5

Pinewood Estate Tour, plus Garden Admission:

$22 adults
$10 children 5 to 12 years old
Free for children under 5

AMENITIES

Bathrooms
Restaurant
Gift Shop
Water fountain

THINGS TO BRING

Water
Good walking shoes
Snacks for kids
Quarters to buy food for Koi Fish

DETAILS

Bok Tower Gardens was one of our Florida favorites while we lived there. We had an annual pass to Bok Tower Gardens at the same time as a Legoland annual pass. Our kids would frequently choose Bok Tower Gardens over Legoland. I think it is because the world feels different here.

There isn’t a rush to the next line or a ton of crowds but a peace, beauty and a slowed pace that my kids bloomed in. The goal of Edward Bok, the creator of Bok Tower Gardens was to create “a spot of beauty second to none in the country” where tranquility and peace were present.

Singing Tower

THINGS TO DO AT BOK TOWER GARDENS

Visit Singing Tower

The center piece of Bok Tower Gardens is Bok Tower itself (also called Singing Tower). We often joke that this tower looks like one of the towers in Lord of the Rings. It is 205 feet tall and is home to a carillon that consists of a 60 bell instrument that is played via feet on a large pedal keyboard.

One of our favorite features of Bok Tower is the Great Brass Door. The door depicts the Biblical story of The Creation and was constructed by Samuel Yellin, a Renaissance style metal worker.

Bell Concerts

Bok Tower is home to a carillon with 60 bells of different sizes. Bell Concerts are played live for 30 minutes at 1pm and 3pm daily from Bok Tower. There is a sitting area near the tower where a TV is set up to watch the carillonneur play the instrument in the tower. You will also hear bells ring at each hour and half hour.

Feed Koi Fish at the Mote

A mote surrounds the Singing Tower and contains many Koi Fish . You are able to buy fish food on the spot for quarter to feed these large, colorful fish. Your kids will love watching the large mouths of the Koi open and gooble up the fish food. Don’t forget your quarters!

Visit the Reflection Pond

The reflection pond sits at one of the bases of Singing Tower. Here you can see the reflection of the entire Tower. It is absolutely stunning.

There is a reflection pond that holds the largest “lilly pad” I have ever seen. On one occasion we saw a fish chase a frog across the water and eat it whole

Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden

My kid’s favorite part of Bok Tower Gardens was the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden. This area of the Garden is specifically designed for kids to explore and imagine. I compare it to an outdoor children’s museum.

Crossing the virgin river in the narrows

There is a fairy garden, a stage with dress ups, objects to climb on and jump from, xylophones to play, a small splash pad, hammocks and so much more. We could spend a couple hours just in this one area of the gardens.

Splash Pad

Fairy Garden

Hammock Time

Outdoor Instruments

Climbing and Jumping

The Gardens & Walking Paths

There are various gardens and walking paths to explore within Bok Tower displaying the Sub Tropical flora and fauna of Florida. There is also an endangered plant garden. Make sure to grab a map at the Visitor’s Center to decide which areas you want to explore.

There are gorgeous views near the tower of the surrounding orange orchards below. We often let the children just run in this shady grassy area and race from tree to tree. We had a special bench that we would sit on each visit.

View of Orange Orchards at Bok Tower Gardens

Pinewood Estates Tour

Pinewood Estates is a mediterranean style mansion built in the early 1930s. We did not ever go due to the added cost and the age of our kids. Everyone I talked to that toured Pinewood Estates really enjoyed the experience.

Visitor’s Center

The Visitor’s Center has interactive exhibits and includes the history of Bok Tower Gardens. We loved learning about the Carillon and seeing a bell up close.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Fun for all ages
Beautiful landscape, gardens and architecture
Daily bell concerts
Not expensive
Close to other Florida attractions

CONS

Can get crowded if visiting on a local field trip day — One such day is usually Earth Day
Hot and humid in the summer

DIRECTIONS

Bok Tower Gardens is located in Central Florida at 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853. This is just 50 minutes south of Disney World.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Bok Tower Gardens Official Site

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Florida’s Natural Grove Visitors Center and Gift Shop (10 minutes)

Legoland (25 minutes)

Circle B Bar Reserve (40 minutes)

Disney World (50 minutes)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.

Float the Provo River with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 12, 2021 | Utah, Water

Float the Provo River with Kids

Float the Provo River with kids for an exciting Utah County water adventure for the entire family. Escape the summer heat and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and Provo River on a kayak, paddleboard, tube, raft or canoe. This Float the Provo River with Kids guide will help you plan your float or paddle down the Provo River with your family.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy MODERATE Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 4.5 miles from launch site to exit point
Elevation Gain: None. Downstream river.
Terrain: River, rocks, trees, exposed river
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
When to Go: Summer, Early Fall

COST

Free if using your own transportation and watercraft

Around $20/person if using a tubing/kayaking company

AMENITIES

Vault toilets available at launch site: Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area
Flush toilets available at exit site: Vivian Park
Bring your own water

THINGS TO BRING

If Floating Using Own Equipment

Paddleboard, Kayak, Raft or Canoe (we love the lifetime products kayaks, especially The Wave kids kayak). See below for links.
Heavy Duty Tubes (I would not float this with the cheapo tubes that pop easily – you will end up swimming/walking down the river.)
Two vehicles for shuttling from finish to start
Lifejackets – required in Provo River
Sunscreen
Water
Good water shoes/sandals

If Floating Using Equipment/Ride from Tubing Company

Good water shoes/sandals
Water
Water proof bag if floating with items you don’t want wet.

DETAILS

Float the Provo River with kids for an adventure you kids will never forget! My kids begged to float it again the very next weekend after our first time — We did! It is now a family favorite. Our 10 and 11 year olds navigated their own paddleboard/kayak without difficulty (they have experience kayaking in lakes – this was our first river). We tied a tube behind one of the kayaks for our 7 year old and the 3 year sat with his Dad on a kayak.

This blog post is primarily to help those plan who are bringing their own floatation device/watercraft. If using a floating company they will provide shuttling, help with launching, take-out, life-jackets etc. Check the sites under the MORE INFO section if you need shuttling service, tubes, etc.

If you have never kayaked, tube floated or paddle boarded I would not recommend doing this as your first outing in your new watercraft. Go to a calm lake first to practice and then adventure to rivers. I say this mostly so you know how to steer and you don’t end up floating to the trees on the river side and get scraped up. There are also rocks to maneuver around when the river is low.

The best time to float down the Provo River is in the summer or early fall. The water temperature is in the 50 degree range which is refreshing in the summer heat but can be chilly if you have your bottom submerged in a tube the entire trip.

LAUNCHING

You need two vehicles to float the Provo River if you are using your own watercraft. Prior to launching you will need to place one vehicle at Vivian Park where you will be ending your paddling adventure. You then will need to pick up that driver from Vivian Park and all drive to the launch location.

The launch site for floating down the Provo River is just below Deer Creek Dam. Launch your kayak at Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area. See my pin drop of where to launch below in the Maps section. Park your vehicle just west of the launch site in a large dirt parking lot.

Parking at Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area

Parking Lot at Launch Site

Provo River might be fast moving at the launch site. It is important to keep a hold of your watercraft as you place it in the river so it doesn’t float away from you. Have one adult in the water and another sliding the watercraft in from above. Have the kids pile in while you are holding on. Push off from the shore once everyone is safely in their designated ride.

Skutumpah Road overlooking Grand Staircase Escalante

Launch Site

THE RIDE

Floating down the river is an absolute blast. There are easy rapids here-and-there, providing a little excitement on the way. Make sure to maneuver away from trees and rocks – especially if you are in a tube. Keep your eyes up to enjoy the beautiful Provo Canyon and Mt. Timpanogus views along the way.

There is a small river island we stopped during our ride. This was a shallow area in September and was a good place for the small kids to get out some wiggles. A lot of the shore around the Provo River is private property. Please respect these areas and don’t get out and explore where you shouldn’t.

Keep your eyes and ears out for the the Heber Valley Railroad Train. My kids loved watching the train go by.

About 2 miles down the river at Wildwood there is an old wood bridge that most of the tubing companies will have you avoid. There is rough water around the bridge and it is easy to tip here. Before the Wildwood Bridge there is a bank area to the right where you can get out and walk around 50 feet with your watercraft to get around the bridge. This is recommended if you are inexperienced. If you choose to go under the bridge, stay to the right – this is where the water is the calmest.

Exit to Walk Around Bridge

Wildwood Bridge

EXITING THE RIVER

Exit Provo River at Vivian Park. This is easy to recognize because all the tubing companies have private property exit points on the right side of the river. You should exit the river to the left before the bridge. This exit is a little tricky because of the large rocks/boulders. There is not a great sandy exit point unless you exit right after the bridge. The current to the left, right after the bridge was a little strong and we tipped a kayak so I recommend exiting before the bridge. You can exit on the right side of the river as long as you find a spot that isn’t private property.

Vivian Park Bridge – Exit Before

Exit Point

PROS & CONS

PROS

Super fun!
Just the right amount of difficulty for older kids to man their own watercraft.
Great way to cool off in the summer heat.
You can float with tubes, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes or rafts.
The current pushes you forward – no need to paddle to keep going – only need to paddle to maneuver around obstacles.

CONS

Water may be running too fast/high at certain times of the year.
Launch point water runs a little fast – hang on to watercraft and kids.
Exit site is rocky/steep

DIRECTIONS

The Provo River begins below Deer Creek Dam and follows Provo Canyon. You access Vivian Park (exit point) and Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area (entry point) off of Highway 189 up Provo Canyon. See maps below for exit and entry points.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Tubing Companies

High Country Adventure

Runoff River Adventures

Provo River Waterflow

Snoflo.org

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Deer Creek Reservoir (5 mins)

Bridal Veil Falls (10 mins)

Upper Falls Trail (10 mins)

Sundance Resort (10 mins)

Stewart Falls Hike (15 mins)

Battlecreek Falls Hike (25 mins)

Hiking the Y (30 mins)

Utah Lake State Park (30 mins)

Timpanogus Cave National Monument (35 mins)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 11, 2021 | Desert, National Parks, Southern Utah, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids

Adventure to Bryce Canyon National Park with kids! This awe inspiring park with its red and white hoodoos and green pines will create memories that last a lifetime. From hiking to exploring the western themed shops at Old Bryce Town there is something everyone will enjoy on your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park with kids.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate Hard Very Hard
(Activities range from very easy to hard depending on what you are doing)

KEY FEATURES

Terrain: Dirt, rocks, forest, exposed trails, hoodoos, waterfall, stream
Time Needed: A few hours to a few days
When to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall

Hiking Distance: Varies depending on trail

COST

$35 per vehicle for a 7 day pass

Free if you have a 4th grader with Every Kid Outdoors program

AMENITIES

Food and Lodging in Bryce City.
These three hotels are the closest to Bryce Canyon National Park and offer great access to activities and restaurants:

Ruby’s Inn

Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel

Bryce View Lodge
Campgrounds within Bryce Canyon National Park:

North Campground: 99 sites including tent and RV, first-come first-served

Sunset Campground: 100 sites including tent and RV, reserve on a 6 month rolling basis. Book 6 months ahead of time in order to get a site.
Bathrooms and water available at the Visitor’s Center.

THINGS TO BRING

Food for camping or snacks for day use
Water
Sunscreen
Camping gear if camping
Good hiking shoes
Weather appropriate outdoor attire

DETAILS

“There is so much to do at Bryce Canyon National Park with kids! We visited for a couple days in July and loved it!

What is great about Bryce Canyon is that it is a little cooler than the other 4 National Parks in Utah because its elevation is around 9,000 ft. This makes it a great park to visit in the summer. Although, it was still warm enough in July that we tried to hike in the morning or evening and hit the pool in the afternoon.

See below for ideas and details on things to do with your kids including unique hiking, scenic drives, rodeo, bike paths, horse back riding, ATV trails and more.

What is a Hoodoo?

Bryce Canyon National Park is not an actual canyon. It is a collection of “natural amphitheaters” filled with red and white Hoodoos. Hoodoos the tall irregular rock features you see in the pictures.

Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest collection of Hoodoos in the world. The Hoodoos create a backdrop of beauty that is one of a kind. No where else in the world can you see these types of views.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

Hiking

There are many hiking options within Bryce Canyon National Park from very easy to very hard. We were able to do several hikes with an 11, 10, 7 and 2 year old listed below.

There are longer trails within the park that we didn’t have time to do. Get more hike ideas here.

Wall Street & Queens Garden Loop: 3.2 miles, 640 feet elevation gain, loop trail. Probably the most iconic Bryce Canyon hike. If you only have time for one hike this is the one to do. Do this hike counterclockwise taking Wall Street first. The Wall Street area is so much better hiking the switch-backs down instead of up.

Wall Street at Bryce Canyon National Park

Switchbacks down Wall Street

Navajo Loop Trail (Thor’s Hammer): 1.5 miles, 500 feet elevation gain, loop trail. This loop also includes Wall Street but is a shorter loop without Queens Garden. You will see Thor’s hammer on this loop. I recommend hiking the Wall Street portion first.

Thor’s Hammer

Mossy Cave: 1 mile, 100 feet elevation gain, out and back trail. Mossy Cave is located off of Highway 12 outside the main park. This is short, sweet and fun. It features a small overhang covered in moss and a waterfall. We went in the evening when the trail was not crowded so we were able to play near the waterfall for awhile.

Bridge over Sulphur Creek at Capitol Reef National Park

Bristlecone Loop Trail: 1 mile, 100 feet feet elevation gain, loop trail. Bristlecone hike is located at Rainbow Point. The trail loops through the forest and offers beautiful views of the southern areas of the park.

Bristlecone Trail

Sunset to Sunrise Point: 1 mile, 80 feet elevation gain, out and back trail. This is a heavily trafficked trail between the two most popular view points of the park. Beautiful views, but try to go early or in the evening to miss the crowds. If you do the Wall Street to Queens Garden loop you will cover this hike.

Sunset to Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon National Park

Camping

Camping within Bryce Canyon National Park allows quick and easy access to some of the most beautiful scenery within the park. There are two campgrounds within Bryce Canyon National Park.

North Campground

Located just east of the Visitor’s Center near the park entrance. No water, electrical or sewer hookups available. There are 99 sites and are all first-come, first-served. Get there early if you want a site in the summer or on holidays. Have a plan B just in case you don’t get a site.

Sunset Campground

Located near Sunset Point. No water, electrical or sewer hookups available. There are 100 sites available that you reserve through Reservations.gov on a six month rolling basis. Reserve six months ahead of time if visiting May through September.

Scenic Drive

Follow UT-63 for 18 miles to travel the length of Bryce Canyon National Pare. This drive is a must for anyone visiting the park. There are many scenic viewpoints along the way.

There is a shuttle system that travels the length of the scenic drive. You can get on the shuttle at Ruby’s Inn outside the park and travel to many points of interest, including the most southern area at Rainbow Point. There is a shuttle at every stop about every 15 minutes. This is a great way to see the park on busy days when it is hard to find parking.

Rodeo

Ruby’s Inn hosts the Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo nightly Wed through Saturday from Memorial day to August. Great way to get into the Country Western spirit.

Horse Back Riding

Canyon Trail Rides are available within Bryce Canyon National Park.

Ruby’s Horseback Adventures offer scenic rides outside the park in areas that are similar to Bryce Canyon such as red canyon.

ATV/UTV Riding

ATV/UTV Riding isn’t allowed within the park, but the surrounding area has miles of trails to explore. Check out these trails. If you don’t own your own you can rent. Follow link for off road tours and rentals.

Visitor’s Center

We love going through National Park visitor’s centers for learning opportunities and to get Junior Ranger books. The Junior Ranger program keeps the kids busy while we drive and helps them learn about each park and how to preserve it.

Junior Ranger Program at Bryce Canyon National Park

Old Bryce Town

Old Bryce Town is a western themed shopping area that is a lot of fun. There is ice-cream, baked goods a rock shop and more. We had fun strolling around here and shopping for rocks.

Biking

There is an 18 mile shared use path from Red Canyon outside the park to Inspiration Point within Bryce Canyon. The most popular route on this path is a 5 mile stretch from the shuttle station to Inspiration Point. If you didn’t bring your own bike you can rent one here.

Star Gazing

Bryce Canyon National Park has an incredible night sky where you can easily see the Milky Way. The Park has an awesome astronomy program and offers over 100 programs each year! We didn’t know about this program when we visited but we had family members who attended an astronomy program a few weeks after we were there. They said it was their favorite part of Bryce Canyon! Sad we missed out.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Unique and beautiful scenery
Diverse hiking opportunities: short, long, flat, steep.
Other fun activities within Bryce City
Close to other outdoor adventures such as Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Kodachrome Basin State Park and Zion National Park
Higher elevation so not as hot as other southern Utah locations in the summer

CONS

Popular trails and viewpoints can become crowded in peak season

DIRECTIONS

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Central Southern Utah south of Highway 12 on UT-63. Follow the map below or enter Bryce Canyon National Park into your GPS device/phone.

MAPS

MORE INFO

National Park Service

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Red Canyon (20 mins)

Kodachrome Basin State Park (35 mins)

Willis Creek Slot Canyon (45 mins)

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (1 hour)

Zion National Park (1 hour 20 min)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 10, 2021 | Desert, Featured Posts, National Parks, Slot Canyons, Southern Utah, Utah

Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

Willis Creek Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a family-friendly hike for any skill level. With a meandering stream and towering walls, your family will be enthralled by this unique Utah adventure.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate HARD Very Hard (Easy to Hard depending on how far you hike)

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 1 to 5 miles, out-and-back
Elevation Gain: Mostly flat
Terrain: Creek hiking, dirt, sand, mud, shaded
Time Needed: 1 to 4 hours depending on how far/fast you hike
When to Go: Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall (Do not hike if there is a chance of rain due to flash flood potential)

COST

Free

AMENITIES

No water or bathrooms at trailhead
Closest amenities in Cannonville, 30 minutes away, including restaruants, hotels and gas stations
Lodging and food also available in Bryce, 45 minutes away
Camping 30 minutes away at Kodachrome Basin State Park

THINGS TO BRING

Hiking shoes or sandals that can get wet
Water
Snacks/Lunch
Vehicle that can handle driving on dirt/sandy roads (disclaimer – we drove this with a minivan and did okay, however when we do this hike again we will bring our truck. There are areas that were a little rough and a high clearance vehicle would do much better) A 4WD isn’t required, but recommended. Check recent road conditions on the All Trails reviews of Willis Creek.

DETAILS – Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

Willis Creek is a great family slot canyon because it is flat, does not require additional equipment and the slot begins within a quarter mile of the trailhead. It is great for all ages and abilities. You can hike a just a short distance and have an amazing slot canyon experience or go longer if you want more.

It is an out-and-back hike, so go how far you want and then turn around. The canyon never gets less than three feet wide so it is great for those who want to experience a slot canyon but might be a little claustrophobic.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon was our first slot canyon adventure as a family. We were in absolute awe the entire hike and from then on we were hooked on slot canyons. We hiked with an 11, 10, 7 and 2 year old without any difficulty. The 2 year old hiked a good portion because he was loving walking in the water.

My socks never got wet on this hike. I easily stepped over of Willis Creek that were slightly deeper. The water I walked through never was deep enough to get into my shoes. Of course the kids were loving life splashing and walking in the water

Slot Canyon Safety

It is very important to check weather conditions before attempting to hike any slot canyon. Do not hike into a slot canyon if there is a chance for rain. Flash flooding can happen creating a dangerous situation. Before hiking any narrow canyon we check the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/slc/flashflood for Flash Flood Potential. We only attempt to hike if flash floods are not expected.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon TRAILHEAD

The Willis Creek Slot Canyon trailhead is located off BLM500/Skutumpah road outside the town of Cannonville. It is within Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and is near Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park.

BLM500/Skutumpah is a dirt road and is impassable when wet and muddy. I do recommend a high clearance/AWD or 4×4 vehicle because of steeper grades and maneuvering needed on rough terrain. We went in our mini-van and it was a questionable drive in some areas, but we did make it. Check recent road conditions on the reviews on All Trails.

The views on the drive are incredible!

The trail begins on the east side of the parking lot across the the dirt road. After walking only a short distance you will drop down to the creek and find yourself immersed in this stunning slot canyon. You will follow the creek bed the entire hike.

The Hike

After walking only a short distance you will drop down to the creek and find yourself immersed in this stunning slot canyon. You will follow the creek bed the entire hike.

Within the first half mile you come to a small waterfall and a canyon. You can get around this by going around either direction but the right side is a bit easier to maneuver.

As you continue, there are breaks in the slot. Keep moving forward and you will find another area of slots. When the slots open up there are beautiful canyon walls and forest/desert scenery.

Each area of the canyon has different texture, color and rock design in the walls. We spent our time exploring each new area.

You can choose to turn around and any point and head back to the parking lot. Just remember to turn around before you get too tired. You have to hike the same distance back to the trailhead parking lot.

When you hit a rock wall T in the trail this is the official end of the Willis Creek hike – This is where Willis Creek meets Sheep Creek. See map under directions below.

Panorama of the turn around point of the Willis Creek Slot Canyon Hike

PROS & CONS

PROS

Free
Beautiful slot canyon scenery
Not a technically difficult or super narrow slot canyon
Quick access to slot canyon from the trailhead
Fun for all ages and abilities: Not a hard hike – can make it short or long
Nearby other amazing adventures: Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

CONS

No water or bathrooms at trailhead
Might need 4×4 to access

DIRECTIONS

Willis Creek Slot Canyon is located in the on the west side of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument near Bryce Canyon. From Highway 12 in Cannnonville, you turn south on Kodachrome Road/Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 3 miles. You will then take a slight right onto BLM500/Skutumpah Rd.

There are several dirt roads off BLM500/Skutumpah Rd. I recommend printing off or taking a screen shot of a map to the trailhead from Cannonville before driving. Reception is very spotty and it is easy to get off track.

After 2.8 miles you will reach a T in the road where you will continue right onto BLM500/Skutumpah Rd and follow another 3.3 miles. There will be a parking lot on the west side of the road. The trailhead is on the east side of the parking lot across the road.

MAPS

MORE INFO

All Trails

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Bull Valley Gorge Trail (5 mins)

Bryce Canyon National Park (40 mins)

Kodachrome Basin State Park (30 mins)

Grosvenor Arch (50 mins)

Red Canyon (50 mins)

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (1 hour)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile in Utah

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 6, 2021 | Desert, Hiking, Utah

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile in Utah

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile in Juab County, Utah is an imagination-kindling adventure for the entire family. This enormous pile of hardened lava looks like purposefully placed logs that only a giant could create. Recreate American folklore stories and have some fun getting exercise and fresh air on this one-of-a-kind hike.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐(out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy MODERATE Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 1.6 miles, out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Terrain: Dirt, rocks, exposed trail
Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
When to Go: spring, summer, fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

No bathrooms or water at trailhead
Closest gas station/services are in Nephi, 40 minutes away or Eureka which is 25 minutes away.

THINGS TO BRING

Good hiking shoes
Snacks
Water
Dogs allowed
Vehicle that can drive on dirt road, 4WD not needed

DETAILS

Only 40 minutes from Nephi, Utah lays a geological wonder at Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile. Thirty million years ago, lava cooled into distinct vertical columns that over-time turned horizontal and now look like a large pile of wood. Each piece of “wood” is about a foot in diameter and about 15 feet long. Thus, the name Paul Bunyan’s Wood Pile.

We love finding lava rocks and the different formations that lava makes so this was a great adventure for us. We also hiked with friends which always helps my kids to hike without complaining.

Trailhead

This hike begins at the end of Paul Bunyan Road in Juab County, Utah. See directions below for how to get there. The trailhead is a short walk from the east side of a dirt parking lot with a large sign that says “Paul Bunyan’s Wood Pile Trailhead”. You will need to pass through a small opening in the fence line.

The Hike

Continue walking at a slight incline through a ravine. You will be able to see the woodpile as you get further along from below. You can continue on the lower trail to the bottom view point or take a few short switchbacks to get an up-close view of this geologic wonder.

Once you reach the wood-pile you can do some exploring at the top. Its amazing how much these large lava rocks look like wood! There are also some great views of the valley below.

Don’t leave the woodpile without doing a little exploring at the top. There is an incredible arch if you walk down between the woodpiles. There are a few drop offs in the area, so much sure to keep an eye on your kids.

This was a perfect hike for our family. Not too short, but not too long. We also love hikes with a fun destination.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Good for all ages
Fun destination hike
Encourages imagination
Not hard

CONS

No amenities at trailhead
Road to trailhead can be impassable with recent rain

DIRECTIONS

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile is located directly west of Nephi at the south end of TinTic Mountain.

If you are coming from the south, take Highway 132 west from Nephi, then take RTE 1812 to Highway 6. From Highway 6 you will head East on Paul Bunyan Road until you can’t go any further.

If you are coming from north, take Highway 6 through Eureka. You will then turn East on Paul Bunyan Road from Highway 6 until you can’t go any further.

When you can’t drive any further on Paul Bunyan Road, you will be at the trailhead. Paul Bunyan Road is a dirt, but a 4WD vehicle isn’t needed unless it is muddy. The terrain is fairly level and most vehicles won’t have a problem getting to the trailhead. There are several dirt roads in the area so make sure you get on the right one off Highway 6. Make sure to put “Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile” in maps when you have reception.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Utah Geological Survey

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Tintic Train Tunnel (40 minutes)

Sunstone Knoll (1 hour 8 minutes)

Meadow Hot Springs (1 hour 30 minutes)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.