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.

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.

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Capitol Reef National Park with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 3, 2021 | Desert, Featured Posts, Hiking, National Parks, Southern Utah, Utah

Capitol Reef National Park with Kids

Explore Capitol Reef National Park with kids and discover an oasis in the middle of red-rock and desert in central Utah. Your kids will love picking fruit, hiking to arches and through canyons, playing in streams, viewing petroglyphs, eating fresh pie from the Gifford House, junior ranger activities and more. Whether you are old or young Capitol Reef is an adventure for the entire family.

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, sand, streams, rivers, rock, exposed trails, shaded trails
Time Needed: A few hours to a few days
When to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall

Hiking Distance: 1.5 miles to 6 miles, depending on the trail

COST

$20 per vehicle for a 7 day pass

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

AMENITIES

Bathrooms at Visitors Center and Fruita Campground
Camping and water available at Fruita Campground within Capitol Reef National Park
Lodging in Torrey, Utah about 10 minutes from park entrance

THINGS TO BRING

Food for camping or snacks for day use
Water
Sunscreen
Camping gear if camping
Good hiking shoes
Weather appropriate outdoor attire
Water shoes/sandals if planning on playing/hiking in streams

DETAILS

Capitol Reef is a lesser known National Park within Utah, but don’t let that detour you from visiting with your kids. This park is an absolute gem and I often refer people here instead of the busier parks in Utah.

Capitol Reef National Park with Kids is a great park choice because of the variety of activities. See below for ideas for Things to Do during your visit.

We spent a weekend at Capitol Reef National Park with kids and then ended up going back the next weekend to get a hike in we didn’t have time for the week before. We stayed at the Fruita Campground and loved being close to the main hikes, junior ranger programs, orchards and Gifford house. Capitol Reef also hosts my favorite all time family hike – Sulphur Creek.

Fruita is the main hub of Capital Reef National Park. The area was habited by Fremont Native Americans between 300 and 1300 BC. Latter Day Saint Settlers moved to the area in the late 1800s and started a small farming community that became self sufficient. The orchards, land and historic buildings are now all part of the National Park program and is enjoyed by people visiting from all over the world.

We spent our time in the Fruita area but there are two other more remote areas of the park: the Waterpocket District in the southern areas of the park and Cathedral Valley in the north. We hope to explore these areas of the park soon.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

Fruit Picking

My kids loved picking fruit from the Fruita Orchards! There are over 2,000 fruit trees including apples, cherries, peaches, pears apricots that are available for public picking. Call (435) 425-3791 to find out if there is fruit ripe when you are visiting or check the Park’s Facebook page.

Baked Goods at The Gifford House

The Gifford house was originally built in 1908 and housed a few different farming families before it become unoccupied. It now serves as a historical building, gift shop and a great place to purchase fresh baked goods like pies and cinnamon roles. Get there early in the day. They often run out of pie by the end of the day.

Wade in Sulphur Creek or Fremont River

Need to cool off after hiking in Capitol Reef National Park? Jump in one of the rivers of streams in the park. We had so much fun wading and swimming here. It was a great way to spend an afternoon after a morning hike.

A great wading location is in Sulphur creek between the Ripple Rock Nature Center and the Gifford House. Access Sulphur Creek through the large grassy area with picnic tables. You can also hike/wade Sulphur Creek from the back side of visitors center.

Bridge over Sulphur Creek at Capitol Reef National Park

Camping

Fruita Campground is the only developed campground within the park and has 71 sites that include tent, RV and trailer spots. It truly is an oasis in the desert with green grass and large mature trees providing great shade in the summer.

The campground is also surrounded by tall red rock and fruit orchards. It has flush toilets and well kept facilities. The campground is also near the visitors center, Gifford House, hiking opportunities, river access, ranger programs and more. I definitely recommend Fruita Campground to anyone visiting Capitol Reef.

Fruita Campground is open to reservations at www.recreation.gov on a 6 month rolling basis from March to October and is first come first in the winter months. Book early if you want to snag a spot at this beautiful campground.

Primitive camping is also available at the Cathedral Valley Campground and Cedar Mesa Campground. Pit toilets are available but there is no water. 4×4 vehicle required. These are good places to camp if you are exploring the more remote areas of the park.

Fruita Campground

Petroglyph Viewing

Right off of Utah State Route 24 there are large walls of Petroglyphs. These wall drawings were created by the Fremont Native Americans who lived in the area from 300 to 1300 BC. There are permanent binoculars for viewing or bring your own. Make sure to check out both boardwalks!

Petroglyph Panel at Capitol Reef National Park

Wild-life Viewing

Keep your eyes peeled for deer, lizards, yellow bellied marmots, bats the rare big horn sheep and more. While staying at the Fruita Campground we saw deer every evening.

Mule Deer at Fruita Campground

Ranger Programs

There are three daily Ranger Programs May to October. If you stay at Fruita Campground in the summer there are daily Ranger Programs located at the campground amphitheater.

We attended an evening program about bighorn sheep and fell in love with them — We bought a stuffed animal bighorn which we affectionally call Ramy. Ramy comes with us on our road trip adventures now. The kids were determined to see a real-life bighorn sheep at Capitol Reef. Our seven year old was adamant she saw one traversing a hill — I think she actually did. She was our best animal spotter in Yellowstone.

Amphitheatre at Fruita Campground

Junior Ranger Program

We love getting Junior Ranger books from National Park visitor centers. The Junior Ranger program keeps the kids busy while we drive and helps them learn about each park and how to preserve it. At Capitol Reef there is a Junior Ranger Geology Badge class at the Ripple Rock Nature Center. We enjoyed learning about the geology of Capitol Reef and the kids got a cool badge at the end.

Hiking

Capitol Reef is home to many amazing hikes! All the hikes we did were in the Fruita area. We hope to go back soon and check out the more remote areas of the park. The hikes we did are listed below. Follow this link for other hiking options in the park.

Sulphur Creek: 1.5 miles – 6 miles (you choose), out and back or one way

One of my top 3 favorite hikes we have done as a family (and we have done a lot of hiking). I have an entire blog post and youtube video dedicated to this incredible hike. The full 6 miles requires a little preparation so make sure to check out my Sulphur Creek blog post if interested. This hike follows Sulphur Creek and has a few water falls and pool areas. SO MUCH FUN!

Capitol Gorge: 2 miles, 80 feet elevation gain, out-and-back trail.

This hike takes your through a red rock canyon and then up to “the tanks.” These pockets in the red rock hold water and wildlife at times throughout the year. The tanks were dry when we were there in August, but it was still a fun hike. The canyon walls keep you shaded most of the way and there are fun areas in the red rock the explore.

The Tanks

Hickman Bridge: 1.8 miles, 400 feet elevation gain, out-and-back with a loop at the arch.

Great hike to a large arch. Jump in the river at the end to cool off.

Hickman Bridge

Cassidy Arch: 3.4 miles, 700 ft elvation gain, out-and-back hike.

Hike to one of the few arches you can actually walk on! Incredible! This hike has some steep drop-offs so might not be good for kids who wander.

Star Gazing

Capitol Reef is a designated International Night Sky Park. This means on a clear, moonless night your kids may see more stars than they ever have before. Our friends brought a telescope and we were able to see some stars and planets up close. You might be able to catch a ranger led Star Talk program at the Gifford House. Check the visitors center for details.

Historical Buildings

Visit the Fruita Schoolhouse, Gifford Barn or Gifford house. We enjoyed peering in the one-room Fruita Schoolhouse and imagining what school was like in the early 1900s. The school is set up like it would have been 100 years ago.

Fruita Schoolhouse

Scenic Drive

Take 8 mile Scenic Dr. from Fruita to see some of the geologic wonders of Capitol Reef National Park. This road is paved and RVs and trailers welcome. The two dirt roads, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge are worth the detour on the way. These areas have picturesque high red rock. RVs and trailers may not be able to make it on these two dirt roads.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Not as busy as other Utah National Parks
Variety of activities available (fruit picking, ranger programs, historical buildings, water hikes, wading etc)
Easy to hard hiking options
Wildlife viewing
Water available to play in

CONS

Hot in the summer (hike early/late – include a water hike or wading in the afternoon)

DIRECTIONS

Captiol Reef National Park is located in south central Utah off of Utah State Route 24. It is about 15 minutes east of the town Torrey.

MAPS

MORE INFO

National Park Service

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Fish Lake National Forest (1 hour)

Goblin Valley State Park (1 hour 15 min)

Lower Calf Creek Falls (1 hour 15 min)

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (1 hour 45 min)

Arches National Park (2 hours 15 min)

Bryce Canyon National Park (2 hours 15 min)

Canyonlands National Park (2 hours 30 min)

Peek-a-boo & Spooky Slot Canyons (2 hour 30 min)

ABOUT

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

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Sulphur Creek with Kids: Capitol Reef National Park

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Apr 30, 2021 | Hiking, National Parks, Southern Utah, Utah, Water

Sulphur Creek with Kids: Capitol Reef National Park

Hike Sulphur Creek with kids for an epic adventure in Capitol Reef National Park. This unique hike through a desert canyon will be one you never forget as you traverse redrock, wade through water, slide down small waterfalls and jump in natural pools. This guide will help you prepare and plan your hike through Sulphur Creek with kids.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate HARD Very Hard (Easy or Hard depending on which way you hike and for how long)

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 1.5 (easy) to 5.8 (hard) miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet elevation loss on 5.8 mile hike, slight gain on 1.5 mile hike
Terrain: Water (creek, pools, waterfalls), sand, rocks, exposed trail in areas, canyon
Time Needed: 2 to 9 hours (depending on how far you go and how much you play on the way)
When to Go: Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

Bathrooms available at Capitol Reef Visitor’s Center
No water for public at Visitor’s Center, plan accordingly
If hiking full 5.8 miles, there is no water or bathrooms at trailhead
Lodging and food available in Torrey, 10 minutes away
Camping available at Fruita Campground within Capitol Reef

THINGS TO BRING

Sturdy hiking shoes or sandals that can get wet
Hiking clothes you can get wet in
Plenty of water, 1 – 2L per person
Snacks and/or lunch
Waterproof bag to carry supplies in
Sunscreen
Small first aid kit
Lifejackets/Floaties for kids who can’t swim
Map of Sulphur Creek Hike

DETAILS

Sulphur creek is one of our family’s all time favorite hikes. The kids loved hiking through the creek and playing in the natural pools and waterfalls.

We took our time and spent a solid 9 hours on this beautiful 5.8 mile hike. Our GPS’s tracked it closer to 7 or 8. It won’t take most people this long, especially if you choose the shorter route option. Sulphur creek can be hiked in two ways: an out-and-back shorter hike from the visitors center or a longer 5.8 mile one-way hike from the top. Details are below to help decide what works best for you.

Narrow Canyon Safety

Sulphur Creek Hike is a considered a narrow canyon. It is very important to check weather conditions before attempting to hike any narrow canyon or slot canyon. 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.

You can also check in with the rangers at the Visitor’s Center to check for flash flood warnings.

Shorter Hike: 1.5+ Miles

If you want a shorter hike but still want to enjoy the scenery of Sulphur creek, I suggest starting from the backside of the Capital Reef National Park Visitor’s Center and hiking upstream from the bottom up.

The sandy trail will lead you past an old stone kiln used by farmers in Fruita and then to Sulphur Creek. You can then walk in the creek upward or take the trail to the side. The narrow tall walls that surround the creek provide beautiful scenery and some shade.

After 0.7 miles of hiking you will come to a natural pool surrounded by red rock. This is a fun place to swim and cool off. There is a natural water slide and places to rock jump.

The first mile has beautiful views of the desert and then descends down some slick rock. Follow the trail markers.

From the natural pool, you can turn around and head back to the visitor’s center to finish your hike. Another option is to continue upward following the creek. This is not the recommended way to hike the creek. It can be difficult to get up some of the slickrock in the pool areas hiking this direction. However, having now hiked the full 5.8 as a family, I know we could have made it starting from the visitor’s center and continuing onward to each of the 3 waterfalls. However, I would say we are a quite a bit more adventurous than most families

Longer Hike: 6 Miles

For the full Sulfur Creek hike experience it is recommended to hike downstream from the top to bottom as a one way trip. Before making this adventure check with the ranger station for flash flooding risk and water depth. There is an area between the first and second waterfall that may require swimming depending on water depth. The water levels vary throughout the year due to upstream water usage.

If you have multiple vehicles in your party you can have someone drop you off at the trailhead which is 3.3 miles from the visitor’s center. You can also leave a car at the visitor’s center and another car at the trailhead, which is what we did. I have also heard of people planting a bike at the Visitor’s Center and then riding up the 3 miles to get to their vehicle at the trailhead after the hike.

The trailhead is just a paved pullout located on the south side of Highway 24, 3.3 miles west of the Visitor’s Center near chimney rock.

From the trailhead follow a sandy path for 0.1 miles to a dry wash. You will be hiking in the dry wash for 1.7 miles until you reach Sulfur Creek. There are some small trails on the inside of the dry wash that you can follow to cut off some distance. This area is the least exciting part of the hike, luckily it is done in the beginning when the kids legs were fresh.

Once we reached the creek the kids spent the majority of the time walking and playing in the water. There is beautiful scenery with areas enclosed with tall narrow cliffs.

After coming to the creek, you will continue another 1.5 miles to the first waterfall. There is so much to look at and play in along the way. There is a layer of earth exposed through erosion that contains countless rocks that looked like geodes.

First Waterfall

The First Waterfall is 3.2 miles from the trailhead off of Highway 24. When you reach the first waterfall you will need to scramble down some red rock about 12 feet. There are plenty of hand and foot holes along the way to assist you down. Have one adult at the top and one adult at the bottom to help the kids.

The first waterfall has a small pool you can play in that is mostly shaded.

First Waterfall

Between the first and second waterfall there is a long pool between narrow red rock walls. This pool was close to 5 feet deep. My kids that are good swimmers swam through it. We brought floaties for my seven year and three year old. I knew there would be pools and I wasn’t sure how deep the water would be. Our three year old ended up staying in the hiking backpack while my husband was able to walk through.

Second Waterfall

The second waterfall is only 750 feet from the first. It requires some more scrambling in between some rocks to get down to it. The younger kids needed a little help getting down but did really well.

The second waterfall has a small shallow pool to play in.

Second Waterfall

Third Waterfall

The third and last waterfall is 1.7 miles from the second. This feels like a lot longer, luckily the views continue to be beautiful and there are fun pockets of water to play in and mini waterfalls for the kids to slide down. This area was probably my most favorite part of the trail.

The third waterfall is by far the most fun. You can actually slide down the rock as a natural water-slide and swim in the pool area. This is the area you would go to if you start from the visitors center for the shorter hike.

Third Waterfall

There are three ways to get past this point in the hike. You can hike to the left and descend the slickrock and swim through the pool, go down the water-slide and then swim through the pool, or climb down to the right avoiding the swim. We tried all three options. If you are hiking with little kids, I recommend an adult climb down the slick-rock to the right and then another adult hand kids down or at least assist kids down.

We had so much fun in this area sliding down the natural water-slide and jumping into the pool.

From the third waterfall, you have only 0.7 mile to go until you reach the visitors center. Continue following Sulphur Creek until you see a sign directing to a sandy trail to the Capitol Reef Visitor’s Center. This will lead you to an old rock kiln and then to the backside of the visitors center. This last stretch has beautiful vistas of Capitol Reef.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Free
Water fun for the kids while hiking, including creek, pools and waterfalls
Epic adventure
Great hike for the summer heat
Fun for all ages

CONS

No water at trailhead
First 1.8 of hike is completely exposed if starting from the top and doing the full 5.8 miles
Need transport back to the top if doing full 5.8 miles
Do not hike if there is any chance of rain due to flash flooding
No water at trailhead

DIRECTIONS

If hiking the shorter length, you will start from the backside of the Capitol Reef Visitor’s Center. If hiking the full 5.8 miles from the top you will drive 3.3 west of the Visitors Center on Highway 24. There is a small pull-out on the south side of the road that you will park in. Make sure to have a ride back to your car so you don’t have to hike another 3.3 miles on the highway when you are done.

MAPS

Trailhead: Shorter Hike from Bottom Up, 1.5+ Miles

Trailhead: Longer Hike From Top Down, 6 Miles

MORE INFO

National Parks Service

National Parks Service Sulphur Creek Map

All Trails

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Petroglyphs inside Capitol Reef National Park (3 minutes)

Other hikes within Capitol Reef National Park (3 minutes to 1 hour)

Gifford House (3 minutes)

Fish Lake National Forest (1 hour)

Goblin Valley State Park (1 hour 15 min)

Lower Calf Creek Falls (1 hour 15 min)

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (1 hour 45 min)

Arches National Park (2 hours 15 min)

Bryce Canyon National Park (2 hours 15 min)

Canyonlands National Park (2 hours 30 min)

Peek-a-boo & Spooky Slot Canyons (2 hour 30 min)

ABOUT

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

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by Outdoor Fam Fun | Apr 28, 2021 | Desert, Hiking, Southern Utah, Utah, Water

Petrified Forest State Park with Kids: Escalante, Utah

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park with Kids is a must-see stop when exploring Grand Staircase Escalante Monument in Utah with your family. Walk through geological history as you explore colorful, 150 million year old petrified wood on the Petrified Forest Nature Trail or escape the southern Utah heat in the cool waters of Wide Hollow Reservoir.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate Hard Very Hard (Ranges from Very Easy to Moderate depending on what you are doing)

KEY FEATURES

Hiking Distance: 0.1 to 3 miles
Hiking Elevation Gain: Flat to steep, depending on the hike
Terrain: Sand, rocks, petrified wood, reservoir
Time Needed: An hour to few days
When to Go: spring, summer, fall

COST

$6 Day use fee

$20 – $28/Night if camping

AMENITIES

Flush toilets
Showers
Camping
Water
Reservoir for swimming/boating/kayaking/fishing
Picnic tables
Paddle boards/kayaks for rent
Town of Escalante minutes away with gas stations and small grocery stores.

THINGS TO BRING

Camping gear if camping
Water/sand toys
Paddle boards/kayaks if you own them
Life jackets
Good hiking shoes/gear
Dogs allowed

DETAILS

Visiting Petrified Forest State Park with kids is a great way to learn about geology and have some fun at the same time. It is also a perfect base camp for visiting Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. You can stop here for a few hours to explore the petrified wood or cool off in the reservoir or stay several days. We stayed three nights and wished we had a few more days to spend.

The town of Escalante is located just a few miles from Petrified Forest State Park. Within the town of Escalante there are visitor’s centers and historical sites as well as access to gas stations and small grocery stores. It was nice to be near some civilization, we were able to grab some eggs for breakfast we had forgotten and slushies to help us cool off.

Petrified wood at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Petrified Forest State Park is definitely somewhere we will stay again. We loved that we were near the many outdoor adventures of Grand Staircase Escalante Monument. There are endless outdoor adventures in this 1 million acre protected area. We were able to explore the Spooky and Peak-a-boo slot canyons within the monument during our stay. These slot canyons were absolutely incredible and such a surreal experience.

Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (1 hour away)

Things to Do

Petrified Wood Viewing

Petrified wood can be found in a viewing area near the nature trail trailhead. An entire tree is displayed as well as several pieces. This area is great for any age and is ADA accessible. There is also a large petrified tree near the main bathrooms. You can also hike the Nature Trail and the Trail of Sleeping Rainbows to see more.

Water Recreation

Wide Hollow Reservoir is located within Petrified Forest and is a refreshing place to escape the southern Utah heat. It is nestled along the layers of red and white rock providing a one of a kind scenic backdrop.

The beach area of the reservoir is located across the reservoir from the entrance and the campground. We drove to the beach from the campground because it is probably about a half mile walk.

We had so much fun playing in the sand, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. We own paddle boards and kayaks, but there are also rentals if you don’t have your own at Float Werks Rental located just outside the park. The views while paddle boarding and kayaking were absolutely stunning. I definitely recommend doing this if you have time.

There is a dock and boat launch located right next to the camping area near the entrance of the park. We had fun dock jumping for the first time. There were several boaters while we were there water skiing.

Hiking

Petrified Forest Nature Trail is a 2 mile trail that leads to several deposits of petrified wood. The trailhead is located next the main parking lot just after the park entrance. This trail is a steep upward climb for the first quarter mile.

It levels out for a loop on a plateau where you can view a few deposits of petrified wood and then descends a quarter mile on the same trail back to the beginning. There are points of interest numbered and marked along the way. We enjoyed following along with a handout from the trailhead to learn about each point of interest.

Off the Nature Trail there is an additional ¾ mile loop called Trail of Sleeping Rainbows. This trail descends into a steep ravine and then back up to connect into the Petrified Forest Trail. The ravine area has the best and most petrified wood deposits in the park. Definitely worth the steep decline and ascent.

Camping

There is a small 20 site campground located within Petrified Forest State Park. We stayed three nights and had plenty to do within the park as well as in the surrounding Escalante National Monument. This is a place we will stay in again. We loved the beautiful red rock backdrop and lake scenery.

Most of the camping spots have shade provided by a nearby tree or a built in shade structure. We stayed in campsite number W108. The scenery was beautiful at this site but the tent area wasn’t big enough for our tent so we had to set up our tent on part of the parking spot. The restrooms were well kept and warm showers were available.

The campground at Petrified Forest State Park books on a 4 month rolling basis. I recommend planning ahead and booking 4 months in advance if you are able. The campground fills up quickly in the late spring and early summer.

Grand Staircase Escalante Monument

There are endless adventures in this more than one million acre national monument. While staying at the Petrified Forest State Park we explored the Peak-a-boo and Spooky Slot Canyons. These were absolutely incredible. There are dinosaur tracks, waterfalls, and other hikes and slot canyons nearby.

Hisotrical Sites

There are several historical sites and points of interest within the city of Esclante including the Escalante Heritage Center and the Escalante Interagency Vistor’s Center.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Water activities nearby to help escape summer heat
Central location to explore Grand Staircase Escalante Monument
Shade structures available
Water rentals available
Beautiful scenery
Petrified wood viewing

CONS

Hot in summer for hiking – start early morning or go in evening
Campground is small and fills quickly

DIRECTIONS

Utah’s Petrified Forest State Park is located off of scenic highway 12 just a couple miles northwest of the town of Esclante, UT. Put Petrified Forest State Park, UT in your GPS device to get to the right location.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Petrified Forest State Park official page

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURE

Upper Calf Creek Falls (30 mins)

Devils Garden (30 mins)

Kodachrome State Park (50 mins)

Twenty Mile Dinosaur Trackway (50 mins)

Peek-a-boo and Spooky Slot Canyons (1 hour)

Bryce Canyon National Park (1 hour)

Willis Creek Slot Canyon (1 hour)

Anasazi State Park Museum (1 hour)

Capital Reef National Park (90 minutes)

ABOUT

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

Hiking the Narrows with Kids: Zion National Park, Utah

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Apr 28, 2021 | Featured Posts, Hiking, National Parks, Southern Utah, Utah, Water

Hiking the Narrows with Kids: Zion National Park, Utah

Hiking the Narrows with kids may seem intimidating but it is an amazing adventure that can be tailored to fit almost any family and skill level. The Narrows in Zion National Park, Utah is world famous for its river scenery between tall red rock walls. It is a must-see when visiting southern Utah and Zions National Park. And yes, The Narrows are just as amazing as the pictures you see on Instagram.

KID RATINGS

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

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 2 to 10 miles, out-and-back
Elevation Gain: Flat to 300 ft
Terrain: Water hiking, paved trail for first mile, rocks, shade,
Time Needed: 1 hour to all day, depending on how far you hike
When to Go: Late spring, summer, early fall

COST

$35 for seven day Zion National Park Pass. Check current entrance fee on Zion National Park page.

Free if you have a 4th grader: Get your Every Kid Outdoors Pass.

AMENITIES

Bathrooms and water available at trailhead
Restaurants at base of the park in Springdale, Utah
Camping within the park near the Narrows at South and Watchman Campground
Hotels, Airbnb’s and bed & breakfasts in Springdale and

Note on Lodging and Campgrounds: Campgrounds and hotels fill quickly around Zion National Park. I recommend booking your stay 6 months in advance. Other cities where lodging is available within one hour of Zion National Park: Hurricane, LaVerkin, Toquerville, St. George, Washington, Orderville, Glendale and Kanab.

THINGS TO BRING

Sturdy shoes that can get wet
Clothing that can get wet
Snacks and/or lunch
Water
Waterproof bag to carry valuable items, if desired
Waterproof phone case, if desired
Walking stick if desired for stability in water, if desired

DETAILS

Our hike with kids in The Narrows at Zion National Park was an unplanned adventure. I say this only to build your confidence that hiking The Narrows with kids can be done. If we did this unplanned, you can certainly hike The Narrows with your kids with a little planning.

Earlier in the day we had checked out the visitor’s center, hiked the Archeology Trail and gone to the museum. We decided to take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava which is the trailhead of the Narrows just to see what it looked like. A portion of the narrows can be viewed along a one mile paved trail via the Riverside Walk or you can venture further in by getting a little (or a lot) wet in the Virgin River.

Riverside Walk

The two mile round trip Riverside Walk is paved, ADA accessible and has educational signs alongside the trail. It provides beautiful views of the Virgin River and surrounding red rock walls. The Riverside Walk alone is worth it. We were in immediate awe when we first arrived, so we decided to walk along the Riverside Walk to continue enjoying the scenery.

Hiking The Narrows with Kids

As we came to the Virgin River at the end of the Riverside Walk, we considered our options–turn around and go back to our campsite or check out one of the most famous hikes in the world–we opted for the second choice.

So, yes with a 9, 8, 5 and 9 month old we hiked The Narrows in our tennis shoes and a few snacks. The kids loved walking in the clear river. It re-energized our tired legs.

I recommend hiking the narrows in sturdy water shoes or hiking shoes/tennis shoes that you can get wet. We all just hiked in our tennis shoes that we were already in from hiking earlier. Some people rent gear like water proof socks/and or shoes and walking sticks, but I do not think it is necessary to make this a good family hike. Those supplies might be more beneficial if making this a long all day hike. Like I said before this was a total unplanned hike for us and we did not have any difficulty.

Crossing the virgin river in the narrows

Our 9 month old was in a baby hiking carrier and I held my 5 year old’s hand. The older two kids did well hiking without assistance. The water wasn’t flowing fast so I wasn’t ever worried about anyone getting washed away in the river. Most of the time the water was just high enough for wading. There were some deeper pockets here and there but the water never got past my lower thigh. Water speed and depth will vary season to season and year to year.

The hike up the river takes a lot longer than the hike downward because you are going against the current. We hiked a lot along the rock walls because it provided a little stability for us. Some people were hiking with walking sticks due to all the uneven surfaces in the water.

Zion National Park will shut down the narrows if the river is too high or fast or if there is a flash flood warning. However, if you ever feel uncomfortable with the water level or speed of the river you can always turn around. There are areas along the way to get out of the river to rest and dry off a bit. You can check the current conditions of the Virgin River.

Around each bend of the river there would be a new beautiful scene. Each area was unique but equally incredible. The pictures you see online of the Narrows are really just as amazing in person.

We walked in the Virgin River for just over a mile before turning around making our round trip between 4 and 5 miles. You can hike up the Narrows starting from the Temple of Sinawava for up you nearly 5 miles (10 miles round-trip) until you hit Big Springs. To hike past Big Springs, you will need to obtain a permit months in advance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a permit to hike The Narrows?

No. You do not need a permit to hike up to 10 miles from the bottom trailhead at the Temple of Sinawava to Big Springs. This is plenty of miles for kids. If you would like to hike past Big Springs or take the 16 mile hike from the top down, you do need a permit. My guess is that most families with kids won’t need a permit.

Do I need specialized equipment to hike The Narrows?

No. You do not have to have specialized equipment to hike The Narrows. However, it can be helpful if you are hiking several miles up The Narrows. We did not hike with any specialized equipment because it was an unplanned hike for us.

When we hike The Narrows again, we will bring our waterproof backpack and waterproof phone case. We won’t get the specialized equipment from the local outfitter companies.

Waterproof socks, shoes, and walking sticks can be rented from several places in Springdale. Here are a few.

Zion Narrows Outfitting

Zion Adventures

Zion Outfitter

Do I need to ride the shuttle to hike The Narrows?

Most likely yes. Between mid February and late November, you will need to ride the shuttle from the visitors center to reach Temple of Sinawava, which is the starting point for The Narrows hike. I don’t recommend hiking The Narrows with kids in the winter time due to cold temperatures.

You may also need to ride the Springdale shuttle just to get to the Visitor’s Center depending on where you are able to find a parking lot.

On weekends and holidays and other peak times there can be long shuttle waits (sometimes a couple hours). Plan accordingly. Avoid trying to catch the shuttle from the Visitor’s Center between 8am and noon. Get up early or hike in the afternoon.

Check out the National Park Service Shuttle page for shuttle schedules.

Is there toxic bacteria in the Virgin River?

Sometimes yes. Zion National Park monitors Cyanobacteria in the Virgin river and other streams within the park. Even if there is a Cyanobacteria bloom during your visit, most of the time it is only toxic if ingested. Check the National Park Service Current Conditions site to see if if this is an issue before you visit.

PROS & CONS

PROS

World famous scenery
Cool in the summer months because of the shade and water
Can adjust to your family’s wants – short or long

CONS

Zion National Park is a heavily visited park – need shuttle tickets and book lodging well in advance.
Rocks can get slippery, easy to fall into the water
Not recommended in winter with kids because of the cool water temperatures

DIRECTIONS

Zion National Park is located in southeastern Utah. The Narrows hike begins 8 miles from the park entrance along Zion Canyon Scenic Dr. During the spring, summer and fall you will need to take the park shuttle at the base of Zion National Park to access the Narrows.

During the winter months you can drive right to the trailhead in your own vehicle, however I do not recommend getting in the water at this time of year with kids due to the temperature of the water. During winter-time stay on the paved Riverwalk Trail.

MAPS

The official Narrows hike begins at the end of the Riverside Walk. Start your Narrows hike at the Riverside Walk Trailhead, after 1 mile you will reach the Virgin River.

MORE INFO

Zion National Park official site

The Narrows official page by ZNP

Fresh of the Grid: How to Hike the Narrows with Gear you Already Own

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Other hikes within Zion National Park (minutes away)

Sand Hollow State Park (1 hour)

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (1 hour 10 min)

Snow Canyon State Park (1 hour 20 min)

Bryce Canyon National Park (1 hour 20 min)

North Rim of the Grand Canyon (2 hour 20 min)

ABOUT

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

Alien Tower Hike: Draper, Utah

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Apr 21, 2021 | Hiking, Mountains, Utah

Alien Tower Hike: Draper, Utah

The Alien Tower Hike leads to the top of a small peak with an old a-frame, metal structure and amazing 360 degree views of the Wasatch Mountains and valleys below. It is a dog and family-friendly, out-and-back hike, that gains 538 feet over 2.5 miles, and is well worth the trek.

KID RATINGS

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

KEY FEATURES

Hiking Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Hiking Elevation Gain: 540 ft
Terrain: Dirt trail, rocks, exposed trail,
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
When to Go: Spring, Summer (morning or evening), Fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

There is a single port-a-pottie at the trail-head. The closest gas station is a Chevron, 4.5 miles from the trail-head on Highland Drive in Draper, UT.
There is a water fountain at Maple Trailhead Park just north of the Alien Tower Hike. It is only on during the summer months.

THINGS TO BRING

Sunscreen, trail exposed
Water
Snacks
Dogs allowed. There is an off leash area on the trail.

DETAILS

The Alien Tower hike is a fun, free adventure in Draper, Utah. We hiked to the Alien Tower in early spring with an 11, 9, 7 and 2 year old. We had fun making up stories about aliens and how the tower got to the top of the mountain.

Trailhead

The Alien Tower hike begins from a small parking area at the end of Deer Ridge Drive in Draper, Utah. If there is not enough parking near the trail head, Maple Trailhead Park is directly adjacent on the north side and has a few parking stalls. There is a trail that connects Maple Trailhead Park to the Alien Tower Trailhead if you park there or you can just walk from the park to the Alien Tower Trail via the sidewalk.

There is a chain blocking the large trail to restrict motorized vehicles from entering. This is where the hike begins.

The Hike

There are two main route options to get to the alien tower but they begin from the same place. After a few minutes on the main trail there is a trail to the left that heads south. We followed this route. However, you can continue on the main trail where the off leash dog area is. Each route leads to the alien tower.

There are a few different trails that emerge from the trail that we followed but they do all end up coming back to the trail that takes you to the Alien Tower. The off leash dog area and the most direct route merge together before the final ascent to Alien Tower.

We enjoyed coming up with stories about aliens and what the alien tower might be used for. There is a twin alien tower on the top of Lake Mountain, near Saratoga Springs and maybe aliens use the two towers for communication. 😉

The Alien Tower

The alien tower is a-frame metal structure and marks the turn-around point at the top for the hike. We took a break here for a snack, enjoyed the views and pointed out landmarks that we know.

The views at the top are breathtaking of Utah and Salt Lake Counties, as well as the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. The views of Mount Timpanogos and several other mountain tops create a beautiful back-drop. This would be an amazing sunset hike.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on this trail and there is a specific area where dogs are allowed off leash that is well marked. There was a lot of dog waste along the path. Please clean up after your dog if you bring one.

The distance and climb make it a great hike for families. It is not too short and not too steep, but there was still enough climbing to get couple minor complaints from our youngest daughter. According to my GPS, the hike was closer to 2.8 miles. There are not any trail markers along the way so you can follow the All Trails route.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Beautiful views of Salt Lake and Utah County Valleys
Fun destination to Alien Tower
Family friendly: Not too steep or long for kids

CONS

Can become crowded with hikers, mountain bikers and dogs
Lots of dog poo on the trail

DIRECTIONS

The trailhead is officially called Deer Ridge Offleash Dog Trailhead on google maps, but there is not a sign that calls the trailhead this. The address is 1455 Deer Ridge Dr, Draper, UT 84020. Type Deer Ridge Offleash Dog Trailhead in google maps or the exact address to get you to the starting point.

We pulled up the map from All Trails to get directions to the trail head and follow the actual trail to make sure we were going the most direct route.

There are a few different ways to get to the alien tower, we took the most direct route taking a left at the first fork in the road. You can make this hike slightly longer by adding in a loop.