Hiking the Hidden Valley Trail right outside of Moab makes you feel like you are in a totally different place - look anywhere in Moab and the dominant sight is the Moab rim. It's known as "Behind the Rocks" - an interesting mix of sandstone fins, large rock walls, and domes. Is Hidden Valley really a valley? Not quite. It's actually two hanging terraces that descends into Behind the Rocks and eventually widens into a 4-wheel drive road while a boot-beaten path detours along the base of a sandstone wall with petroglyphs.
The Juniper Yurt is located near Monticello, Utah and provides central access to many outdoor activities. The main hiking areas include Bears Ears/Cedar Mesa, Canyonlands (both year round), and the Abajo Mountains (summer only). The Juniper Yurt also has premier access to rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, and more! Need some downtime? Just relax and disconnect for a while and borrow a book from their library to read in the cozy living room. This yurt also provides some the best star-gazing.
Valentine Peak is located in Parowan, Utah and leads to a 360 degree view of the area, including Brian Head, the Iron County High Point.
Water Canyon is a perfect desert oasis hike near Hilldale, UT. While this hike looks a lot like Zion National Park, it's dog friendly, perfect for kids, there are zero fees to enter, and you can make the hike as long or short as you want. I highly recommend hiking at least 1.5 miles to the small waterfall and pool area, so the dogs can cool off their paws and kids can explore and splash around.
The Mansard Trail is located in Kanab, Utah and leads to a large alcove that is home to several petroglyphs. The trail itself winds its way up several gradual switchbacks before reaching a 6 ft scramble. Dogs and kids will need a boost, but otherwise the trail is quite easy. Halfway through you will reach the mesa, and the trail is mostly flat the rest of the way, but becomes very sandy.
Red Hollow Canyon is a very short slot canyon located in Orderville, UT. Because its only 1 mile round trip, this makes for a great stop for the drive in between SLC and Kanab to get the kids and dogs out for a stretch. The slot canyon section only lasts for about 0.2 miles but it offers some light scrambling (dogs and kids will need a boost), before ending at a tall dry fall.
Adam's Cabin Trail leads to an old, historic cabin above Adam's Canyon Waterfall. Adam's Cabin was made of stone in the early 1940s, and today you can still sleep in it, if you dare. Adam's Cabin Trail is steep and not for those with knee or hip issues - it gains 2,700 ft in just 2.7 miles!
The Tropic Trail is located in Bryce Canyon National Park, but starts on the East side of the park in the amphitheater, as opposed to the rim and the main park entrance.
Sunset Arch & Moonrise Arch are two arches located within Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) off Hole in the Rock Road. They are both located in an area that does NOT have an official trail so being able to navigate a GPS is necessary. That being said it is pretty straight forward, and this easy hike is great for small children, dogs off leash, and those wanting to see something cool without the hard effort most hikes in this area require.
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