Tag: Hike

Birdsong Trail – Hiking with Kids, Ogden, Utah

I’m always on the lookout for new excursions with the tots. On a recent trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa we went on an outing to the Birdsong Trail at the mouth of Ogden Canyon in Utah.

This one mile out and back trail was great for hiking. Little g, who decided the only way she’d be going would be by stroller, was not a great hiker, but I was surprised with how sturdy my cheap umbrella stroller proved to be. For most of this dirt and rock path I was able to manhandle it into cooperating, which was way better than manhandling my daughter into cooperating.

The trail is great for mountain biking too. In the parking lot I heard two bikers exclaim “Wow, I could do the Birdsong Trail and Rainbow Loop five more times. It was so fun.”

Our family went with cousins to explore the trail, which vacillated from amazing views of the valley to lush jungle mode. I had no idea Ogden, Utah could be so lush. And there were definately birds tweeting from the trees, I was not surprised by the name of this trail. All in all the mile long out and back hike was a great one with young kids, fairly level, with running water and animal sounds. It was a great time had by all.

Birdsong Trail Hike:
Getting there: The south trail head is located at Fillmore Ave and 20th Street. The north trail head is in the northwest corner of the Rainbow Gardens parking lot at the mouth of Ogden Canyon.
Distance: 1 mile out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take a camera, there are some great views from up there!

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

Panorama of Riverside Walk, Zion National Park
The last stop on Zion National Park’s bus system is Temple of Sinawava which empties out into Zion National Park’s busiest trail – Riverside Walk. It’s the most popular for good reason. In addition to being the starting point for longer back country adventures, including the famous Narrows slot canyon hike (I’d love to try that someday without the tots), it’s a paved, flat trail through gorgeous red rock cliffs along the gurgling Virgin river. 
Riverside Walk has a little bit for everybody – scenery, wildlife, well marked trail. And although I’m sure it’s breathtaking all year long, the golden leaves against the red rock backdrop were amazing. I could’ve sat at the river’s edge gazing up and around for several hours, but my tots were not as interested as I was.

Once again Big E and little g were content to just play in the sand and throw rocks in the water, until little g got cranky and Mountain Dad had to carry her. The well paved trail is short, only two miles round trip according to our guide book 50 Best Short Hikes in Utah’s National Parks by Ron Adkison.

Even so, given little g’s temperament, we were forced to turn back early. Such is the life of our Mountain family. Even beautiful surroundings can’t counteract the fact that sometimes kids just cry.

Trail Info: Riverside Walk
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Time: 1 hour, assuming your tots cooperate
Tips: Bring a stroller if you want. The paved trail has several off shoots for river access that are unpaved but for the most part the entire path is paved.

Black Forest Hike, Sundance Resort, Utah

Last week was my wedding anniversary. For nine years I’ve been married to Mountain Dad, (when we met he would’ve been better described as River Guy) and to celebrate we spent the evening in my favorite place, the mountains.

We live near Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah so we decided to take the last lift of the day and explore Black Forest Trail. I’m a little embarrassed to say that although I’ve lived here for a year and a half I had never taken the summer lift up for a hike. I had no idea it would be so beautiful.

Ray’s lift boasts views of snow capped Mt. Timpanogos, lush green valleys, and at one point Stewart Falls in the distance. At the top of the lift we bought a water bottle from the vending machine since we had come unprepared and went off to explore the Black Forest Trail. 

Black Forest Trail winds through pines and maples, with the mountain descending gradually below. It felt wild and reminded me how vital the outdoors is to my personal well being. I just feel more alive outside.

We walked through the forest and enjoyed each others company, passing fields and even a family of wild turkeys. Along the route, I imagined the mountain with a thick layer of snow, as I’m more accustomed to seeing it. I have to say experiencing the same space in a different season was eye opening.

The evening ended with an incredible meal at the Foundry Grill. The date was perfect, just like my husband. Thanks for all joy these last nine years, Mountain Dad!

Trail Info:
Rating: 5 stars, it helps that you don’t have to hike uphill
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Don’t forget water, or a few dollars to buy a bottle at the top of the lift.

Battlecreek Falls, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Water is one thing I always look for when hiking with my tots. I don’t know if the rushing sound is calming to their nerves, or exciting for their senses but one thing’s for sure, my tots LOVE the water. That’s why Battlecreek Falls hike was such fun.
Not only did this short hike follow a meandering stream most of the way, but the end result was the playful Battlecreek Falls. The tots and I joined our friends from Rocky Mountain Mammas on the wide, rocky trail. We gained elevation gradually, walking through dense foliage in some parts, and over running water in others. Near the falls, a small cave appeared in the wall of the mountain, which my tots were a little too timid to explore. 

The main attraction of the hike is Battlecreek Falls, a waterfall approximately forty feet high. Big E was happy running around and throwing rocks, like always. Little g, on the other hand, only wanted to be in my arms when we were at the falls. Perhaps the pounding sounds of water, or the cool spray on her face scared her. To me, the refreshing spray felt great after the uphill hike.
   

Hiking down from Battlecreek Falls, we got a great view of Utah Valley. Following the water, we ended up at a large pool near the beginning of the trail, where Big E and little g would’ve been content to stay all day, throwing in rocks and watching them splash.


Over all this was a great hike for kids. It was short, fun and had a great waterfall to enjoy. 

Battlecreek Falls
Rating: 4 stars
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Approximately 1 mile
Tips: Put your toddler in a baby carrier. Why did I think she would walk the whole way?