Grotto Falls, Payson Canyon, Utah ( KIDS SUMMER HIKE SERIES)

Grotto Falls is a fun kid-friendly hike that includes log balancing, rock jumping, stream splashing, and a water fall head dunking at the end! We even saw a birds nest with babies and watched as the mamma fed them with insects she found around the falls.

The trail is mostly dusty dirt under shady trees with lots of surrounding foliage. Lots of butterflies accompanied us on our adventure and a lizard scrambled here and there. We went on a Wednesday and I was surprised at the number of people who were also venturing the path along with us. I would say that this is a well known and loved hike. 

FACTS: 

Located: a little ways up Payson Canyon

Level: Easy for all ages

Length: .6 miles heavily trafficked trail

Orson Smith Park-Bridge Loop Trail-Draper Utah (SUMMER KIDS HIKE SERIES)

This summer we made a goal to do one hike a week and so far we have lived up to our goal! I love it...there is something that makes me so happy about being in nature-seeing the beauty of the earth God created just for me to enjoy.

There are so many different kinds of beauty to be found-in the small butterfly and lizard and in the huge stone formation and waterfall...the straw colored grass and the deep green bushes...The beauty of the view from all angles and perspectives. There are so many lessons to be learned and truths to be found.

I can relate my trials to the steep hills and switchbacks we climb to the satisfying reward at the top and knowing that when we go up-we will always come down-there will be valleys, hills and mountains-beautiful views and satisfying moments- both needed and meaningful.

I love the idea that I am teaching my kids to be active, to enjoy the world, to see the beauty, to connect with nature and what God created. I hope that some of it sinks in. I love to watch them explore, and discover, to conquer and overcome, and learn that they can do hard things. I love to connect, to hold hands, to talk, and to get away from the mundane and hard of life-to something simple and quiet and personal.

Today's Hike was in the hills of Draper, Utah:

Orson Smith Park Trail-The Bridge Loop

2.5 miles round trip

Dog Friendly up to a certain point because of the watershed (5 minutes out from the suspension bridge). Fines will be given if you decide to ignore the signs and are caught.

Description: It took us to a suspension bridge and gave us views of the valley below. A continual incline/switch backs- spots of shade, dusty well worn trail. It was fairly busy for a Wednesday and we shared our path with mountain bikers.

A nice picnic area with pavilions and tables, bathrooms, water fountain, rocks for the kids to climb on, and ample parking is found at the trail head. There are multiple hikes that start from this destination. We enjoyed seeing lizards and butterflies and finding hiking sticks.

The final say: Due-able for kids three and up. If this hike was any longer, I think my kids would have started to have breakdowns...they were getting a little tired and whiny-ready for a snack and rest by the end. My kids are 3, 6, 8, 10 and then I carried my 8 month old in a hiking pack on my back