Easy Family Hike near Salt Lake City

If you'd like to escape the summer heat of the Salt Lake Valley, and entertain and educate your kids while you're at it, you can take this short hike at the base of Alta Ski Area. Take the first Alta entrance you get to off the Little Cottonwood Canyon road. It's called the Wildcat Base. You'll see a large parking lot once you go down a short hill. Park near the Gold Miner's Daughter building. Once you get the kids ready to go, walk toward the ski lift. You'll see the surface lift heading off toward the East as is pictured above. Walk along the gravel road for about a quarter mile until you get to the Alta Town park. Here there are swings for the kids to play on, and picnic tables if you like to have a meal. My three year old had a great time. It was easy for her to walk the whole way. For such a short hike, your surrounded by towering peaks, amazingly colorful wildflowers and the occasional moose or deer. The best part is that it is not too overwhelming for small children, AND they get to play at the park. You can extend the hike, by walking past the park further toward Albion Basin. You're never too far from the parking lot, in case you're kids melt down. Alta is about 40 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City.

Location

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