Top 11 one-mile hikes for the whole family in National Parks (Part 1)

Visiting a National Park with your family is great fun.  There are so many parks to see and so many trails to explore it can get a bit overwhelming.  

We have been on many hikes with our then two-year-old. We found that there is at least one easy hike in every park that can be enjoyed by all family members.  However, some family hikes may be less scenic or not as intriguing as longer hikes.   

Here is a list of the top hikes that one mile out and back in National Parks that are easy and fun for all family members, with beautiful scenery. Note that the ranking is made geographically, not in order of preference.

1.  Mud Volcano Trail (Yellowstone) 
2.  Boiling River Trail (Yellowstone) 
3.  Double Arch Trail (Arches) 
4.  Sand Dune Arch Trail (Arches) 
5.  Mesa Arch Overlook Trail (Canyonlands – Island in the Sky) 
6.  Cave Spring Trail (Canyonlands – The Needles) 
7.  Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (Mesa Verde)
8.  Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail (Bryce Canyon) 
9.  Weeping Rock Trail (Zion) 
10.  Crystal Forest Trail (Petrified Forest) 
11.  Pipe Creek Vista to South Kaibab Trailhead (Grand Canyon – South Rim) 

1. Mud Volcano Trail (Yellowstone) – This short loop pasts some of Yellowstone’s most interesting mudpots, springs, and fumaroles (steam vents). The lower loop to Dragon’s Mouth and the Mud Volcano is just off a big parking lot and is wheelchair accessible. Further on the trail, buffalos are commonly visible near Sour Lake. Except for a dozen stairs to reach to higher part of the loop, this trail is stroller-friendly. It is one of our favorite places in Yellowstone. No restrooms or drinking water available. 

   

2. Boiling River Trail (Yellowstone) – This is where the cold water from the Gardner River mixes with the Boiling River hot spring. You have look for the sweet spot, where it is not too hot and not too cold. Be cautious to not touch the hot spring water just out of the source or you could get burnt. We walked this trail four times. It is scenic and saw elks twice. It is relaxing to go there after a long hike. This trail is great by any weather (hot or cold, rain or shine). We liked it best when it was cold and a bit rainy as we were a handful of people in the river. Yes, it is cold when you get out but as long as you stay in the water, you are good. Our son also found it very entertaining. This trail is stroller-friendly.  Parking is limited so get there early morning or late in the afternoon. Restrooms available. No drinking water available. 

   

3. Double Arch Trail (Arches) – The trail to Double Arch is completely flat from the parking lot. It is short and has a big “wow” factor. You can see the Arch from afar and it is just as amazing when you reach it. Its size, unique look and easy access will be a great family memory.  We did not use the stroller on this trail though it seemed stroller-friendly. Parking is limited so get there early morning or late in the afternoon. No restrooms or drinking water available. 

   

4. Sand Dune Arch Trail (Arches) – This arch was fun to find as you have to take a short walk in the sand in the middle of a sandstone Canyon. The arch is surrounded by a lot of sand. Many people, including kids, take off their shoes to enjoy the feel of being on the beach (without a beach). It could be a nice place to go to at the end of the day to let the children play there. The trail is not stroller-friendly due to the amount of sand. The parking lot is small though has a good turnover. No restrooms or drinking water available. 

   

5. Mesa Arch Overlook Trail (Canyonlands – Island in the Sky) – This trail is a loop going by this famous landmark. It is one of the most popular trails in Canyonlands – Island in the Sky. Mesa Arch is spectacular any time during the day. It makes a stunning family photo. Keep your little at a safe distance from the arch as it drops hundreds of feet just across the arch. The trail is not stroller friendly as he gets irregular and pretty rocky at times. Park rangers are on site to help with parking when the park is busy. Restrooms available. No drinking water available. 

   

6. Cave Spring Trail (Canyonlands – The Needles) – The Cave Spring Trail is a loop packed with discoveries on the local population across the centuries. At the beginning of the trail, you can see a historic cowboy/rancher camp used in the 19th and 20th centuries. Further, you can admire rock art left by the ancestral Puebloans, who inhabited the area 1,000 years ago. The scenery is unusual from what you can see elsewhere. After climbing two ladders, you reach the top of the mesa to a gorgeous view of the area. It is not stroller-friendly. Parking is small with a good turnaround. No restrooms or drinking water available. 

   

7. Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (Mesa Verde) – The Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is located one mile north of the Balcony House parking area along the Cliff Palace Loop Road. The trail is really easy and mostly flat though it is not paved. The trail is a little rocky at times. We did not use the stroller on this trail though it seemed relatively stroller-friendly. It leads to great views on Soda Canyon and Balcony House. Cars park along the one-way road, though is limited. No restrooms or drinking water available.

   

8. Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail (Bryce Canyon) – Sunset Point is just off a big parking lot and is a popular spot. Start there and enjoy the gorgeous view on the hoodoos. The trail is along the rim so you will enjoy the view on the hoodoos during the entire hike. There are benches on the way, perfect to have a snack or rest while soaking in the view. The trail and Sunset Point are wheelchair accessible. This trail is stroller-friendly. The parking lot is big with a good turnaround. Restrooms and drinking water available. 

   

9. Weeping Rock Trail (Zion) – Weeping Rock Trail is the shortest trail in Zion National Park. It is moderately steep (100ft elevation) and very popular. There are several spots where you can admire the water coming down year-round, including an open site under the rock from where you can see the water dripping in front of you and a beautiful scenery on the valley. This trail is relatively stroller-friendly. Keep in mind it climbs a bit and there are a few stairs at the top of the trail. There is very little parking. We recommend taking the shuttle (stop 7 – Weeping Rock). Restrooms available. No drinking water available. 

   

10. Crystal Forest Trail (Petrified Forest) – The Crystal Forest Trail is a paved loop, and it is relatively stroller-friendly. The amount of petrified wood there is incredible. The colors and sizes of some of them will keep you speechless. It is a good trail to stretch your legs and admire a sea of petrified wood. Parking is easy. No restrooms or water available. 
11. Pipe Creek Vista to South Kaibab Trailhead (Grand Canyon – South Rim) – This hike is away from the crowds and allows a different point of view on the Grand Canyon. Park near the Pipe Creek Vista and start your walk there. Head to South Kaibab on a paved trail along the rim. You may see elks if walking at the end of the day, a little before sunset. Walk pass the employee parking and the shuttle bus stop to South Kaibab Trailhead for a nice shot. Walk back to the shuttle bus stop and take the shuttle back to Pipe Creek Vista. Watch out for cyclists. This trail is stroller-friendly. Parking is small. Note that parking is not available at South Kaibab and you should park near the Pipe Creek Vista or get a shuttle to Pipe Creek Vista. Restrooms available near the South Kaibab shuttle stop. Water available at the South Kaibab Trailhead (seasonal). 

    

Have you been to a National Park with your family? What was your favorite hike?