Mountain Mom and Tots

Lower Emerald Pool Trail, Zion National Park, Utah

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Zion National Park was the first National Park established in Utah and it’s easy to see why. The beautiful cliffs of red sandstone tower around you, as the meandering Virgin River gurgles happily. Now, there’s plenty to see and do in Zion National Park, but Mountain Dad and I chose to take the tots hiking on the Lower Emerald Pool Trail our first day, because of the promise of water.

The Lower Emerald Pool Trail begins across the street from Zion Lodge. The trail was paved at the beginning, well marked and relatively flat. Little g hated being strapped into the pack, as always, but her tiny legs just couldn’t keep up, even with great trail conditions.

On this hot summer day, the cool water showering us from above was a welcome respite. Emerald Pools gets its name from the green algae growing in the water, but the waterfalls are what make the hike truly interesting.

Lower Emerald Pools Trail connects to Upper Emerald Pools trail and the Kayenta Trail. Big E was a great hiker for the Lower and Upper Emerald Pools Trails, walking on his own the entire time.

Construction on an off shoot of this trail made a portion unreachable, but we were satisfied with the large waterfall of the Lower Emerald Pool and this small waterfall of what I call the Middle Emerald Pool. We stopped here for a picnic, and to let the tots splash in the water, refreshing after an afternoon in the sun.

On the hike down, it was obvious that Little g enjoyed herself. Nothing tires out the little ones like some outdoor exercise!

TRAIL INFO:

Location: Zion National Park, Utah

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Rating: 4 Stars

Tips: Bring your own water bottle. Zion National Park no longer sells plastic water bottles in an effort to reduce waste.

Grotto Trail, Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Utah

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Looking for a short, fun hike to wrap up the summer? The tots and I really enjoyed Grotto Trail off the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. This half mile hike followed a rocky stream to an interesting cave like rock formation adorned with a twenty foot tall waterfall.

Little g was content in the pack as long as she had her pacifier and Big E was a big help by carrying snacks and water in his little red backpack. We enjoyed the Grotto Trail hike along with our cousins and the wood bridges across the rocky stream were highlights of the hike.

At the end of the trail, we enjoyed the mysteriousness of the waterfall cave, where Grotto Trail gets its name. Verdent moss clung to the craggy walls and the cool spray from the water splashed our faces. It was a great hike for a summer day.

Trail Info: Grotto Trail

Length: approximately 0.5 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Rating: 5 stars, this is the perfect hike for kids

Tips: Go with friends. This hike is short and sweet, less than ten miles up the canyon from the city of Payson, Utah. Bring the whole crew and enjoy.

Payson Lakes Campground, Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Utah

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Payson Lakes Campground is situated on the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway near Payson, Utah. Payson Lakes is known as a fisherman’s getaway since the series of three alpine lakes are a great place to paddle, fish or swim. But what was it like camping there?

Payson Lakes Campground boasts three loops with about twenty campsites each. At our site (B5) Big E quickly conquered this fallen giant and spent hours with his cousin walking back and forth across the log that was as tall as he was. When I finally got them focused on putting up our tent, as usual my tots had more fun playing with the tent poles than actually being helpful.

We enjoyed a canopy of tall pines for our home away from home. The bathrooms were pit toilets, not too smelly except when in use, and water was readily available. The best part of the campsite for me was its access via a tree lined trail to the largest of the Payson Lakes. Little g and I meandered this trail for almost an hour while I walked at her short legged speed to our beach site. At the end of the campground a fisherman’s parking area provided access for day use fishing, but a separate entrance before the campground also provided this.

Staying at Payson Lakes Campground made lounging by the lake an easy activity, even for my perpetually moving tots. It was a relaxing place to play and camp, and I loved the secluded feel of it all.

Payson Lakes, Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Payson, Utah

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Payson Lakes, a camping, swimming, fishing spot located off the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway near Payson, Utah is a well known locals getaway. The high mountain scenery complete with three fish filled lakes, makes for a beautiful and exciting place to play.

On our recent camp out there, we spent most of our time enjoying the largest of the lakes. As you can see, Big E and little g thought my relaxing on the raft looked too chill and they came to make my relaxing float in the lake more like a piggy back attack.

We swam, picnicked and chased a family of ducks around the pond. Big E especially enjoyed playing with his cousins and friends on the inflatables, something little g could only manage when safely on land.

We went to Payson Lakes with Big E and little g’s cousins. The older ones spent their time lashing together logs for a Huck Finn like raft that was more than a little unruly. Let’s just say it wasn’t designed with steering in mind.

Now, swimming alongside fish and other pond animals can be a little yucky for me, so most of the time I just enjoyed the beautiful scenery and made sure the tots didn’t drown. But for a fun place to splash and play in the outdoors, Payson Lakes can’t be beat.

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