Tag: Hiking with kids

My Go To Outdoor Space: Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon, Utah

 

Everyone needs a place where they can connect with the outdoors. Our family is lucky to live in the mountains, but even with trees and fresh air all around our house I still find myself wanting to get OUT to the outdoors.

Our family’s go-to outdoor space is just a ten minute drive from home. Bridal Veil Falls, a gorgeous waterfall in Provo Canyon, Utah has a lot of things going for it. The paved trail makes it easy for a hike or bike. The short distance is easily managed by small feet. A river flowing along the trail allows for easy kid diversion and the destination is beyond compare – a giant waterfall with a fish pond next to it.

Whatever the season we love to visit Bridal Veil Falls (although, to be honest, the ice climbing of winter hasn’t interested us yet). But the best season to visit has to be autumn. Changing colors putting on their magical display can’t be beat.

On our most recent visit Big E rode his bike while little g and I walked the trail, admiring the fall foliage. Since Bridal Veil Falls is in the shadow of the mountain it can get cold, even when the sun is shining on the other side of the canyon. Luckily I hadn’t cleaned out my car and a red stocking cap kept little g from crying in discomfort.

Having this go-to place close by helps me get outside even when it’s chilly, I’m tired or my kids are cranky. Being outdoors relaxes me and helps me focus on some more important things than cleaning the house – family, nature and enjoying time with my kids. When I’m outdoors with my tots I feel like I’m a better parent. I’m teaching my kids to love the world around them, take care of it and enjoy the beauty of the natural world without lecturing or nagging. And they enjoy running, climbing, playing and exploring without the confines of the house.

So what’s your go-to outdoor space? A park? A running trail? Is there a place you go for a quick outdoors fix? If not, why not?

 
 
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Waterfall Week – Hike to Stewart Falls, Provo Canyon, Utah

The final adventure of Waterfall Week was the most difficult. Stewart Falls is over 200 feet tall, falling in two tiers with beautiful Mt. Timpanogos in the background. The hike is only three miles round trip, but with little legs to take into consideration, it was the longest and hardest of Waterfall Week.

Starting out on the Sundance side, we walked through lush green forests until the trail opened onto the Stewart Falls Valley. I  was grateful Mountain Dad joined us on this lush summer adventure, not only to have someone to talk to, but to have someone to help with carrying little g. She’s at the awkward age where she’s too big for a carrier but too small to walk long distances on her own which means that Mom or Dad end up carrying her a lot. 
In the distance water cascaded while the tots explored the streams that flowed below Stewart Falls. But with a total distance of three miles, this hike was already at the limit of our abilities. Although Big E could do it, little g could not, so instead of pushing on to the base of the falls, Mountain Dad and I decided seeing the waterfall from afar and playing in the stream was close enough.
 The extra agony of getting our tots there and back wouldn’t have been worth it since I have a goal to always end an outdoor activity while everyone is still having fun.
Back at home it was obvious that everyone did have fun by the smiles on all our faces. This beautiful hike to Stewart Falls was the perfect end to our Waterfall Week.
Getting there: The more popular trail head is near Aspen Grove off Alpine Loop Scenic Byway or Hwy 92. Several trails begin here, but each are well marked. An alternate trail head begins at Sundance Resort.
Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate – level trail with some short steep sections
Tips: Try snowshoeing to Stewart Falls in winter. You won’t be disappointed.
Check out these other posts on Stewart Falls