Kid Friendly Attractions in Canyonlands National Park

Some of the best things for kids to do in Canyonlands are just as much fun for the adults in the family. Along with fun and easy hikes in this very kid-friendly landscape, Canyonlands also offers several great ranger-led activities. We've made a tough choice in narrowing down the selections to our top ten favorite things to do with kids in Canyonlands.

The Junior Ranger program is a genuinely interesting, hands-on activity choice. They can follow the activity booklet to learn about how geogical formations such as Mesa Arch were created. Mesa Arch is an easy hike, as is Pothole Point Trail. The potholes are depressions in the rock that catch rain, a vital resource for desert critters. Roadside Ruin Trail and Aztec Butte Trail both lead you to places where you can see remains of the natural structures built by ancient human inhabitants. Grand View Point Trail really is aptly named, which you'll understand once you hike it. Whale Rock Trail is short and fun, because that rock formation really does look like a giant whale beached in the dry desert. The Cave Spring Trail has very safe ladders to climb for those adventurous kids of yours. Slickrock Trail is just a sweet little leg-stretcher that gives you a taste of classic Canyonlands scenery.

Big Spring to Squaw Canyon Loop is a longer hike, at 7.5 miles, so it's for older kids. But it's truly beautiful, and is an excellent introduction to the topography and geologic wonder that is Canyonlands.

Junior Ranger

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Let the kids lead the way as they learn about Canyonlands with an activity booklet and exercises to complete...
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Grand View Point Trail

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Canyonlands National Park

Easy, flat 2-mile walk to stunning viewpoint. Great for kids...
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Whale Rock Trail

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Canyonlands National Park

1-mile r/t, easy, steep, great for kids, climb sandstone...
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Cave Spring Trail

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Canyonlands National Park

A hike for history buffs. Less than a mile, great for kids!...
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Pothole Point Trail

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Canyonlands National Park

.6 mile, uneven slickrock surface. See nature's water holes...
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Roadside Ruin Trail

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Canyonlands National Park

.3 mile, view ancient Puebloan grain storage called granary...
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Aztec Butte Trail

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Canyonlands National Park

Steep, short, 2-miles round trip. Ancient ruins, mini-arches...
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Slickrock Trail

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Canyonlands National Park

2.4 miles. Scenic vistas, might spot bighorn sheep...
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Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail

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Canyonlands National Park

1.6 mile r/t, easy hike to fascinating geologic features...
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Big Spring to Squaw Canyon Loop

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Canyonlands National Park

7.5 miles, varied terrain, exposed sections, campsites...
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