Donut Falls

What a great day we had yesterday up in Big Cottonwood Canyon hiking up to Donut Falls. My friend Tiff first told me about this hike over a year ago and yesterday was the day we finally got our kids and went. It was amazing and a hike easy to do with kids. One of my goals for this summer is to take the kids on a hike at least once a week- so far we are making our goal and we are love getting out of the house and into the beautiful nature that Utah offers. We are loving it!

Getting there:  The turnoff is about 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. There is parking space and flush toilets. From there you can walk up a paved road to the actual trailhead where there is another bathroom available. I noticed a lot of cars were parked up here and on the side of the road. Not much parking but with kids, next time I would drive up there and see if there were any spots- saves a little energy for those little legs!

The trail: The trail is always marked which is very nice especially when you come to a few forks. There is definitely some incline and my calves were feeling it but overall not too strenuous. There are a few loose rock areas and one spot where you have to climb down some rocks (and back up after) but it was easily managed by all of us and lots of kids younger that were on the trail as well. It is very popular and there were lots of hikers that morning. The trail offers lots of shades throughout and many spots that are great for taking a break when you want to. When you get to the falls, you will need to cross the water and your shoes are going to get wet. I have an awesome pair of Keen sandals that are 7 years old that are still in amazing condition. These were perfect! My kiddos got their socks and shoes wet but that was exciting to them. The water is crazy freezing cold and our feet were about numb by the time we crossed the water, but warmed up quickly once you are out of the water. The hike is 2.1 miles roundtrip- bring lots of water!

Once at Donut Falls: Well once there, we did what only seemed right. Ate donuts while sitting on the rocks at Donut Falls. I’m just surprised they made it all the way to the top without getting sneaked out of my backpack by little hands or completely crushed by our water bottles. This was a top item on our summer to do list and I am so happy we did it. I think this is definitely one we may hit again later this summer or fall- I think the fall colors would be gorgeous to hike through! Put this one on your list and grab your little hikers and go!