by Mary Edwards
My husband and I choose to Honeymoon in Moab Utah because of the incredible hiking. When we learned we were having twins, we bought two child backpacks in order to continue our traditional hikes and to help our children gain a love for the outdoors.
When our girls turned five, we decided it was time for them to hike on their own. My husband and I could hike for hours and hours, and we learned the hard way that our five-year-old girls had less stamina. However, we’ve figured out some techniques that have helped our family enjoy hiking together:
1. Pack good snacks and water
2. Make frequent stops to observe the scenery, flowers and animals
3. See how many lizards/squirrels/snakes one can spot
4. Choose a hike appropriate for their age
We travel to St. George almost every three months for work. Recently, we’ve discovered a local gem in Snow Canyon. It’s like a mini Zions National Park with its red and white sandstone cliffs, black lava rock, sand dunes, and petrified dunes. The backdrop is stunning and there is a hike for any ability.
A favorite spot of my children’s is the Sand Dunes. It is about a 1/4 mile hike through sand and rock. We usually spend two to three hours playing and racing up and down the hills, making sand castles, and digging pits. We take plenty of water, sun block, packed lunches, and pails and shovels. It is perfect for a short morning or mid-afternoon hike. The sand gets hot in the warmer summer temperatures, so remember to bring good shoes that cover your feet. You can change into sandals once you arrive.
Snow Canyon is close to St. George and costs $6 per vehicle.
Contact Information
Snow Canyon State Park
1002 Snow Canyon Drive
Ivins, UT 84738
435-628-2255
