I have two beautiful daughters (ages 5/3) that I would like to take on a short hike. The wife is 7 months pregnant and I would like to let her have some free time to her self for a morning. The goal is to keep the distance below 5 miles just in case I have to pack them out . I am currently looking at the Lynx Lake Loop Trail #311. It looks easy enough and being that we are from the Phoenix area...I am sure they will enjoy seeing the water. With that said, do you all have any other recommendations?
Hackberry Springs is my go to for a short local hike for my boys (same ages). It has good shaded sections, low traffic, is free, and no bike traffic. Plus, a spring!
Agree re Lynx Lake--a good one for little hikers. Other options closer to Phx (when weather permits): Treasure Loop at Lost Dutchman State Park; Hieroglyphics Trail; Several options at Usery Park; Hidden Valley via Mormon Tr. at South Mountain (may need some extra help/patience on the first mile climb). Also, the Waterall Trail on Fossil Creek. Horton Creek may be a little long, but you can always turn around early after playing in the creek along the way; Same with the creek along the Bell Trail.
Might I suggest Pima Canyon TH at South Mountain? There are lots of "easy" trails, some more demanding than others. You can pick and choose, depending on your daughters' level of comfort. As they get better at hiking, you can easily choose the more demanding trails.
I second Watson Lake in the Prescott area, my kids always liked that one. Same with Horton Creek, they might only make it halfway, but they’ll have fun in the water.
A few other ideas for kids that age (my kids did all of these around that same age):
Walk the perimeter of Bear Canyon Lake. It’s pretty easy, just a few miles. Water and birds for the kids to see. A few spots where you might want to hold the younger ones hands, but my kids did great.
Red Mountain trail north of Flagstaff. No water but the kids may like exploring in all the rocks and little pathways at the end. After you’re done with that, you can stop by the Slate Lake lava tube just a couple of miles away. It’s much smaller than the popular one by Flag, just a few hundred feet, but you’ll likely have it all to yourself, and it’s easier for younger kids.
Marshall Gulch by Mt Lemmon is great for kids. Get there early, the parking fills up. There’s a cute bakery/fudge shop in Summerhaven the kids may like. Some of the other trails at the top are pretty kid friendly too.
When it cools off around Phx: maybe Marcus Landslide trail in the McDowells. Short and easy, with fun rocks.
More of a late winter, after some good rains, Arnett Creek by Picketpost is fun for the kids.
Wow! Thank you everyone for the replies on the topic. It seems we have some hiking to do!!! I’m thinking the Prescott area will be our goal for this weekend.
Last edited by wanderingdad on Sep 13 2018 4:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Taking my nephews this weekend to do a portion of the Turkey-Beaver loop. Probably going counter clockwise and ending it at Beaver Park. They have not had any experience with hiking and very limited experience outside of the city. I haven't hiked this loop myself but it looks like it's pretty easy. Any input on this hike for two out of shape nine year old boys?
@DmN
It's all flat down in the canyons but usually some dead fall as you near where Beaver Cyn and Turkey Creek meet on the north end. They also get brushy and a bit annoying on the southern ends closer to FR300.
There are also no trails except for game trails and moments of old road cuts.
If this is their first hike ever, I would consider sticking to something that's a Trail, but that's just my opinion. If their first hike is too much, it'll ruin them for wanting to go again. You can always incorporate a short little off-trail jaunt into the Hike to give it a bit of spice if you want, but I would keep that only as an option and addition.
Lifeis not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming,"Wow What a Ride!"
I'm sure you know this, but cabin loop is similar terrain with more kid-friendly, first-time hiker terrain. And out-and-back on Houston Brothers would be perfect. Pinchot Springs is a quick payoff that's exciting for kids. Take plenty of time to mess around in there, then if they're willing you can continue on to Aspen Springs for an out and back. Maybe less hiking than preferred, but it could leave them with a really positive experience and they'll be excited to go again.
"Arizona is the land of contrast... You can go from Minnesota to California in a matter of minutes, then have Mexican food that night." -Jack Dykinga
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. I am currently looking at the Lynx Lake Loop Trail #311. It looks easy enough and being that we are from the Phoenix area...I am sure they will enjoy seeing the water. With that said, do you all have any other recommendations? 
