Kid Friendly Hike: Ladyfinger Point Trail
Trail Overview
Distance: 0.6 mi | Location: Antelope Island State Park | Best Seasons: Fall, Winter | Elevation Gain: 16 ft | RouteType: Out and Back |Bathrooms @ Trailhead: Yes
Ladyfinger Point Trail is located in Antelope Island State Park near Syracuse, Utah. This trail is best hiked in the late fall/early winter. While the distance on this hike is relatively short, it is a fun one for kids because it offers a bit of rock scrambling.
Given that this trail does have some larger rocks that need to be navigated this wouldn’t be a good trail for little toddlers (i.e. kids younger than 2.5 years old) to hike on their own. However, as you get into the more rocky section, the trail pretty much disappears so you can find a less rocky route to take if needs be. If you would like to see what sections of the trail look like, go to my Instagram account (@adventures-after-kids) and check out my stories under “Hiking”. There you can see some video of my toddler navigating the trail.
Getting There
The trailhead for Ladyfinger Point Trail is located about 7.5 miles from the entrance of Antelope State Park. If you use Google Maps you can type in “Ladyfinger Trailhead” (one word for Ladyfinger) and it will direct you right there.
After you enter Antelope State Park follow the road until you reach a fork. Keep right at the fork. The parking lot for the trailhead is the first one on your right after you take the fork.
Trail Conditions
This trail is completely exposed (i.e. no shade) so I would not recommend doing this hike on a hot sunny day. But that makes this hike perfect for when the weather cools down in the fall and winter.
As I mentioned in the intro this trail does have some larger rocks that require a bit of rock scrambling. Don’t worry, it’s nothing crazy. My almost three-year-old did it on his own just fine and I was able to navigate it while wearing my baby on my front. Now you may be asking “Anne I thought you steered clear of trails that had rocks?” Let me clarify. I steer clear of trails that have a lot of loose gravel. Hiking down a trail with loose gravel while wearing a kid or holding onto a toddler is super treacherous! But trails that have roots or larger rocks are great for kids. It helps develop their vestibular system.
There are TONS of benefits for kids having well developed vestibular system but one I love to highlight is that kids with well developed vestibular systems are better at self-regulation. What parent doesn’t want that?!
Trail Highlights
Unless you live in the Davis County area it can be a bit of a drive out to Antelope Island. Having survived a screaming infant getting there I understand why some parents may not want to make the trek. But honestly, it was worth it – screaming baby and all. Below are the reasons why this hike is amazing:
Educational
With a lot of parents homeschooling their kids this year (thank you COVID), this hike makes for a fun field trip for kids. The Great Salt Lake has a very unique ecosystem and there are different placards along the trail that explain it. Looking for ideas on how to use this in your homeschooling? Here is a link for an eight-day curriculum around the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem. It is for grades 6-8 but you could probably adapt it for a variety of ages!
Wildlife
Antelope Island is the home of free-roaming herds of bison, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. There is also an assortment of birds that call this island home, along with coyotes, badgers, and porcupines. It is pretty cool to see wild bison on the side of the road as your drive through the park!
Picnic on the Beach
Since the hike is short, there is plenty of time to play on the beach. I would recommend bringing some snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy when you are done hiking.
There are a variety of paths from the trailhead parking lot that lead to the beach. The trails are pretty sandy so be prepared for a tiring hike back up (especially if you are dragging kids and gear). Some things you might want to bring with you are beach toys (shovel, pail, etc.), a blanket and maybe even a kite! We didn’t get in the water when we were there, but from past experience, it was kind of gross because of all the brine flies, so just keep that in mind. This is definitely more of play in the sand kind of beach vs. a let’s go swimming kind of beach.
Beautiful View
Once you get out on the rocks there are some amazing views of the Great Salt Lake. We weren’t there for sunset but with daylight savings in full swing you wouldn’t have to stay long to enjoy it as a family.
Some Things to Be Aware Of
Cost
Since Antelope Island is a state park it does cost money to get in (unless you have a Utah State Parks Pass). Currently, it costs $15 per car (max 8 people). Below are some recommendations on how to mitigate that cost:
- Do a Camping Trip: There are a variety of campgrounds on Antelope Island, including the Ladyfinger Campground. It costs $20 a night for a campground and that includes park entrance. So make a fun weekend out of it and get more bang for your buck
- Carpool with a Friend: Don’t want to pay $15 for you and your two kids? I get it! Find a friend, load up the mini van and split the cost!
- Plan a Day Trip: If you can’t do any of the above suggestions then I would recommend packing all the essentials and making a day trip out of it. There is plenty to see and do on Antelope Island to make for a fun all-day outing!
Bugs
You can obviously do this hike at any time of the year, but bugs are the main reason why I recommend waiting until the fall. Below is everything you need to know about the especially nasty ones:
Biting Gnats
Biting gnats hatch in the spring when the weather starts to warm up (March-June) and they stick around until we have three consecutive days at 90 degrees or warmer. The really bad part is that insect repellant is ineffective against these nasty little creatures.
Mosquitos
Antelope Island has a lot of standing water surrounding it, which is a breeding ground for mosquitos. Depending on the time of year you go you will want to wear repellant, especially since there have been cases of West Nile Virus in Davis County. Mosquito season ends once we have had our first frost.
Western Spotted Orb Weavers
If you aren’t a fan of spiders then you need to be aware that Western Spotted Orb Weavers live on the island and eat the brine flies. They are about the size of a quarter (yuck!) and usually die out around September after they lay their eggs. The little baby spiders hatch in the spring so if you want to avoid tons of spiders don’t do this hike before October!
An Additional FYI
Given that you will be scrambling over rocks be sure to put long pants on your kids to protect their legs. Also this trail is in the flight path of Hill Airforce Base. If you have a child that has a hypersensitivity to sound be aware that the jets can get loud.
Enjoy!
I hope you and your family love this hike as much as we do! If you get a chance to try it out please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. If not be sure to pin it for next fall!
