Kid Friendly Hike: Green Pond Trail
Trail Overview
Distance: 1 mi | Location: Huntsville | Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter | Elevation Gain: 380 ft | Route Type: Out and Back |Bathrooms @ Trailhead: No
Green Pond Trail is located in Huntsville Utah, near Snowbasin Ski Resort. This trail is beautiful any time of the year (yes even for snowshoeing!). If you hike just to Green Pond and back it is about 1 mile round trip. For families looking for a longer hike, the Green Pond Trail is part of a larger trail system so you can hike to your hearts content!
The trail is a bit rocky in spots so it isn’t as toddler friendly as some of the other trails I have highlighted. However, my two-year-old hiked the majority of the trail this summer and did just fine on the rocks, so if you have a strong little hiker or you plan to carry your toddler you should be just fine.
Getting There
The trailhead for Green Pond Trail is located on the new Snowbasin Road. If you use Google Maps you can type in “Green Pond Trailhead” and it will direct you right there.
As you are driving up the road toward Snowbasin you will see a sign that says “Green Pond Trail” with an arrow pointing to the right. Just past that will be the parking lot for Green Pond Trail. The trailhead for the hike is across the street from the parking lot.
Trail Conditions
Green Pond Trail is a great four-season trail. Most of the trail is shady and smooth, but as I mentioned there are a couple of parts that are a bit rocky. Also given that the trail is located at a higher elevation (6,287 ft) plan on it being a bit cooler and be sure to pack layers.
Trail Highlights
Unless you live in Ogden Valley (e.g. Huntsville, Eden, Liberty, etc.) it is going to be a bit of a drive to get to the trailhead for Green Pond Trail. I know for parents with small children a long day outing can feel intimidating, but please don’t let that deter you. Here are all the reasons the Green Pond Trail is worth the drive!!
Scenic Drive to Trailhead
If you are looking for a chance to escape the city then this is the hike for you. Whether you are traveling from the north or the south the drive is gorgeous!
Perfect Hike for a Picnic
When you reach the pond there is a nice little picnic table and some shade. This makes the long drive more doable because you don’t need to rush back for lunch. It is also a nice place to rest before making the hike back down to your car.
Beautiful Trail All Year Long
There is really no bad time of year to hike Green Pond Trail. Whether it is spring, summer, fall or winter the trail is lovely.
Some Things to Be Aware Of
Finding Green Pond
Oddly enough finding the actual pond can be a bit tricky if you don’t know where it is located. The trail doesn’t actually lead directly to it.
After you have hiked for about half a mile you will see a sign on the left hand side of the trail that says “picnic area”. There is a trail next to the sign that will lead you to the pond and picnic table. The nice thing about the pond being away from the main trail is that not many people make the pit stop. Every time I have been it has just been me and my son at the pond.
Mountain Bikers
This trail is very popular, especially amongst mountain bikers. It can get pretty crowded on holiday weekends and in the evenings when people get off work. I would recommend hiking this in the morning or mid-week if possible.
Another thing to keep in mind is to watch and listen for mountain bikers, especially if your kids are in the lead. It is harder for a mountain biker to see a small child on the trail vs. an adult.
Enjoy!
I hope you and your family are able to get out and enjoy this hike! If you try it be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
If you are not a fan of hiking in cooler weather or snowshoeing be sure to pin this post for when the weather starts warming up!
