Kid Friendly Hike: Limber Pine Trail
Trail Overview
Distance: 1.2 mi | Location: Garden City | Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter | Elevation Gain: 80 ft | RouteType: Loop |Bathrooms @ Trailhead: Yes*
Limber Pine Trail is located just off of Hwy 89 on the way to Bear Lake, about 45 min from Logan, UT. It is a loop trail that takes you up to a large Limber Pine tree. The tree is actually five separate trees that have grown together over the past 560 years.
For many of you, this hike will be too far away to do as an afternoon outing, but it is a fun hike to tack onto a trip to Bear Lake in the summer or winter. (For more information on going to Bear Lake in the winter be sure to check out my post Why Bear Lake is the Best Winter Vacation Destination)
Limber Pine Trail is actually what gave me the inspiration to do a Kid Friendly Hiking series. While hiking it last July I realized it was the perfect trail for budding hikers and toddlers! I hope this year you are able to get out and try it. I know you will love it as much as we do!
Getting There
Limber Pine Trail is located near Garden City, Utah, commonly known as Bear Lake. If you use Google Maps you can type in “Limber Pine Nature Trail” for the most direct route based on your location.
If you are heading towards Garden City on Hwy 89, the parking lot for Limber Pine is on the right hand side of the road, near mile marker 492. If you hit the turn off for Sunrise Campground, you have gone too far.
Trail Conditions
Limber Pine Trail is a great four-season trail. The majority of the trail is in the shade and is nice and wide (so no need to worry about your kids falling off the trail). There’s really not a bad time of year to try this trail, just be aware that there may still be snow on the trail as late as May.
Trail Highlights
There is a lot ot love about Limber Pine Trail. Aside from being your quintessential apline hike, here are three reasons why it is one of our favorites:
Smooth Trail
Limber Pine is a nice smooth trail free from loose rocks, roots and other obstacles; this means less things for little hikers (and very pregnant women) to trip over. The first time we hiked this trail Madic was 18 months old. Even at that young age he was able to hike the majority of it. It is a great trail for toddlers to work on their hiking skills!
Educational Placards
Limber Pine Trail is a loop trail. To begin, you will hike up a little ways until you reach a t-intersection. This is where the loop portion of the trail begins. You will want to head right to begin the loop. There are two reasons you want to do the loop in that direction.
First, along the trail there are educational placards that talk about the different trees, animals and vegetation. By going right you will be able to do the placards in order.
Second, the northwest side of the trail is the shadiest. By going right you are able to do all of your elevation gain in the shade and then head downhill on the more exposed part of the trail.
The educational placards are also a fun way for your family to learn more about the area and are a great way to motivate reluctant hikers (e.g. “let’s go find the next one!”). The Limber Pine tree is at educational placard number 10, be sure not to miss it!
Snowshoeing
I love me a good all season trail and Limber Pine Trail is one of the best of them. In my opinion, it is an awesome snowshoeing destination; so if you are looking at getting into snowshoeing as a family or are already avid snowshoers I would highly recommend trying it out. With the trail being a short distance and the elevation gain being minimal it is the perfect trail for little snowshoers.
Somethings to Be Aware Of
Winter
Here are some things you need to be aware of if you do this trail in the winter:
Unfortunately, the parking lot isn’t always plowed in the winter. You can park on the side of the road next to the parking lot but be sure to keep an eye out for “No Parking Signs”.
*There is an outhouse at the trailhead but sometimes there is too much snow in front of the entrance to gain access, so be sure to have your kids use the bathroom at home before heading out.
The weather can be pretty windy and brisk when you first exit your car and are putting on your snowshoes (especially if you have to park on the road). Please don’t let that deter you. It will be much more pleasant once you get on the trail. The trees and being set back from the road cuts down on the wind quite a bit.
Summer
The parking lot can get pretty full in the summer. I would recommend not doing this hike on a holiday weekend.
Enjoy
In my opinion, this trail is a must hike (especially if you are into snowshoeing)! If you aren’t into winter hiking then be sure to pin this post so you remember to try it out this summer.
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