Photo: James Price
Photo: Joseph Cowdell
Photo: DANI
Virgin River Trailhead
★4.7(143 reviews)FreeNature
🕑 1.5-3 hours depending on how far your family walks or bikes and how often you stop for nature exploration👶 Best for ages 4 and up. The flat, easy terrain works well for younger children who are steady walkers or comfortable on training wheels, while older kids and teens enjoy biking longer distances and photographing the unique desert landscape. Toddlers can handle short stretches in sturdy strollers on paved sections.🧡 Saved by 10 families
About
Virgin River Trailhead offers families an accessible desert oasis where kids can experience the Southwest's natural beauty up close. The relatively flat, multi-use trail follows the Virgin River through stunning red rock scenery, making it perfect for beginning hikers, bike riders, and nature explorers who want to spot wildlife like roadrunners, lizards, and desert birds without tackling challenging terrain.
Highlights
- ✓Spotting desert wildlife including lizards, roadrunners, jackrabbits, and various bird species
- ✓Wading in the Virgin River's cool water during warmer months
- ✓Dramatic red rock canyon views and unique desert vegetation
- ✓Flat, easy terrain perfect for beginner cyclists and young hikers
- ✓Opportunities for nature photography and collecting interesting (non-living) rocks
Pro Tips
- 1.Start your hike early in the morning (before 9am) to avoid extreme desert heat and catch the best wildlife activity when animals are most active
- 2.Bring at least twice as much water as you think you'll need,the dry desert air dehydrates kids quickly, even on easy walks
- 3.Pack a nature scavenger hunt checklist featuring desert plants like mesquite and cacti, plus animal tracks to keep younger kids engaged
- 4.The river sections offer cool relief,let kids dip their feet (wear water shoes) but supervise closely as currents can vary
- 5.Download an offline map before you go, as cell service can be spotty along the trail
Best Time to Visit
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures for family hiking (60s-70s°F). Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and the best chance to see wildlife. Avoid summer months (June-August) when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making the trail unsafe for children.
What to Know
The trailhead offers free parking and restroom facilities. Bring all your own food, water, and sunscreen as there are no services along the trail. The paved sections are stroller-accessible, though off-road strollers work best for exploring beyond the main path.
Seasonal Notes
Spring (March-May) brings wildflower blooms and migrating birds. Winter months can be chilly in early morning but pleasant by midday. Summer (June-September) is extremely hot and not recommended for families with children. Fall offers ideal hiking weather with beautiful golden cottonwood trees along the river.
Nearby Eats
Head to CasaBlanca Resort for their family-friendly buffet options, or try Peggy Sue's Diner for classic American fare that kids love, including burgers, shakes, and breakfast all day.
More Activities Near Mesquite
Nature
Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area
★4.5Free❤️7
Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area offers families an accessible introduction to desert wilderness exploration just outside Mesquite. Kids can discover fascinating desert wildlife like lizards, roadrunners, and jackrabbits while hiking through otherworldly rock formations and ancient Joshua tree forests that spark their imagination and curiosity about the natural world.
Theater
Mesquite Fine Arts Center
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The Mesquite Fine Arts Center brings culture and creativity to families in Mesquite, offering a wonderful introduction to live theater through family-friendly performances, concerts, and seasonal shows. Beyond just attending performances, kids can get involved through youth drama programs that nurture confidence and creativity in a supportive community atmosphere.
Park
Hafen Lane Park
Free
Hafen Lane Park is a well-maintained community park in Mesquite that offers something for the whole family. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, open sports fields perfect for impromptu games, and shaded picnic areas ideal for family lunches, it's a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The walking paths make it easy to bring strollers or let kids ride bikes while parents enjoy the scenic desert landscape.
Library
Mesquite Library
★4.6Free❤️21
Mesquite Library is a welcoming community hub that offers far more than just books for families. With its robust children's programming including regular story times, engaging summer reading challenges, and year-round family events, this modern facility creates a fun, educational environment where kids can discover the joy of reading while parents access valuable community resources.