Hiking the Hidden Valley Trail right outside of Moab makes you feel like you are in a totally different place - look anywhere in Moab and the dominant sight is the Moab rim. It's known as "Behind the Rocks" - an interesting mix of sandstone fins, large rock walls, and domes. Is Hidden Valley really a valley? Not quite. It's actually two hanging terraces that descends into Behind the Rocks and eventually widens into a 4-wheel drive road while a boot-beaten path detours along the base of a sandstone wall with petroglyphs.
The Juniper Yurt is located near Monticello, Utah and provides central access to many outdoor activities. The main hiking areas include Bears Ears/Cedar Mesa, Canyonlands (both year round), and the Abajo Mountains (summer only). The Juniper Yurt also has premier access to rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, and more! Need some downtime? Just relax and disconnect for a while and borrow a book from their library to read in the cozy living room. This yurt also provides some the best star-gazing.
Valentine Peak is located in Parowan, Utah and leads to a 360 degree view of the area, including Brian Head, the Iron County High Point.
Water Canyon is a perfect desert oasis hike near Hilldale, UT. While this hike looks a lot like Zion National Park, it's dog friendly, perfect for kids, there are zero fees to enter, and you can make the hike as long or short as you want. I highly recommend hiking at least 1.5 miles to the small waterfall and pool area, so the dogs can cool off their paws and kids can explore and splash around.
The Mansard Trail is located in Kanab, Utah and leads to a large alcove that is home to several petroglyphs. The trail itself winds its way up several gradual switchbacks before reaching a 6 ft scramble. Dogs and kids will need a boost, but otherwise the trail is quite easy. Halfway through you will reach the mesa, and the trail is mostly flat the rest of the way, but becomes very sandy.
Red Hollow Canyon is a very short slot canyon located in Orderville, UT. Because its only 1 mile round trip, this makes for a great stop for the drive in between SLC and Kanab to get the kids and dogs out for a stretch. The slot canyon section only lasts for about 0.2 miles but it offers some light scrambling (dogs and kids will need a boost), before ending at a tall dry fall.