Introduction
Are you a nature lover seeking an adventure in the great outdoors? Utah is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in America, and what better way to explore them than by hiking through their spectacular trails? The Beehive State boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from red rock canyons to alpine forests, offering something for hikers of all levels. So grab your backpacks and get ready to discover our top picks for the best hikes and trails in Utah!
Best Utah Hikes & Trails
Utah is home to some of the most beautiful and varied hiking trails in the country. From short, easy nature walks to strenuous multi-day backpacking trips, there is a trail for every level of hiker. Here are some of our favorite Utah hikes and trails.
The Narrows: This world-famous hike is located in Zion National Park. The trail takes you through a slot canyon with walls that towering up to 2,000 feet. The route can be done as an out-and-back hike or as a one-way hike with a shuttle pickup at the end.
Angels Landing: Another must-do hike in Zion National Park, Angels Landing is a 5-mile round trip hike with amazing views of the surrounding canyon. The last half mile of the trail is very steep and narrow, with drop offs on both sides, so it is not for those who are faint of heart. But the views from the top are well worth the effort!
Bryce Canyon: One of Utah’s five national parks, Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos – strange rock formations that look like petrified tree stumps. The best way to see them is by hiking one of the many trails that wind through the canyon. We recommend the Fairyland Loop Trail, an 8-mile loop that takes you past some of the park’s most iconic hoodoos.
Angels Landing Hike
Angels Landing is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, and for good reason. The views from the top are simply incredible, and the hike itself is quite challenging. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for a bit of a hike, Angels Landing is definitely worth it.
The trail to Angels Landing starts at the Grotto Picnic Area. From there, it’s about a 3-mile hike to the top. The first mile or so is relatively easy, but then the trail gets much steeper as you make your way up to Scout Lookout. This is where things start to get really challenging – there are several very steep sections with drop-offs on both sides. If you’re not comfortable with heights, this may not be the hike for you.
Once you reach Scout Lookout, you’ll have some time to catch your breath and take in the amazing views. From there, it’s another half-mile or so to Angels Landing. The last part of the hike is along a narrow ridge with 1,000-foot drop-offs on either side – definitely not for those who are scared of heights! But again, the views are incredible and totally worth it.
Angels Landing is one of Zion National Park’s most popular hikes for good reason – it offers incredible views and is quite challenging. It’s not for
Observation Point Trail
Situated atop a rocky outcrop, Observation Point Trail in Zion National Park offers hikers one of the most incredible views in all of Utah. On a clear day, visitors can see for miles in every direction, including across the vast canyon carved by the Virgin River. The trail is fairly strenuous, with several steep sections, but it is well worth the effort for the stunning panoramas that await at the top.
The Narrows
Zion National Park is home to some of the best hiking in Utah. The Narrows is one of the most popular trails, and for good reason. This 16-mile out-and-back hike takes you through a slot canyon with walls that soar 1000 feet overhead in places. The trail is mostly exposed, so be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
Kanarra Canyon & Falls
Kanarra Canyon & Falls is a beautiful trail located in Southern Utah. This moderate hike is great for any level of hiker and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. The trailhead begins at the Kanarraville Falls Parking lot and follows a creek up Kanarra Canyon for 2 miles. Along the way, hikers will be treated to stunning views of red rock cliffs, crystal clear pools of water, and cascading waterfalls. The final destination is Kanarra Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that can be seen from an overlook at the top of the canyon.
Corona Arch Trail
The Corona Arch Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Utah. The trailhead is located in Moab, and the trail itself is a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike. The highlight of the hike is, of course, the Corona Arch – a massive sandstone arch that stands 150 feet tall. Along the way, you’ll also get great views of the Colorado River.
Delicate Arch Hike
The Delicate Arch hike is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes you to one of Utah’s most iconic landmarks – the Delicate Arch. The trailhead starts at the Wolfe Ranch Parking lot and follows a well-marked path through sandstone cliffs and canyons. The first part of the hike is the hardest, as you make your way up a steep incline. But the views are worth it, as you’ll get to see some of Utah’s most beautiful scenery. The second half of the hike is much easier, and takes you through a shady canyon before opening up to the Delicate Arch viewpoint. From here, you can see the arch in all its glory, as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Delicate Arch hike is a must-do for any Utah visitor, so be sure to add it to your list!
Tower Arch Trail
The Tower Arch Trail is a 4.4-mile out-and-back hike in Arches National Park that features stunning views of the park’s iconic red rock formations. The trailhead is located at the Devil’s Garden Campground, and the hike can be done year-round, although it may be too hot to do during the summer months. From the campground, the trail winds its way through a juniper and pinyon forest before opening up to views of sandstone fins and towers. The trail then climbs steeply up slickrock to the base of Tower Arch, where hikers can take in views of the arch itself as well as the surrounding landscape. The return trip back to the campground follows the same route.
Double Arch
The Double Arch is one of Utah’s most iconic landmarks. The two massive sandstone arches are located in Arches National Park, just a short drive from Moab. The hike to the Double Arch is an easy one, and it’s a great place to take in the stunning views of the park. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, there are plenty of options nearby. But if you just want to enjoy the incredible scenery, the Double Arch is the perfect spot.
Windows Trail
There are few things as invigorating and peaceful as a hike in the great outdoors. And Utah has some of the best hiking trails in the country. From easy, family-friendly strolls to challenging multi-day treks, there’s a trail for everyone in Utah.
One of the most popular hiking trails in Utah is the Windows Trail at Arches National Park. This relatively easy trail takes you on a 2-mile loop through some of the most stunning scenery in the park. You’ll get up close and personal with towering sandstone fins and massive arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. The trail is mostly exposed, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Wire Pass / Buckskin Gulch
Wire Pass / Buckskin Gulch is one of the most popular hiking trails in Utah. The trailhead is located in the town of Kanab, and the trail itself is a moderate to difficult hike. The trail is approximately 13 miles long, and it takes hikers through some of the most scenic areas in Utah. The trail features majestic red rock formations, canyons, and desert landscapes. It is also one of the few trails in Utah that allows dogs.
Peekaboo Canyon / Spooky Gulch
Peekaboo Canyon:
It is one of the most popular hiking trails in Utah. The trail is located in the northern part of the state, near the town of Moab. Peekaboo Gulch is a slot canyon that has been carved out by water over millions of years. The canyon is only a few feet wide in places, and in some parts, the walls are so close together that you can touch both sides at once. The trail is relatively short, only about 1.5 miles long, but it can be challenging in places. There are a few sections where you need to scramble up rocks or walk through knee-deep water. But the views from inside the canyon are well worth the effort. The red and orange rock walls are beautiful, and in some places, they glow in the sunlight. Peekaboo Gulch is a great place to hike if you’re looking for a little adventure.
Spooky Gulch:
Spooky Gulch is another popular slot canyon hike in Utah. It’s located south of Salt Lake City, near the town of Escalante. Spooky Gulch is shorter than Peekaboo Gulch, at only 0.5 miles long. But don’t let its size fool you – this canyon is much narrower than Peekaboo Gulch, and it can be quite challenging to hike through in places. There are several sections where you need to squeeze through narrow
Coyote Gulch Trail
If you’re looking for an incredible hiking experience in Utah, look no further than the Coyote Gulch Trail. This trail offers stunning views of red rock formations, canyons, and desert landscape. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, deer, and lizards.
The Coyote Gulch Trail is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The trailhead is located near the town of Escalante, Utah. The hike itself is about 9 miles long and takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. However, the hike can be shortened or lengthened depending on your needs and fitness level.
The Coyote Gulch Trail is rated as a moderate hike due to its length and elevation gain/loss. However, there are some areas of the trail that may be challenging for less experienced hikers. Overall, this is an incredible hike that should not be missed!
Lower Calf Creek Falls
At Lower Calf Creek Falls, a 136-foot waterfall cascades over red rocks into a deep pool of water. The trail to the falls is an easy 3-mile round trip hike, making it a great option for families or those looking for a shorter hike. Along the way, you’ll get views of the towering cliffs that surround the canyon.
Queens Garden / Navajo Loop
Queens Garden / Navajo Loop is one of the most popular and beautiful trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. The trailhead is located near Sunset Point and the trail loops through a canyon of colorful rock formations. The views from the top of the loop are breathtaking, and hikers can see for miles in every direction. Queens Garden / Navajo Loop is an easy hike that can be completed in a few hours, and it is a great option for families or first-time visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Stewart Falls
The Stewart Falls trail is a must-do while in Utah. It’s a moderate 3-mile hike with an 800-foot elevation gain that leads you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. The trailhead is located just outside of Provo, making it an easy day trip from Salt Lake City. The first mile of the hike is through a dense forest, but the views open up once you reach the top of Timpanogos mountain. From there, it’s a short walk to the Stewart Falls overlook where you can take in the stunning scenery.
Lake Blanche
Lake Blanche is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests, the lake is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and photographers.
There are several trails that lead to Lake Blanche, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. The most popular route is the 3-mile (4.8 km) round trip hike from the Mill B South Trailhead. This moderate trail passes through fields of wildflowers and aspen groves before reaching the lake shore.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the 8-mile (13 km) round trip trail from the Brighton Lakes Trailhead is a great option. This strenuous trail climbs over 2,000 feet (610 m) in elevation and leads to an incredible view of Lake Blanche and the surrounding mountains.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic day hike or an overnight backpacking adventure, Lake Blanche is a must-see destination in Utah!
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is one of the most popular hiking and photography destinations in Utah. The canyon is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and features red sandstone walls that have been carved by wind and water over millions of years. Hiking trails wind through the canyon, and there are numerous photo opportunities along the way.
