Best Hikes in Utah: Explore the Scenic Wonders of the State
Are you looking for the Best Hikes in Utah? Utah is a hiker’s paradise, with endless opportunities for exploring the great outdoors. From towering peaks and rugged canyons to serene lakes and rushing rivers, there’s something for every level of hiker. Here, we’ve put together a list of the best hikes in Utah to help you plan your next adventure. So what are the best Utah hikes?
Best Hikes in Utah Along the Wasatch Front
Lake Blanche Trail
The Lake Blanche Trail is a popular hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon, just outside Salt Lake City. The trail climbs steadily up the canyon, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The hike’s highlight is Lake Blanche, a crystal-clear alpine lake nestled in a cirque of towering peaks.
Mount Timpanogos Trail
The Mount Timpanogos Trail is a challenging hike that takes hikers to the summit of one of the highest peaks in the Wasatch Mountains. The trail climbs steeply through various landscapes, from lush forests to rocky alpine ridges. The summit offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park is located in the middle of the Great Salt Lake and offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The Buffalo Point Trail is a popular hike that takes hikers along the lake’s shoreline, with opportunities to spot bison, pronghorn antelope, and other wildlife.
Cecret Lake Trail
The Cecret Lake Trail is a family-friendly hike in Alta, Utah, just outside Salt Lake City. The trail winds through a wildflower-filled meadow and climbs gently up to Cecret Lake, a small alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks.
Donut Falls Trail
The Donut Falls Trail is a fun and easy hike that takes hikers to a unique waterfall that flows through a hole in the rock, creating a “donut” shape. The trail follows a gentle stream through a lush forest, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Hiking in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one best hiking spots in Utah. The park offers a range of trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes, with breathtaking views of towering sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and narrow canyons.
The Narrows
The Narrows is a must-do hike in Zion National Park, and for good reason. The trail follows the Virgin River through a narrow slot canyon with towering walls that rise up to 1,000 feet high. The hike can be done as a day trip. Still, many hikers camp overnight in the canyon for a more immersive experience.
Angels Landing
Angels Landing is a challenging hike that rewards hikers with spectacular park views. The trail climbs steeply up a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on either side, leading to a lookout point with panoramic views of Zion Canyon.
Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geological formations, including hoodoos, spires, and natural amphitheaters. The park offers a variety of trails for hikers of all levels, with stunning vistas at every turn.
Navajo Loop Trail
The Navajo Loop Trail is a popular hike that takes hikers through some of the park’s iconic formations, including Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street. The trail descends steeply into the canyon, with switchbacks and narrow passages, before climbing back up to the rim.
Fairyland Loop Trail
The Fairyland Loop Trail is a more challenging hike that takes hikers through the park’s quieter backcountry. The trail offers stunning views of hoodoos and spires, with fewer crowds than some of the park’s more popular routes.
Hiking in Arches National Park
Arches National Park is known for its spectacular rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The park offers a range of trails for hikers, with opportunities to explore the arches up close and to take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Delicate Arch Trail
The Delicate Arch Trail is a moderate hike that leads to one of the park’s most iconic formations, the Delicate Arch. The trail is steep in places and requires some scrambling over rocks, but the views of the arch and the surrounding landscape are well worth the effort.
Devil’s Garden Trail
The Devil’s Garden Trail is a more challenging hike that takes hikers through a series of arches, including Landscape Arch, one of the most extended arches in the world. The trail offers stunning views of the park’s unique formations, with opportunities to explore some of the lesser-known arches along the way.
Hiking in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged canyons, towering mesas, and winding rivers. The park offers a range of trails for hikers, with opportunities to explore the park’s unique geology and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Mesa Arch Trail
The Mesa Arch Trail is a short, easy hike that leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the park’s canyons and mesas. The trail is spectacular at sunrise when the first rays of light illuminate the surrounding landscape.
Chesler Park Loop Trail
The Chesler Park Loop Trail is a more challenging hike that takes hikers through some of the park’s most scenic areas. The trail winds through narrow canyons, past towering spires and rock formations, and open meadows dotted with wildflowers.
Hiking in Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its stunning rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and scenic drives. The park offers a variety of trails for hikers, with opportunities to explore some of the park’s lesser-known areas and to take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Capitol Gorge Trail
The Capitol Gorge Trail is a moderate hike that takes hikers through a narrow canyon, past towering cliffs and ancient petroglyphs. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with opportunities to explore side canyons and hidden alcoves along the way.
Grand Wash Trail
The Grand Wash Trail is an easy hike that takes hikers through a scenic canyon with towering walls up to 500 feet high. The trail offers stunning views of the park’s unique geology, with opportunities to explore side canyons and see some of the park’s native wildlife.
Hiking in Moab
Moab is a popular destination for hikers, with various trails for all levels of hikers. The area is known for its stunning red rock formations, winding rivers, and sweeping vistas.
Corona Arch Trail
The Corona Arch Trail is a moderate hike that leads to one of the area’s most iconic arches, the Corona Arch. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with opportunities to explore side canyons and hidden alcoves along the way.
Fisher Towers Trail
The Fisher Towers Trail is a more challenging hike that takes hikers through a stunning landscape of towering rock formations and sweeping vistas. The trail offers opportunities to explore hidden nooks and side canyons, with views of the Colorado River and the surrounding desert.
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Utah is a hiker’s paradise, with endless opportunities for exploring the great outdoors. From Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Moab, there’s something for every level of hiker. So, pack your hiking boots and hit the trails for an adventure of a lifetime!
FAQs – Best Hiking in Utah
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Utah?
The best time to go hiking in Utah is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild, and the crowds are smaller.
Do I need a permit to hike in Utah’s national parks?
Some hikes in Utah’s national parks require a permit. Check with the park rangers for more information.
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails in Utah?
Dogs are allowed on some hiking trails in Utah, but not all. Check with the park rangers for more information.
What should I bring with me on a hiking trip in Utah?
It’s essential to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing and footwear for the terrain and weather conditions.
Can I camp overnight in Utah’s national parks?
Yes, camping is allowed in Utah’s national parks. Check with the park rangers for more information on camping regulations and permits.
Are you looking for more outdoor guides? Check out a guide to camping in Utah. And if you need ideas for a fun spring playlist, start here.
