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    Hikes in Utah, USA

    Hikes in Utah

    State in United States

    From the famous southwestern deserts to the mountains and jagged peaks east of Salt Lake City, Utah is an outdoors lovers paradise. Utah is a great state to find adventure, with plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, ski, climb or canoe the most beautiful parts of this state. The best part is that there is a way to get outside any time of the year, thanks to the hot deserts in winter and the alpine peaks in summer.

    Utah has to have the most variety of terrain out of any state in the US. We love the national parks in Utah, such as Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce and Arches National Parks. There are also great national forests, with our favourite being Uinta-Wasatch.

    While Utah is known for their deserts and canyons, there are also stunning mountains throughout the state. Head east of Salt Lake City and up into the Little or Big Cottonwood Canyons and explore some of the best hiking, skiing and trekking in the US. Head farther east and you hit the remote and beautiful Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Largely undeveloped, the hikes from the highway are sublime.

    And who can forget the mountain biking paradise of Moab. Regarded as the mecca for mountain bikers, this small-town oozes coolness, and is one of our favourite towns in the US.

    20 Greatest Hikes in Utah

    Immerse yourself into the varying terrain of Utah for an adventure of a lifetime. Hike through cavernous, dusty-red canyons, or perhaps hit the desert for an epic walk past towering cactuses and unique rock formations that will have you feeling like you’ve landed on another planet. For a more challenging day out in nature, why not try hiking up one of the surrounding mountain summits to get the legs burning? There are plenty of options, you just have to pick one and hit the trails!

    • Fairyland Loop Trail: Take in some of the most unique clusters of hoodoo formations in Bryce Canyon park on the aptly named Fairyland Loop trail
    • Cassidy Trail: This challenging, but seriously epic hike is a can’t miss in Little Bryce Canyon. Slowly increasing in elevation with an exposed ridgeline, take in incredible views over Mexican Peak Hat.
    • Queens Garden to Navajo Loop Trail: While crowded at times, this popular trail is one of the best ways to explore Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos and stunning rock formations.
    • Delicate Arch: If you’re visiting Moab National Park, you’re going to want to see the famed arches that are one of the most photographed spots in the world. This hike has extreme elevation grade, but it’s worth it to see the natural landmarks at the top.
    • Dead Horse Point: Incredible views from start to finish, this hike in Moab National Park will knock your socks, err hiking boots, right off!
    • Fisher Towers: This trail is loved by locals and travellers alike for its views over scenic sandstone towers, the expansive valley and the famous Colorado River.
    • Devils Garden Loop: To take in all the breathtaking arches located within Moab National Park, you’ll want to hike this loop passing Pine Tree Arch, Landscape Arch, Tunnel Arch and more.
    • Grandstaff Trail: This hike remains a classic for good reason, as hikers traverse a narrow canyon and end at Morning Glory Bridge–– this is a can’t miss experience. With little elevation gain, this makes for a great family-friendly hike.
    • Red Pine Lake & Pfeifferhorn Ridge: For an epic, highly rewarding hike, climb the Pfeifferhorn Ridge, which involves some scrambling to reach the top! Once at the summit, enjoy 360-degree views as far as the eye can see.
    • Box Elder Peak: With incredible elevation change, this hike is not for the faint of heart. Ascend up the ridge of Box Elder Peak to take in views over much of Salt Lake City and beyond.
    • Silver Lake: To enjoy peace and tranquility near Salt Lake City, head to Silver Lake, which remains largely unexplored in part due to its 4.8 km dirt road access. Once you arrive, jump in for a refreshing dip to cool off!
    • Sunset Peak: To experience the best of the alpine lakes Utah has to offer, try the Sunset Peak hike. Passing Dog Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine, you’re guaranteed a few photo-worthy moments!
    • Bald Mountain Trail: For some of the best views of all of Utah, set out on the classic Bald Mountain hike. While short and grueling, you won’t regret it once you get to the top!
    • The Narrows: Prepare to get soaked on this epic thru-canyon hike! This is more of a wade, but it's worth it to take the canyon from ground level.
    • Angel's Landing: Set out on arguably the most popular hike in all of Zion National Park to take in some of the most incredible views. Don’t underestimate the climb, it’s a tough, but worthwhile pursuit!
    • Hidden Canyon: This hike is perfect for those a little shorter on time, who want to pass some of the switchbacks to Observation Point. Take in all the best views of Zion National Park, without the challenging climbs.
    • Portal Overlook: Often overlooked for other trails in Moab, this hike offers serine, well-graded paths, while still hitting the highlights of the park.
    • Devil's Garden: If you’re short on time, this hike runs down an incredible narrow canyon, passing picturesque sandstone cliffs and desert towers on the way.
    • Balanced Rock: No trip is complete to Moab without spotting the unique balanced rock. This odd rock formation is a quick jaunt from the parking lot if you’re short on time.
    • Mossy Cave Trail: Short and sweet, this trail runs past dozens of hoodoos and ends at the stunning Tropic Ditch Falls, perfect for a family-friendly afternoon.

    When is the Best Time to Hike in Utah

    Our favourite time to hike in Utah is the shoulder seasons: spring and fall. The months of April-May and September-October offer incredible weather, with sunny, moderate temperatures. You can expect the occasional cool spell or rainy day during the shoulder seasons, but it’s far too hot to hike during the summer months without breaking a major sweat and risking heat stroke.

    Best Regions to Hike in Utah

    There are endless opportunities for hiking in the great Utah wilderness! But to help you out, we’ve narrowed it down to our absolute favourite regions within the state. Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its incredible desert scenery, ranging from hoodoos to canyons to cactuses. Moab and Arches National Park is much-loved among the mountain biking community and incredible natural arches scattered throughout the parks. Salt Lake City is the perfect destination where urban meets the outdoors, with plenty to see and do in and around the city. Just 120.7 km east of Salt Lake, lies another incredible mountain town that often lies under the radar. Uintas Mountains offers plenty of epic mountains to conquer, as well as pristine lakes perfect for a dip. Perhaps one of the most notable regions, Zion National Park is high on the bucket list for its sandstone rocks, the stunning Virgin River and verdant plant life.

    Other Activities in Utah

    Utah is an outdoor lovers paradise. There are few places quite like it in the world, nevermind the U.S. You can accomplish any outdoor adventure calling your name, whether it be mountain biking, scrambling, skiing, rock climbing, kayaking, white water rafting, or even horseback riding. You name it, they got it.

    How to Plan a Trip to Utah

    Dreaming of planning your dream hiking vacation in Utah? We’ve got you covered with our complete guides on planning a trip to the red rocky state, outlining the best spots far and wide for food and a cold beer, cozy hotels, and fun activities to fill your day. From Bryce Canyon National Park, to Zion National Park, to Moab and Arches National Park, to Salt Lake City, to Uintas Mountains—we took out all the guesswork, leaving more time for hitting the trails.

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    Hiking regions in Utah

    Best Hikes in Utah

    Showing 1 to 20 of 510
      Open details for Clayton Peak

      Clayton Peak

      Moderate
      4.2 km
      455 m
      2-3h

      The steep hike up to Clayton Peak yields unbelievably stunning views. One of the easier summits to walk in the area, it’s surprising very few people make the trek!

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Dead Horse Point Hike

      Dead Horse Point Hike

      Easy
      8.3 km
      144 m
      2-2.5h

      The Dead Horse Point hike knocks you out of your boots straight from the trailhead. This scenically dense hike puts you in the heart of the action. Expect fantastic views down to the winding Colorado River and across the expansive valley to the La Sal Mountains throughout the entire route.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Observation Point Trail

      Observation Point Trail

      Moderate
      12.7 km
      896 m
      4.5-6.5h

      This stunning hike brings trekkers to the most scenic viewpoint that can be found in Zion National Park – Observation Point. Towering above the entire Zion Canyon, this route is longer, harder, and less crowded than the famous Angel’s Landing, making it a true gem of a hike.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.6
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Fairyland Loop Trail

      Fairyland Loop Trail

      Moderate
      13.2 km
      379 m
      3.5-4.5h

      This beautiful half-day loop meanders through some of the most stunning hoodoo formations in the park yielding a fantastic atmosphere to enjoy the splendid beauty of Bryce Canyon – without the huge crowds usually following the classic hikes in the region.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.6
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Ibantik Lake

      Ibantik Lake

      Moderate
      13.5 km
      368 m
      3.5-5h

      This hike, in the heart of one of the most picturesque valleys of the High Uinta Mountains, walks up over ‘The Notch’ and down to Ibantik Lake immersing you in the paradoxically sterile, yet inviting beauty of the park; it’s almost as if it’s the blank pages of a book, waiting for you to write your adventures on.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.2
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Mesa Arch Trail

      Mesa Arch Trail

      Easy
      1.1 km
      27 m
      0.5h

      The Mesa Arch trail is a short hike to a stunning sandstone arch on the edge of a 152 m cliff. This hike is busiest at sunrise when the sun peaks above the horizon, illuminating the arch from below. Due to its impressive size and perfect positioning, the Mesa Arch is one of the most photographed arches in Canyonlands National Park

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Hickman Bridge Trail

      Hickman Bridge Trail

      Moderate
      2.7 km
      127 m
      1h

      The Hickman Bridge Trail is one of the most popular hiking routes in Capitol Reef National Park. This trail leads you to, you guessed it, the Hickman Bridge: an incredible formation of kayenta sandstone that spans 41 m across. This hike is family-friendly and a great way to get out and learn about the incredible history of Capitol Reef National Park.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail

      Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail

      Easy
      8.5 km
      347 m
      2.5-3.5h

      This shorter loop trail descends under the rim of Bryce Canyon and promises the densest number of hoodoo formations in the park. With stunning panoramas from the top, and intimate bottom up views from the base, Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail wows and impresses.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Angel’s Landing

      Angel’s Landing

      Moderate
      8.2 km
      505 m
      3-4h

      Easily the most popular hike in the park, the trail up to Angel’s Landing is often underestimated. After a long climb and an exposed traverse, however, the stunning views of the canyon from the summit always seem worth it.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Portal Overlook

      Portal Overlook

      Moderate
      8.2 km
      391 m
      2.5-3.5h

      An incredible hike with stunning views and way less traffic that most of the popular trails in the area. Though it involves more climbing than typical for the region, it is well graded and definitely worth the effort.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.7
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Clyde Lake

      Clyde Lake

      Easy
      7.4 km
      174 m
      2-2.5h

      This easier hike captures much of the incredible beauty of The Uintas’ Lakes. Following an initially busy trail, the crowds thin as you approach the glistening Clyde Lake and the stunning mountains that surround it.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.7
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Sunset Peak

      Sunset Peak

      Moderate
      10.3 km
      540 m
      3.5-4.5h

      If you are all about lakes, hiking up past Dog Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine are sure to please. The extra climb up to Sunset Peak blows the lakes out of the water and makes this a spectacular walk!

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.6
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Horseshoe Canyon

      Horseshoe Canyon

      Moderate
      11.3 km
      423 m
      3-4.5h

      The Horseshoe Canyon Trail is a 11.3 km hike to the Great Gallery - a series of incredibly preserved petroglyphs and pictograph panels. The trail itself is sandy, moderately challenging, and leads to four major galleries. The most well known gallery is the Great Gallery - a single panel approximately 61 m long with 20 different images.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for The Grand Wash Trail via Northeast Trailhead

      The Grand Wash Trail via Northeast Trailhead

      Easy
      8.0 km
      104 m
      1.5-2.5h

      The Grand Wash Trail via the Northeast Trailhead is one of the most popular trails in Capitol Reef National Park. This hike is relatively easy, well-marked, and well maintained. Head out on this route and enjoy the incredible views, and spend the day exploring the nooks and crannies of the canyon walls with the whole family.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews
      Open details for Red Pine Lake & Pfeifferhorn Ridge

      Red Pine Lake & Pfeifferhorn Ridge

      Very Hard
      15.9 km
      1,202 m
      6-8.5h

      The beautiful hike up to Red Pine Lake can easily be extended to grant truly 360-degree views. Hiking past the lake and onto Pfeifferhorn Ridge involves some rock hopping and scrambling and you will need to use your hands, but for confident, experienced hikers the panoramic scenery is worth the trek.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Open details for Lofty Lakes Loop

      Lofty Lakes Loop

      Easy
      6.9 km
      268 m
      2-2.5h

      A classic loop hike in the High Uintas, the Lofty Lakes Loops passes by several alpine lakes and yields fantastic views of Mount Marsell. The walk isn’t too challenging, and it yields fantastic views.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Mill Creek

      Mill Creek

      Very Easy
      3.7 km
      103 m
      1-1.5h

      Mere minutes from downtown Moab, this mostly flat hike leads up Mill Creek into a gorgeous, secluded canyon. A stunning waterfall and swimming area is found at the trail’s terminus – a real treat on hot summer days!

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Taylor Creek Trail

      Taylor Creek Trail

      Easy
      9.3 km
      193 m
      2-3h

      Inside the quiet Kolob Canyon area of Zion National Park, the Taylor Creek Trail runs beside the middle fork of the Taylor Creek. Leading in between stunning sandstone lined cliff faces, this gorgeous hike pays homage to the Double Arch Alcove at its terminus.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Cassidy Trail

      Cassidy Trail

      Very Hard
      28.3 km
      473 m
      6.5-9h

      Located in the "Little Bryce Canyon", otherwise known as Red Canyon, the Cassidy Trail is an overwhelmingly beautiful hike. Slowly gaining then traversing along an exposed ridge, the route has nearly continuous views for its entire duration towards Mexican Hat Peak.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.7
      Technical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Advanced (Diamond)
      Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
      Open details for Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail

      Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail

      Easy
      2.1 km
      69 m
      0.5-1h

      The Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail is a short, family-friendly hike to an incredible geological formation. This dome and crater formation dates back approximately 60 million years and its origins are hotly debated. Salt bubbles? Meteorite Impact? Aliens? Check out this geological wonder and see what you think.

      User Ratings
      No Reviews

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