Hikes in Utah
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.
Hiking regions in Utah
Best Hikes in Utah
Cascade Falls Trail
The Cascade Falls trail is a little-hiked trail just off of route 9 near Springdale, UT. The waterfalls themselves flow seasonally, but this hike is beautiful even when the water isn’t flowing. This trail can be a lot of fun for kids, as there is so much in the area to explore.
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Sand Bench Loop
The Sand Bench Loop is a low-traffic lollipop trail through the site of an old landslide. From this trail, hikers will get a good view of the Court of the Patriarchs and will get a good workout slogging through the loose sand. This hike is hot and sunny, so come prepared with sun protection and lots of water.
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Progeny Peak
The Progeny Peak Trail is a low-traffic, unmarked and unmaintained trail in the East Canyon. This out-and-back trail passes by the Two-Pines Arch formation and up to the top of Progeny Peak itself. This hike has incredible sandstone features, including hoodoo-like formations that are totally picture-worthy, so don’t forget the camera!
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Hepworth and Roof Peaks Trail
The trail up to Hepworth and Roof Peaks is a rugged path up and off Gifford Canyon Wash that requires route-finding and scrambling. The views from the top are totally worth the effort. This trail is a great choice for experienced hikers looking to have an adventure away from the crowds of the main canyon.
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West Route Canal Trail
The West Route Canal Trail is a low-traffic route down a little-explored canyon. This path travels through slickrock, bushy ravine, and slot canyon. This trail is not straight-forward and requires hikers to navigate frequent obstacles via scrambling and creative route-finding.
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6460 Lost Peak Trail
The trail to Peak 6460 (known locally as “Lost Peak”) is a fantastic scramble for experienced hikers. This trail follows a 5.6 km loop and can be done in half a day. This trail requires route-finding and scrambling but hikers will be rewarded with epic views away from the crowds of the main canyon.
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Huber Wash Trail
The Huber Wash trail is a nice hike that runs parallel to the more popular Coalpits Wash Trail. This trail is an out-and-back route along the creek bed. If you don’t mind risking wet feet—this is a great hike to do in the springtime when the wildflowers are in bloom.
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West Rim to Wildcat Canyon Trail
The West Rim to Wildcat Canyon trail is a low-traffic hike through a beautiful area of Zion. This hike is a great place to see desert flora and fauna. This trail is best hiked in springtime when the wildflowers of the desert are in full bloom.
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Elephant Temple via The Riverside Walk
The hike through the Narrows to the base of Elephant Temple is a challenging day hike through one of the most iconic areas in Zion National Park. This route requires hikers to get in and wade through the Virgin River, so proper attire is very important. The views along this adventurous trail are second to none so bring a camera and jump in.
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Pine Creek Narrows Trail
The Pine Creek Narrows Trail is a great little hike exploring beautiful slot canyons just off of route 9. This hike is a lot of fun for kids to play on and explore. The Pine Creek Narrows trail is a great little adventure away from the crowds of Zion’s main canyon.
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Camp Creek Trail
The Camp Creek Trail is a rarely visited path down a beautiful box canyon in the Kolob section of Zion. This trail is overgrown and unmaintained, so be prepared to do some bushwhacking and route finding. Your hard work will be rewarded with solitude and wonder in one of the most beautiful sections of Zion National Park.
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Scoggin’s Wash
The Scoggin’s Wash Trail is a true desert hike that links the more popular Coalpits Wash Trail with the iconic Chinle Trail. This hike is hot and sunny, so bring lots and lots of water. This hike may not offer the jaw-dropping vistas of some of the more popular hikes in Zion, but it can be a great little place to explore away from the crowds of the main canyon.
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Zion Ponderosa Checkerboard Trail
The Zion Ponderosa Checkerboard Trail is an easy walk that the whole family can enjoy. This trail is shared by hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers alike. The views from this trail are fantastic, and this path is a great way to wind down after a busy day exploring Zion. The Zion Ponderosa Ranch is one of the only places you can have a dog with you in the park (as long as they are on a leash), so bring the pup here for a fun run in the desert ranchland.
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Lower Tower Arch Trail
The Lower Tower Arch Trail is a short and rugged trail to Tower Arch in Arches National Park. This trail is shared by mountain bikers, day-hikers, and OHV drivers. The Lower Tower Arch trail sees relatively low traffic, even in the peak of tourist season, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet in the beautiful Utah desert.
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Mount Peale and Tukuhnikivatz Loop
The Mount Peale and Mount Tukuhnikivatz Loop is a challenging route for experienced hikers. This trail leads you up to two summits, each with fantastic views of the surrounding area. From the top, you’ll be able to look out over the La Sal Mountain Range, the City of Moab, Canyonlands National Park, and beyond.
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Moab Rim Arch and Tukuhnikivista Arch Trail
The Moab Rim Arch and Tukuhnikivista Arch Trail is a lovely hike just south of the city of Moab. This trail is used by both hikers and OHV/ATV drivers. The Moab Rim Arch and Tukuhnikivista Arch Trail leads to two stunning arches that get few visitors compared to the sandstone structures in Arches National Park. Dogs are also allowed on this trail, but must be kept on leash for the duration of their hike.
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Squaw Spring Trail
The Squaw Spring Trail is a moderately challenging hike through the beautiful and enchanting Manti-La Sal National Forest. This hike is used by horseback riders, mountain bikers, and day hikers alike. Dogs are also allowed to join you on this trail but they must be kept on leash for the duration of their hike.
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Brumley Arch Trail
The Brumley Arch trail is a short but steep, dog-friendly trail in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This hike leads you not only to a spectacular arch but to a secret slot canyon, a babbling brook, and a tumbling waterfall. This hike is also a great way to spend time enjoying the outdoors with your four-legged friend—just be sure that your pup is kept on leash for the duration of your hike.
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Clark Lake Loop
The Clark Lake Loop is a beautiful forest hike that connects Clark lake with Oowah Lake in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This hike is dog-friendly as long as your pup is kept on leash for the duration of your adventure. The Clark Lake Loop is a great place to see the flora and fauna of the Manti-La Sal.
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Onion Bench Creek
The Onion Bench Creek Trail is a moderately challenging hike in Professor Valley northeast of the city of Moab. This trail is shared by hikers and horseback riders and offers stunning views of the La Sal Range and Fisher Towers. Dogs are allowed to join you on the Onion Bench Creek Trail as well.