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
Bristlecone Loop Trail
This loop hike departs from the popular Rainbow Point at the very southern tip of the scenic drive through Bryce National Park. With the stunning surroundings of Bristlecone Pines on one leg of the loop, and scenic panoramic rim views along the other, the crowds in the parking lot start to really make sense.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Grand View Point Trail
The Grand View Point Trail is a short, easy hike to an incredible viewpoint overlooking Canyonlands National Park. This hike is family-friendly and a great way to get out and do some exploring with young kids. The first 100 yards of this trail is flat and paved, so it can be accessed with a stroller or via wheelchair.
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Cohab Canyon Trail
The Cohab Canyon trail is an excellent out-and-back route in Capitol Reef National Park. This trail offers hikers stunning views of the Utah desert; it even has shady spots to rest and enjoy those views away from the heat of the desert sun. This trail begins with a steep climb that may leave your muscles burning but we promise that the hard work is totally worth it.
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Donut Falls
The classic family hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the short climb up to Donut Falls is quite spectacular. The large cascading waterfall is especially beautiful, as is the general scenery that surrounds you throughout the entire hike.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Wilder and Packard Lake
Beginning along the impressive 167.4 km Highline Trail, this hike - only 10.6 km - out to Wilder Lake then down to Packard Lake is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. This hike is also a great way to get away from the crowds, or to do as an easy backpack.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Hoodoo Trail
This short loop hike in the "Little Bryce Canyon", otherwise known as Red Canyon, is a fantastic one to do to experience the hoodoos without the crowds of the national park. Short and flat, this trail is perfect for the entire family.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Double Arch
A classic short hike that puts you directly underneath two – count ‘em two –arches! For minimal effort, you are rewarded with a fantastic perspective and one of the closest interactions with an arch in the park.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Weeping Rock Hike
This short, steep trail leads to the scenic and secluded Weeping Rock. A natural spring in the rock, the overhanging cave plays host to a plethora of hanging plants. This is a beautiful place to hangout on a hot summer day!
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
False Kiva Trail
The False Kiva Trail is an unmaintained hike to a class II archeological site in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. The False Kiva is an authentic site, but its origins are unknown (hence “False”), please be respectful of this area when you visit. Don’t forget the camera—the vistas along the trail and from the site itself are absolutely breathtaking.
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Navajo Knobs
The Navajo Knobs Trail is a challenging hike that earns you incredible views of Capitol Reef National Park. This hike is a steep climb that will get your muscles burning but we promise that the hard work is worth it. From the top, you will get a 360-degree panoramic view of the Utah landscape reaching out in all directions to kiss the desert horizon.
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Balanced Rock
This quick jaunt from the parking lot brings you around the world famous Balanced Rock tower. Visible from miles away (even visible from our Portal Overlook hike), this amazing rock formation is an obvious roadside attraction.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Chesler Park Loop
The Chesler Park Trail is a moderately challenging route with incredible views of Canyonlands National Park. Give yourself lots of time to do this hike and enjoy the varying terrain and desert views. If you like, you can split this hike up over a couple of days by camping along the trail at one of the many backcountry campsites.
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Syncline Loop
The Syncline Trail is a worthy challenge for experienced adventurers. This hike has lots of steep scramble sections over rugged terrain as it circles the incredible Upheaval Dome formation. If you want to split up your time along this trail, there is a lovely campsite at the midway point for use with a backcountry overnight permit.
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Chesler Park Viewpoint
The Chesler Park Viewpoint Trail is a classic hike with incredible views of the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park. This 8.0 km hike is great for families with older kids who are up for an adventurous morning or afternoon exploring the Utah desert. If you don’t have a lot of time to explore the many trails in Canyonlands, bump this hike to the top of your to-do list, you won’t regret it.
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Murphy Point Trail
The Murphy Point Trail is a short, out-and-back hike to an incredible overlook. This trail is family-friendly with little elevation gain. From the overlook at Murphy Point, you will be able to gaze across the desert landscape all the way to Junction Butte and beyond.
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Elephant Hill Trail
The Elephant Hill Trail is a beautiful route along a 4x4 route that affords hikers fantastic views of the Needles formation. This trail is shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV/ATV drivers. We recommend heading out early in the morning to enjoy some peace and quiet along this route before it gets busy (and hot!) later in the day.
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Gooseberry Trail
The Gooseberry trail is a short but challenging route in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. This trail is steep and can be a real workout on the way out but it does afford hikers incredible views. From the Gooseberry trail, travellers can gaze upon the White Rim and peek over into Gooseberry Canyon.
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Shafer Canyon Overlook
The Shafer Canyon Overlook trail is a short walk to a fantastic viewpoint overlooking- you guessed it- Shafer Canyon. This hike is a great way to stretch your legs and get some incredible photos of Canyonlands National Park. The edges of the overlook are not barricaded so be careful and keep an eye on the little ones if you are out hiking with the family.
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Spanish Bottom to Dollhouse Granaries
The Spanish Bottom to the Dollhouse Granaries is a challenging hike accessible by raft or kayak. This trail begins along the Colorado River and heads up a series of steep switchbacks to a fantastic overlook. With incredible views of the river below—this hike is a perfect addition to your paddling trip.
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Devil’s Pocket Loop
The Devil’s Pocket is a fantastic hike through the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This route passes through the Pinnacle and along the edge of Chesler Park. This is a great hike to see desert wildlife such as lizards, hawks, and deer.