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
The East Mesa Trail
The East Mesa Trail is a fantastic route that winds down to Weeping Rock past Observation Point. This trail is relatively easy until the descent down to Weeping Rock (and the ascent back up). The views on this trail are absolutely breathtaking, bring lots of water and don’t forget to pack the camera!
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Sand Bench Loop via Zion Lodge
The Sand Bench Loop is a low traffic sandy trail in the heart of Zion National Park. This trail is very exposed to the sun, so bring lots and lots of water and a good sun hat. This trail can also be done on horseback.
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The Corona Arch Trail
The trail to the Corona Arch and the Bowtie Arch is a short, moderately challenging hike just outside of Moab, Utah, that passes the Bowtie Arch and the Pinto Arch on route to the expansive and impressive Corona Arch. This trail is dog-friendly (as long as pups are kept on leash). Overall, this is a great little hike to one of the largest and most magnificent arch formations near Moab- the Corona Arch.
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Landscape Arch Trail
The Landscape Arch Trail is one of the most popular and iconic hikes in Arches National Park. This easy, out-and-back route takes hikers to one of the largest natural arch formations in the world. Don’t forget the camera—the Landscape Arch Trail is absolutely breathtaking.
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Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch
The Fiery Furnace is a highly sought-out hike through a maze of sandstone and slickrock in Arches National Park. Hikers must have a permit to hike this trail or join one of the Ranger-lead tours through this area. If you are able to secure a reservation, this trail is not one to miss.
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Sand Dune Arch Trail
The Sand Dune arch trail is a sandy little hike through a slot canyon to a beautiful arch formation. This hike is family-friendly, and a great way to get the kids out, enjoying the beauty of the desert. The Sand Dune Arch trail does connect to other popular trails in the area if you choose to extend your time exploring this gorgeous section of Arches National Park.
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Castleton Tower Trail
The Castleton Tower Trail is a short but challenging hike to the incredible Castleton Tower Rock formation. This trail is most often used as an access trail for rock climbers who are looking to ascend this impressive spire. This trail, however, does make a great hike to an epic sandstone formation just outside of Arches National Park.
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Windows Loop Trail
The Windows Trail is a great family-friendly hike to an interesting and unique arch formation in Arches National Park. This trail is well-marked and well-trafficked, so it’s a great place to go with kids or to get started as a beginner hiker. The Windows (also known as the Spectacles) are two arches that formed in the same sandstone fin and are reminiscent of a face wearing glasses (or “spectacles”).
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Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail
The Wolfe Ranch Petroglyph Trail is a short little hike past a historical homestead, to a section of beautifully preserved petroglyphs. This trail is family-friendly and a great way to connect with and learn about the history of this area and the People indiginous to this land. Remember to be respectful of these artifacts, never lean on or touch any petroglyphs as we want to preserve them for future generations.
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Windows Loop to Turret Arch
The Windows and Turret Trail is a great family-friendly hike to some beautiful and unique sandstone arches. This trail is well-marked and well-trafficked, so it’s a great place to go with kids or to go for a relaxing morning stroll. The Windows Arches are also known as the Spectacles because they have the appearance of a face wearing glasses.
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Broken Arch Trail
The Broken Arch Trail is a great little loop past two iconic arches in Arches National Park. This hike is relatively easy and is a great option for families with kids or beginner hikers looking to get out there and see the beauty that Arches National Park has to offer. Bring lots of water with you on this hike and don’t forget to bring the camera—this trail is hot, sunny, and gorgeous!
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Skyline Arch Trail
The Skyline Arch trail is an easy out-and-back route right beside the Devils Garden Campground. This hike is a great place to bring the kids for a short romp in the desert. This arch is a popular destination for photographers looking to capture breathtaking shots of Arches National Park.
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Navajo Arch Trail
The Navajo Arch trail is a well-travelled out and back trail past some of the most iconic arches in Arches National Park. This trail is well maintained and considered family-friendly. Pack along a picnic lunch and enjoy a day exploring the many arches and trails in this area.
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The Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch Trail
The Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch Trail is a popular subsection of the Devils Garden Loop in Arches National Park. This trail is family-friendly and reasonably flat, so it's a great place to bring the kids for a day exploring in the desert. This route can be extended to include a visit to other iconic arches in the area including Landscape Arch, Navajo Arch, and the remains of Wall Arch.
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Tunnel Arch Trail
The Tunnel Arch Trail is a short, out-and-back hike leading to a beautiful arch just off the main trail in Devils Garden. This hike is family-friendly but, unfortunately, not dog-friendly. If you want to extend your hike in the area, there are lots of other incredible arches just down the trail from Tunnel Arch.
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Partition Arch Trail
The Partition Arch Trail is a family-friendly, out and back route in Arches National Park. This hike passes by Landscape Arch and the remains of Wall Arch—a slickrock formation that collapsed in the summer of 2008. Partition Arch itself is a beautiful window-like arch in a majestic fin of Entrada Sandstone.
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Wall Arch and Pine Tree Arch
The trail to Pine Tree Arch and beyond to Wall Arch is a family-friendly hike on a well maintained trail that is accessible all year round. This hike passes a series of well-known arches: Pine Tree Arch, Tunnel Arch, and Landscape Arch. The route ends at the remains of Wall Arch- a magnificent slickrock formation that collapsed in the summer of 2008.
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Mount Peale Trail
The Mount Peale trail is a challenging hike up to the summit of Mount Peale in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This trail requires route-finding and scrambling. This hike is dog-friendly as long as your pup is kept on a leash for the duration of your climb.
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Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail
The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail is an out-and-back trail just outside of Arches National Park. This hike is a self-guided tour past plant and dinosaur fossils from the Jurassic Period. The Mill Canyon is a great place for aspiring paleontologists to look and learn about the natural history of this area.
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Sorrel Ridge Trail
The Sorrel Ridge trail is a great little hike that offers stunning views of the Colorado River. This hike can be done as a loop or as an out-and-back style trail depending on how comfortable you are with creative route finding. Try this hike at sunset for breathtaking views of the desert lit up in shades of gold.