Utah's best hikes
Slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, alpine lakes and the state's highest peak.
- Zion National Park · Southern Utah
Angels Landing
- Very hard
About 5.4 miles round tripClimb About 1,500 ftMarch to November; icy in winter
Switchbacks and the tight turns of Walter’s Wiggles climb to Scout Lookout, then a narrow fin of sandstone with chains and sheer drops leads to the summit, 1,500 feet above the Virgin River. It is Zion’s most famous hike and not for anyone uneasy with heights.
Permit: A permit from the NPS lottery on Recreation.gov is required to hike beyond Scout Lookout. There are seasonal and day-before lotteries.
- Zion National Park · Southern Utah
The Narrows
- Hard
Up to about 9.4 miles round trip bottom-up to Big Spring; 16 miles one way top-downClimb About 350 ft bottom-upLate spring to fall, when flows are low; drysuits make winter trips possible
You hike in the Virgin River itself, wading between walls a thousand feet tall that close in to 20 or 30 feet apart at Wall Street. Most people walk upstream from the Riverside Walk and turn around whenever they like.
Permit: Bottom-up day hikes to Big Spring need no permit. Top-down trips from Chamberlain’s Ranch need a wilderness permit. The route closes when the river runs high, and flash floods are a real danger.
- Zion National Park · Southern Utah
Observation Point via East Mesa
- Moderate
About 7 miles round tripClimb About 700 ftMay to October; the access road can be muddy or snowy
Observation Point looks straight down Zion Canyon, and from above Angels Landing. Since rockfall closed the old route from Weeping Rock, hikers reach it across the forested East Mesa from a trailhead outside the park’s east side, which makes it a mostly flat walk with a huge finish.
- Zion National Park · Southern Utah
Canyon Overlook Trail
- Easy
- Good for kids
About 1 mile round tripClimb About 160 ftYear-round
A short, ledgy trail just east of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel that ends at a view down Pine Creek to lower Zion Canyon. Railings cover most of the drop-offs, and it is a good sunrise or sunset walk for families.
- Bryce Canyon National Park · Southern Utah
Fairyland Loop
- Hard
About 8 miles loopClimb About 1,700 ftMay to October
Bryce’s best long day hike drops off the rim into fins, windows and towers that see far fewer people than Sunset Point, passes Tower Bridge and climbs back up along the rim. It is a lot of up and down at 8,000 feet.
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument · Southern Utah
Lower Calf Creek Falls
- Moderate
- Good for kids
About 6 miles round tripClimb About 250 ftYear-round; hot in midsummer
A sandy trail follows a clear creek through a red-rock canyon, past beaver ponds, ancient granaries and pictographs, to a 126-foot waterfall pouring into a cold green pool. The sand makes it harder than the numbers say.
- Capitol Reef National Park · Southern Utah
Hickman Bridge
- Easy
- Good for kids
About 1.8 miles round tripClimb About 400 ftYear-round
A short climb above the Fremont River to a 133-foot natural bridge, with a small loop that passes right underneath it. Watch for a Fremont granary along the way.
- Capitol Reef National Park · Southern Utah
Cassidy Arch
- Moderate
About 3.4 miles round tripClimb About 1,000 ftMarch to November
From the floor of Grand Wash, the trail climbs steeply onto slickrock to stand above an arch named for the outlaw Butch Cassidy, who reportedly hid out in the area. Cairns mark the last stretch.
- Kanarraville, near Cedar City · Southern Utah
Kanarra Falls
- Moderate
About 3.8 miles round tripClimb About 600 ftLate spring to fall; cold water
A slot-canyon walk up a creek to two waterfalls, one with a much-photographed log ladder beside it. Expect wet feet the whole way.
Permit: A paid daily permit from the Town of Kanarraville is required, and only a limited number of hikers are allowed each day. Buy ahead at kanarrafalls.com.
- Snow Canyon State Park · Southern Utah
Lava Flow Trail and Lava Tubes
- Easy
- Good for kids
About 2 miles round tripClimb About 200 ftOctober to May; hot in summer
A walk across black basalt to collapsed lava tubes you can climb down into, with red and white sandstone cliffs all around. Bring a headlamp and closed-toe shoes.
- Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, near Leeds · Southern Utah
Red Reef Trail
- Easy
- Good for kids
About 2 miles round tripClimb About 300 ftOctober to May
A creekside path from the Red Cliffs campground into a red sandstone gorge with small waterfalls and pools. A short scramble up steps carved into the rock adds an adventure kids love.
- Arches National Park · Eastern Utah
Delicate Arch
- Moderate
About 3 miles round tripClimb About 630 ftYear-round; go early in summer
The hike to Utah’s symbol climbs open slickrock with no shade, then rounds a ledge to reveal the arch at the rim of a slickrock bowl. Sunset brings crowds and the best light.
- Arches National Park · Eastern Utah
Fiery Furnace
- Hard
About 2 miles; no set trailSpring to fall
A maze of tight sandstone fins where you squeeze, scramble and chimney through passages with no marked trail. It is easy to get lost, which is why access is limited.
Permit: You need either a spot on a ranger-led hike or a self-guided permit, both booked through the park. Permit holders watch an orientation first.
- Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky · Eastern Utah
Mesa Arch
- Easy
- Good for kids
About 0.7 mile loopClimb About 80 ftYear-round
A short loop to an arch on the very edge of a cliff. At sunrise, light bounces off the cliff below and turns the underside of the arch bright orange, framing the La Sal Mountains.
- Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky · Eastern Utah
Grand View Point
- Easy
- Good for kids
About 2 miles round tripClimb About 50 ftYear-round
A flat rim walk to the tip of the Island in the Sky mesa, with views over the White Rim and the canyons of the Green and Colorado rivers. One of the biggest views in Utah for the least effort.
- Off SR-128 northeast of Moab · Eastern Utah
Fisher Towers
- Moderate
About 4.4 miles round tripClimb About 700 ftOctober to May; hot in summer
A rolling trail weaves under dark red mud-and-sandstone towers, including the 900-foot Titan, with climbers often on the spires above. It ends at a ridge view across the Colorado River country.
- Off Potash Road (SR-279) near Moab · Eastern Utah
Corona Arch
- Moderate
- Good for kids
- Dogs OK
About 3 miles round tripClimb About 450 ftYear-round; avoid midday in summer
Cross the railroad tracks, climb slickrock with a short cable and ladder, and reach a 140-foot span with Bowtie Arch alongside. Great payoff for a short hike.
- San Rafael Swell, near Goblin Valley State Park · Eastern Utah
Little Wild Horse Canyon
- Moderate
About 3.5 to 4 miles out and back, or an 8-mile loop with Bell CanyonClimb About 650 ft on the loopMarch to May and September to November
One of the most accessible slot canyons in Utah, with long stretches just shoulder-wide and walls of swirling sandstone. Never enter if rain is in the forecast anywhere upstream.
- High Uintas Wilderness, from Henrys Fork · Eastern Utah
Kings Peak
- Very hard
- Dogs OK
About 28 to 29 miles round tripClimb About 4,500 ftJuly to early September
The highest point in Utah at 13,528 feet. Most people backpack in over two or three days, camp near Dollar Lake and summit via Gunsight Pass and Anderson Pass, finishing on a boulder ridge. Afternoon thunderstorms are routine; be off the top by noon.
- Mount Timpanogos Wilderness, American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon · Utah County
Mount Timpanogos
- Very hard
About 14 to 15 miles round tripClimb About 4,500 to 4,900 ftMid-July to September
The mountain over Utah Valley, climbed from Timpooneke in American Fork Canyon or Aspen Grove above Sundance. Both trails pass waterfalls, wildflower basins and mountain goats before the summit ridge at 11,752 feet. Start at dawn.
Permit: An amenity fee or recreation pass is required in American Fork Canyon, and summer parking at the Timpooneke trailhead uses timed reservations on Recreation.gov on busy days. Check current rules before you go.
- Aspen Grove, near Sundance · Utah County
Stewart Falls
- Easy
- Good for kids
About 3.4 miles round tripClimb About 650 ftJune to October
A walk through aspens below the face of Timpanogos to a two-tiered, 200-foot waterfall. In late September the aspens turn the whole trail gold.
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument, American Fork Canyon · Utah County
Timpanogos Cave Trail
- Moderate
- Good for kids
About 3 miles round tripClimb About 1,100 ftLate spring to early fall, when cave tours run
A paved but relentlessly steep trail climbs the canyon wall to three linked caves full of helictites and other formations. The views down the canyon are a bonus.
Permit: Cave tour tickets are required and often sell out; buy them ahead on Recreation.gov.
- Lone Peak Wilderness, from Silver Lake Flat · Utah County
Silver Lake (American Fork Canyon)
- Moderate
About 4.4 miles round tripClimb About 1,400 ftLate June to October
From Silver Lake Flat Reservoir, a steady climb through aspens and over a rocky bench ends at a granite-ringed lake under the ridges of the Lone Peak Wilderness. Push on to Silver Glance Lake for more solitude.
- Pleasant Grove · Utah County
Battle Creek Falls
- Easy
- Good for kids
- Dogs OK
About 1.5 miles round tripClimb About 450 ftYear-round; best in spring runoff
A quick climb from the east edge of Pleasant Grove to a waterfall spilling over a rock ledge. It is close to town and good for an after-dinner hike with kids.
- Diamond Fork Canyon, Spanish Fork Canyon · Utah County
Fifth Water Hot Springs
- Moderate
- Dogs OK
About 4.5 miles round tripClimb About 600 ftYear-round; longer in winter when the road closes
A gentle trail along a creek leads to milky blue travertine pools fed by hot springs, with waterfalls just above. The springs smell of sulfur, and the pools are crowded on weekends.
- Mount Nebo Wilderness, from the Nebo Loop Road · Utah County
Mount Nebo
- Very hard
About 8 to 9 miles round tripClimb About 3,500 ftJuly to September
The highest peak in the Wasatch Range, at 11,928 feet. The trail from the Nebo Loop Road crosses a high bench, then climbs a steep ridge with loose rock and a narrow, exposed finish to the summit.
- Lehi to Orem, along the foothills of Utah Valley · Utah County
Murdock Canal Trail
- Easy
- Good for kids
- Dogs OK
About 17 miles one way; ride or walk any pieceClimb Mostly flatYear-round
A paved trail on top of a buried canal that runs through Lehi, Highland, American Fork, Pleasant Grove and Orem. Expect views of Timpanogos, parks and trailheads every mile or two, and lots of bikes, strollers and dog walkers.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon · Salt Lake County
Donut Falls
- Easy
- Good for kids
About 1.5 to 3.5 miles round trip, depending on which lot is openClimb About 250 to 500 ftJune to October
A short hike through the trees to a waterfall that pours through a hole in the rock roof of a small cave. The rocks at the falls are slick; good shoes help.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon, Twin Peaks Wilderness · Salt Lake County
Lake Blanche
- Hard
About 6.8 miles round tripClimb About 2,700 ftJune to October
A steep, steady climb through aspens and old avalanche paths to a lake under the striped quartzite of Sundial Peak. Lakes Florence and Lillian sit just over the rock ledges.
- Albion Basin, Little Cottonwood Canyon · Salt Lake County
Cecret Lake
- Easy
- Good for kids
About 1.6 miles round tripClimb About 450 ftJuly to September
A short climb from Albion Basin to a rock-ringed lake under Sugarloaf Peak. In late July the basin explodes with wildflowers, and moose and marmots are common.
- Brighton, Big Cottonwood Canyon · Salt Lake County
Lake Mary
- Moderate
- Good for kids
About 2.5 miles round tripClimb About 800 ftJuly to October
From the Brighton base, the trail climbs beneath the ski lifts to a lake ringed by granite and pines. Continue to Lake Martha and Lake Catherine for a longer outing.
- Salt Lake City · Salt Lake County
Ensign Peak
- Easy
- Good for kids
- Dogs OK
About 1 mile round tripClimb About 400 ftYear-round
A short, steep climb from a neighborhood above the Capitol to the knoll where Brigham Young and pioneer leaders looked over the valley in 1847. Sunset views take in downtown, the Great Salt Lake and the Oquirrhs.
- Sandy, Lone Peak Wilderness · Salt Lake County
Bells Canyon
- Moderate
About 4.5 miles round trip to the lower fallsClimb About 1,500 ftMay to October
A steady climb past a small reservoir to a canyon of granite slabs and the lower falls. Strong hikers continue to the upper falls, much steeper and less traveled.
- Holladay and Mount Olympus Wilderness · Salt Lake County
Mount Olympus
- Very hard
About 6.5 to 7 miles round tripClimb About 4,100 ftMay to October; very hot in midsummer
The rocky peak behind Salt Lake’s east side, climbed by a dry, steep trail and a final scramble up a granite gully. Few hikes in the Wasatch gain this much in so short a distance.
- Wasatch Front foothills · Salt Lake County
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
- Easy
- Good for kids
- Dogs OK
Varies; pick any segmentYear-round
A long, still-growing trail that follows the shoreline of ancient Lake Bonneville along the foothills. The stretches above the University of Utah and Red Butte offer easy access, valley views and sunrise light on the city.
- Ogden, from the 29th Street trailhead · Northern Utah
Waterfall Canyon
- Moderate
- Dogs OK
About 2.5 miles round tripClimb About 1,100 ftSpring to fall; best in spring runoff
A steep, rocky trail climbs from Ogden’s east bench to a 200-foot waterfall in a narrow canyon. The last stretch is a boulder scramble.
- Logan Canyon · Northern Utah
Wind Caves
- Moderate
- Good for kids
- Dogs OK
About 3.7 miles round tripClimb About 1,000 ftSpring to fall
Switchbacks climb the limestone wall of Logan Canyon to a set of wind-carved arches and alcoves high above the river, locally called the Witch’s Castle.
- Layton · Northern Utah
Adams Canyon
- Moderate
- Dogs OK
About 3.7 miles round tripClimb About 1,100 ftSpring to fall
Sandy switchbacks lead to a creek in a shady canyon and a 40-foot waterfall. Popular with families on summer evenings.
- Mirror Lake Highway, Uinta Mountains · Summit & Wasatch
Bald Mountain
- Moderate
About 2.8 miles round tripClimb About 1,200 ftJuly to September
A short, rocky climb from Bald Mountain Pass to a nearly 12,000-foot summit with views over dozens of Uinta lakes. Thin air makes it harder than it looks, and parking along the Mirror Lake Highway requires a recreation pass.
- Mirror Lake Highway, Uinta Mountains · Summit & Wasatch
Lofty Lake Loop
- Moderate
- Good for kids
- Dogs OK
About 4 miles loopClimb About 900 ftJuly to September
A loop past Cuberant Lakes, Lofty Lake and Kamas Lake, with meadows, talus and a high saddle. It is a gentle introduction to the High Uintas from the Pass Lake trailhead.
Hike smart in Utah
Carry more water than you think you need, especially in the desert, where a gallon per person per day is the rule in summer. Never enter a slot canyon when storms are forecast upstream. Start big mountain hikes early to be off summits before afternoon lightning. In the Salt Lake watershed canyons, dogs and swimming are not allowed.