Utah is a place of unbelievable beauty, and for outdoor lovers, it’s a true paradise. From towering sandstone arches to dramatic canyons and red rock formations that look like they belong on another planet, the state is home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails you can find anywhere.
Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or a family looking for a scenic stroll, Utah has a trail for you.
This guide will walk you through some of the best hiking spots in Utah, providing all the details you need to start planning your next great adventure. And for a seamless, stress-free trip, consider partnering with a professional travel agency Park City can provide, to help you with all the details.
Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks—Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef—offer a diverse range of hiking experiences for every skill level.And beyond the national parks, don’t miss hidden gems like Lower Calf Creek Falls and the incredible landscapes of Grand Staircase-Escalante.
But before you go, remember: proper planning for weather, water, and permits is crucial for a safe and unforgettable trip.
Zion National Park: The Crown Jewel of Utah Hiking
When people ask about hiking in Utah, Zion National Park is often the first place Utah travel agencies will recommend. And for good reason! The park is famous for its stunning canyon, carved by the Virgin River, and its truly iconic trails.
The Narrows
This hike is not a traditional trail but an adventure right in the Virgin River itself. You’ll spend most of your time wading, walking, and sometimes swimming through the water, surrounded by towering, thousand-foot canyon walls.
- Difficulty: Strenuous. Navigating the water and uneven riverbed requires good balance and physical strength.
- Length: Varies. Most hikers do the “Bottom-Up” option, going as far as they want before turning back. A typical trip to the famous Wall Street section is about 5 miles round-trip. The full “Top-Down” hike is a grueling 16 miles and requires a permit.
- Elevation: The Bottom-Up hike has a minimal elevation gain (up to 400 ft), but the Top-Down option loses about 1,600 ft of elevation.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall. The river is too cold and the current too fast in winter. Flash floods are a serious danger in the monsoon season (July-September), so always check the weather forecast.
- Safety: The biggest risk is flash flooding. Always check the official Zion National Park Service website for the river flow rate and flash flood potential before you go. Don’t enter the canyon if there’s any chance of rain in the area.
Angels Landing
This is one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in America. The final half-mile section involves a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides and a chain handrail to help you ascend. It’s an unforgettable experience.
- Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous. This is not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights.
- Length: 5.4 miles round-trip.
- Elevation Gain: 1,488 feet.
- Permits: A permit is required to hike Angels Landing and is obtained via a lottery system. This helps manage the crowds and improve safety.
Arches National Park: A Journey to Iconic Landscapes
Arches National Park, located near Moab, is a geological playground. Its unique landscape of more than 2,000 natural stone arches, balanced rocks, and pinnacles feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
Delicate Arch Trail
The trek to Utah’s most iconic arch is a must-do for many visitors. While challenging, the reward of seeing the massive, freestanding arch is worth every step.
- Difficulty: Strenuous. The trail includes a significant climb up a slickrock slope with no shade.
- Length: 3.0 miles round-trip.
- Elevation Gain: 480 feet.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and catch the best light for photos.
- Amenities: Water is available at the Devils Garden trailhead and the visitor center, but not on the trail itself. There are restrooms at the trailhead.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Hoodoos and Fairytale Views
Bryce Canyon isn’t a true canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters filled with “hoodoos”—irregular columns of rock sculpted by erosion. Hiking here is like walking through a fantastical kingdom of colorful spires.
Fairyland Loop
This trail offers a wonderful overview of the park’s unique geology. It’s a full-day commitment but takes you deep into the heart of the hoodoo formations.
- Difficulty: Strenuous. The loop includes several steep ascents and descents.
- Length: 8.0 miles round-trip.
- Elevation Gain: 1,720 feet.
- Best Time to Visit: The trail is great in spring and fall. Summer can be hot, and winter hikes may require snowshoes.
- Amenities: This is a long hike. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there are no water sources on the trail. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.
Canyonlands National Park: A World of Canyons
Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park, divided into four distinct districts by the Green and Colorado Rivers. It’s a vast wilderness of canyons, mesas, and buttes. The most popular area for hiking is Island in the Sky.
Mesa Arch
This easy, popular trail leads to one of the most photographed arches in the park, especially at sunrise when the underside of the arch glows with a brilliant orange light.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Length: 0.5 miles round-trip.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunrise! The arch perfectly frames the rising sun and the stunning landscape below.
Druid Arch
For a much more challenging hike, this trail in the Needles District takes you to a unique, square-topped arch that looks like something out of Stonehenge.
- Difficulty: Strenuous. The trail involves scrambling and a final climb up a steep wall.
- Length: 10.4 miles round-trip.
- Elevation Gain: While the net elevation change is only about 500 ft, the cumulative elevation gain is much higher due to constant ups and downs, making it a very tough hike.
- Time: Allow for 8-10 hours to complete this trek.
Capitol Reef National Park: Under the Waterpocket Fold
Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem that protects the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. This park offers stunning, quiet trails away from the crowds.
Hickman Bridge
This is a great option for a moderately easy hike to a beautiful natural bridge that resembles a smaller version of Delicate Arch.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Length: 1.7 miles round-trip.
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet.
Cassidy Arch
Named after the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy, who was rumored to have a hideout nearby, this trail leads you to a massive arch you can walk across.
- Difficulty: Strenuous. The trail is steep and exposed.
- Length: 3.4 miles round-trip.
- Elevation Gain: 670 feet.
- Safety: Use extreme caution when walking on the arch itself, as it is a natural formation with no handrails.
Going Beyond the National Parks: Other Incredible Utah Hikes
While the Mighty 5 are rightfully famous, some of Utah’s best hikes are found outside the national park system. If you’ve hired a travel agency, they can show you some paths less wandered, like:
Lower Calf Creek Falls
This trail is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It’s a beautiful hike that follows Calf Creek to a stunning, 126-foot waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool.
- Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is mostly flat but consists of loose sand.
- Length: 6.7 miles round-trip.
- Time: Allow for 3-4 hours.
- Amenities: There are restrooms at the trailhead and a small campground nearby.
Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
This popular hike near the Arizona border takes you into one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world. It’s a breathtaking and dramatic experience.
- Difficulty: Moderate. The trail can involve some scrambling and is a tight squeeze in places.
- Length: 3.5 miles round-trip to the Buckskin Gulch junction.
- Permits: A permit is required for this hike and can be purchased online or at the trailhead. Be aware of the flash flood risk and do not enter the canyon if there is any chance of rain.
Lake Blanche
For a taste of alpine hiking, head north to the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City. The trail to Lake Blanche is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you through a forested canyon to a stunning cirque with three pristine lakes.
- Difficulty: Strenuous. It’s a consistent, steep climb.
- Length: 6.2 miles round-trip.
- Elevation Gain: 2,740 feet.
- Safety: As this is a watershed area, there are strict rules. Pets, swimming, and campfires are not allowed.
How a Travel Agency Park City Can Elevate Your Trip
Planning a trip to Utah, especially one that involves multiple parks and different types of hikes, can be overwhelming. From understanding permit lotteries to finding the best accommodations and planning a realistic itinerary, there are a lot of details to manage.
This is where a knowledgeable travel agency Park City can make all the difference.
A travel expert can help you:
- Navigate the logistics: They can handle permits, reservations, and even transportation, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
- Create a custom itinerary: They can design a trip that matches your skill level and interests, from a fast-paced hiking tour to a leisurely scenic drive.
- Provide expert advice: They have firsthand knowledge of the area and can recommend hidden gems, the best local eateries, and essential safety tips.
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore some of the best hiking spots in Utah. The state’s natural wonders are waiting for you, and with a little planning, you can have a truly unforgettable experience.
Remember to pack plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to protect these magnificent places for future generations.
For more information on hiking safety, visit the National Park Service website.