Your complete guide to Utah’s most spectacular hiking trails for every skill level
Utah is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that wind through red rock canyons, climb alpine peaks, traverse desert landscapes, and follow pristine mountain streams. From leisurely nature walks perfect for families to challenging multi-day backpacking routes, the state has hiking options for every skill level and interest. This comprehensive guide covers 20 of Utah’s best hiking trails, organized by difficulty to help you find the perfect adventure.
Whether you’re a casual walker looking for scenic views without breaking a sweat, or an experienced hiker seeking your next challenge, Utah’s diverse terrain offers unforgettable trails year-round. Let’s explore the best hikes the Beehive State has to offer.
Easy Trails: Perfect for Families and Beginners
These trails offer spectacular scenery with minimal effort, making them ideal for families with young children, those new to hiking, or anyone wanting a relaxing outdoor experience.
1. Emerald Pools Trail (Zion National Park)
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip (Lower Pool) | 2.5 miles (Middle Pool) | 3 miles (Upper Pool)
Elevation Gain: 69 feet (Lower) | 150 feet (Middle) | 350 feet (Upper)
One of Zion’s most popular trails leads to a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls beneath towering cliffs. The Lower Emerald Pool is accessible via a paved trail and features a waterfall that cascades over a cave-like alcove. Continue to the Middle and Upper Pools for more solitude and increasingly spectacular views. Spring and early summer offer the best water flow.
Best Time: March-May for waterfalls; September-November for colors and smaller crowds
2. Riverside Walk (Zion National Park)
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 57 feet
This paved, wheelchair-accessible trail follows the Virgin River as the canyon walls gradually narrow. It’s the gateway to The Narrows and offers beautiful views without the commitment of a water hike. Watch for hanging gardens growing from the canyon walls and keep an eye out for wildlife including mule deer and wild turkeys.
Best Time: Year-round; stunning in all seasons
3. Delicate Arch Viewpoint (Arches National Park)
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip (Lower Viewpoint) | 1 mile round trip (Upper Viewpoint)
Elevation Gain: 100 feet (Upper Viewpoint)
If the full Delicate Arch hike seems too challenging, these viewpoint trails offer distant but still impressive views of Utah’s famous arch. The Upper Viewpoint provides the better angle and is still an easy walk suitable for all ages. Bring binoculars to watch hikers standing beneath the arch.
Best Time: Sunset for glowing orange light on the arch
4. Canyon Overlook Trail (Zion National Park)
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: 163 feet
This short but spectacular trail near the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel offers panoramic views of lower Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon. The trail features some exposure and uneven footing but rewards hikers with incredible vistas. It’s especially popular because it’s one of the few Zion trails accessible without taking the shuttle.
Best Time: Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds
5. Cascade Falls Trail (Wasatch Mountains)
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Located just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City in American Fork Canyon, this family-friendly trail leads to a beautiful 200-foot waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and climbs gently through pine forest. Spring and early summer offer the most dramatic water flow. This is one of the most accessible mountain waterfalls near the Wasatch Front.
Best Time: May-June for maximum water flow
Moderate Trails: Rewarding Views with Some Challenge
These hikes require a moderate level of fitness but don’t demand technical skills. They offer outstanding scenery and a satisfying workout.
6. Delicate Arch Trail (Arches National Park)
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 480 feet
Utah’s most iconic hike leads to the state’s most famous landmark. The trail crosses exposed slickrock with no shade, climbs moderately upward, and ends with a narrow ledge walk to the arch. The payoff is standing directly beneath the 65-foot-tall freestanding arch with sweeping desert views. Arrive at sunset if possible—the arch glows brilliant orange in the evening light.
Trail Tips: Bring plenty of water (no water sources), start very early in summer, wear sturdy shoes for slickrock
7. Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail (Bryce Canyon National Park)
Distance: 2.9 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 521 feet
This is Bryce Canyon’s quintessential hike, descending into the amphitheater to walk among the otherworldly hoodoos. The trail winds through narrow passages like Wall Street, where towering rock walls rise 200 feet overhead. Connecting with Queen’s Garden creates the perfect loop, returning past formations like Queen Victoria. The elevation change means a good workout, but the scenery makes every step worthwhile.
Best Time: Early morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and heat
8. Lake Blanche Trail (Wasatch Mountains)
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,720 feet
One of the Wasatch’s most rewarding hikes climbs steadily through pine and aspen forest to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by jagged granite peaks. The turquoise waters reflect Sundial Peak on calm days, creating a photographer’s dream. While the elevation gain is significant, the well-maintained trail and incredible destination make this a favorite among Salt Lake locals.
Best Time: July-September when snow has melted; aspens turn gold in late September
9. Mesa Arch Trail (Canyonlands National Park)
Distance: 0.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 80 feet
While technically easy, Mesa Arch earns its place here because arriving at sunrise requires commitment and the arch’s cliff-edge location adds drama. This is arguably the most photographed arch in Utah—the morning sun illuminates the arch’s underside, making it glow brilliant orange against the vast canyon backdrop. Even if you skip sunrise, this short loop offers one of the most spectacular views per effort ratios in any national park.
Sunrise Tip: Arrive 45 minutes before sunrise to secure a spot; expect crowds of photographers
10. Hickman Bridge Trail (Capitol Reef National Park)
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
This moderate hike leads to an impressive 133-foot natural bridge in Capitol Reef’s often-overlooked landscape. The trail climbs steadily with excellent views of the Fremont River valley and Capitol Dome. Unlike crowded trails in Arches, you might have Hickman Bridge nearly to yourself. The massive stone span is all the more impressive when you consider the millions of years required to carve it.
Best Time: Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures
Challenging Trails: For Experienced Hikers
These trails demand physical fitness, proper preparation, and often technical skills. They reward adventurous hikers with extraordinary experiences and solitude.
11. Angels Landing (Zion National Park)
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,488 feet
One of America’s most famous and thrilling hikes features steep switchbacks, stunning views, and a final half-mile ridge walk with chain-assisted sections and 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides. The 360-degree views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking. This is not a hike for those with fear of heights, and accidents do occur, but with caution and good weather, it’s an unforgettable achievement.
Critical Info: Permit required (lottery system). Never attempt in rain, ice, or high winds. Start early to avoid midday heat and crowds.
12. The Narrows Top-Down (Zion National Park)
Distance: 16 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: 1,440 feet (elevation loss)
Hiking the Narrows from top to bottom is Zion’s ultimate backcountry experience. The 16-mile route through the Virgin River canyon requires an overnight permit, two vehicles for shuttle, and comfort wading through waist-deep water. Towering 2,000-foot walls narrow to just 20 feet wide in places. This is a true wilderness adventure where you must monitor weather carefully for flash flood danger.
Requirements: Backcountry permit, canyoneering experience recommended, dry suit or wetsuit in spring/fall
13. Mount Timpanogos via Timpooneke Trail (Wasatch Mountains)
Distance: 15 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Summiting 11,752-foot Mount Timpanogos is a rite of passage for Utah hikers. The challenging but non-technical route climbs through alpine meadows, past mountain goats, and up to the second-highest peak in the Wasatch Mountains. The summit views span from the Great Salt Lake to the Uinta Mountains. Plan for a very long day or consider the overnight option at Emerald Lake.
Best Time: July-September; wildflowers peak in late July
14. Kings Peak via Henry’s Fork Trail (Uinta Mountains)
Distance: 26-29 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 5,400 feet
Climbing Utah’s highest peak at 13,528 feet is the ultimate hiking challenge. The route through the glacially-carved Uinta Mountains passes pristine alpine lakes, crosses barren tundra, and scrambles up the final rocky slopes to the summit. Most hikers take 2-3 days, camping at Dollar Lake or Gunsight Pass. Clear weather is essential as afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Requirements: Backcountry experience essential, proper gear for alpine conditions, leave-no-trace camping
15. Fiery Furnace (Arches National Park)
Distance: 2 miles (no marked trail)
Elevation Gain: Varies
This isn’t a trail but a maze of sandstone fins requiring route-finding through narrow slots, occasional scrambling, and occasional squeezes between rocks. The Fiery Furnace offers a true adventure through one of Arches’ most spectacular areas. Access requires a permit obtained through ranger-guided tour or self-guided permit (orientation required).
Requirements: Permit required, ranger-guided tour highly recommended for first visit, advanced navigation skills for self-guided
Desert Slot Canyon Hikes
Utah’s slot canyons offer unique hiking experiences through narrow passages carved by water over millions of years. These require special considerations for flash flood safety.
16. Little Wild Horse Canyon (San Rafael Swell)
Distance: 8 miles loop (with Bell Canyon)
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
This is Utah’s most accessible slot canyon adventure, perfect for those new to slot canyons. The narrow passages require occasional squeezes and scrambles but no technical gear. Combine with Bell Canyon for a beautiful loop that showcases how dramatically slot canyons can vary. The serpentine walls create stunning light and shadow effects.
Safety: Never enter slot canyons if rain is forecast. Check weather for the entire drainage area.
17. Zebra Slot Canyon (Grand Staircase-Escalante)
Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Named for its distinctive striped walls, Zebra Slot features some of the narrowest passages in southern Utah. In places, you’ll need to chimney between walls or slide through tight spots. The canyon’s curves create dramatic lighting effects as sunlight filters from above. This is a more challenging slot canyon adventure requiring some comfort with confined spaces.
Best Time: March-May and September-November to avoid extreme heat
Unique Utah Hiking Experiences
18. Subway via Left Fork (Zion National Park)
Distance: 9.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet (elevation loss)
Zion’s Subway is one of the Southwest’s most iconic slot canyons, featuring a tunnel-like passage with flowing water and sculpted rock. The bottom-up route requires wading, swimming through pools, and navigating slippery rocks but doesn’t require technical canyoneering. The top-down route involves rappelling and is for experienced canyoneers only. Both require advance permits obtained through lottery.
Requirements: Permit required (lottery system), wetsuit or dry suit in cold months, water shoes, strong swimming ability
19. Coyote Gulch (Grand Staircase-Escalante)
Distance: 13-26 miles (varies by route)
Elevation Gain: Variable
This stunning multi-day backpacking trip follows a spring-fed creek through towering sandstone walls, passing natural arches, a large natural bridge, and beautiful waterfalls. The canyon offers incredible camping spots beneath the stars. Multiple access points allow for trips of varying lengths. This is Utah desert backpacking at its finest.
Best Time: March-May and September-November for comfortable temperatures
20. Buckskin Gulch (Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness)
Distance: 21 miles one-way (with Paria Canyon)
Elevation Gain: 700 feet (mostly descent)
The longest slot canyon in the world offers an otherworldly multi-day adventure. Walls tower over 400 feet high while narrowing to as little as 10 feet wide. The route requires navigating rockfalls, wading through pools, and careful attention to weather. Combined with Paria Canyon, this creates one of the Southwest’s classic backpacking trips.
Requirements: Permit required (fee), slot canyon experience essential, detailed weather forecast, shuttle arrangement
Essential Hiking Tips for Utah
Water and Hydration
- Carry at least 1 gallon per person per day in summer
- Start hikes early in summer to avoid midday heat
- Bring electrolyte supplements for longer hikes
- Water sources are rare—never depend on finding water
Sun Protection
- Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours
- Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Consider sun-protective clothing with UPF rating
- Remember sun reflection from rock surfaces intensifies exposure
Weather Considerations
- Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common—start early
- Never enter slot canyons if rain is forecast anywhere in the drainage
- High elevation trails may have snow into June
- Desert temperatures can exceed 110°F in summer—plan accordingly
Safety and Navigation
- Download offline maps—cell service is unreliable
- Always tell someone your hiking plans
- Carry the Ten Essentials: navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire, repair kit, nutrition, hydration, emergency shelter
- Know your limits—turn back if conditions deteriorate
Leave No Trace
- Pack out all trash including toilet paper
- Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion
- Never disturb rock art or archaeological sites
- Use designated campsites in backcountry areas
Utah’s hiking trails offer lifetime memories, from easy nature walks to extreme backcountry adventures. Whether you’re watching sunrise at Delicate Arch, wading through The Narrows, or standing atop Kings Peak, the Beehive State delivers unforgettable outdoor experiences. Choose your trail, prepare properly, and discover why Utah is one of America’s premier hiking destinations.
For more Utah adventure guides, check out our articles on the Mighty 5 national parks, hidden gems, and weekend getaways on the Discover Utah blog.