15 Greatest Hikes In Utah Not To Be Missed (With Maps!)

Mountain climbing in Utah is particular, notably due to its distinctive landscapes. From dramatic red-orange rocks, hoodoos, goblins, and arches to gorgeous snow capped mountains and cascading waterfalls, all of it comes collectively to make a few of the most epic mountaineering trails I’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing.

Utah affords a few of the biggest number of landscapes discovered wherever within the nation — and even across the globe!

In reality, Nationwide Geographic just lately recognized Utah as one of many 25 “most inspiring” locations to hike in the entire world.

Now, to assist make it straightforward so that you can discover your best trek, I’ve separated the beneath listing of greatest hikes in Utah into northern Utah and southern Utah. Whereas studying, you’re certain to seek out a tremendous hike that piques your curiosity. Pun supposed!

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What Sort Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]

However first, earlier than we dive into our information to enjoyable hikes in Utah, I need to share a free character quiz I believe you’ll love:

It’s referred to as “What kind of hiker are you?” and it’ll provide help to uncover your mountaineering character.

Bonus: Your outcomes additionally share path ideas primarily based in your responses, serving to you to discover a few of the greatest mountaineering trails on the planet.

Utah Mountain climbing Trails Map [Interactive]

To assist in giving you a lay of the land so you may higher perceive the place the beneath cool hikes in Utah are situated, here’s a map with each plotted:

Greatest Hikes In Northern Utah

Okay, let’s kick off our information to the perfect hikes in Utah with some unforgettable northern Utah trails, together with:

1. Mount Timpanogos

The again of Mount Timpanogos. Picture through Ty Downs for Unsplash.

• Problem: Arduous
• Size: 14.3 miles
• Location: Utah Valley
• Trailhead: There are two major trailheads for Mount Timpanogos, however the preferred is the Aspen Grove Trailhead off of Freeway 92, on the again of Mount Timpanogos
• Path map: Click on right here for a Mount Timpanogos path map
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts close to Mount Timpanogos

Mount Timpanogos is the second tallest peak within the Wasatch Vary in northern Utah and affords a preferred — albeit lengthy and difficult — out and again hike to the summit. This is among the greatest peaks to hike in Utah, although you’ll undoubtedly need your sturdy mountaineering boots and probably trekking poles for it.

You’ll expertise quite a lot of terrains and views as you hike Timp. It’s a protracted hike, and also you’ll trek by way of forests and wildflowers, cross by just a few waterfalls, and see the scenic Emerald Lake.

After Emerald Lake, you’ll hike on an everlasting snow pack — it by no means melts, even in summer season — earlier than mountaineering rocky slopes to the end.

A extremely steep hike will get you to the saddle, the place you’ll have views over the valley earlier than persevering with your lovely hike alongside the rim till you attain the summit.

The views overlooking Utah Valley and Utah Lake are really unimaginable and assist to make this top-of-the-line hikes in Utah County.

Past the gorgeous views, it’s notable for its distinctive lightning shelter — a bit of hut on the summit in case a storm blows by way of whereas hikers are up there. Not one of the hikes or mountains within the space have something prefer it, and it’s a neat expertise to take a seat on this cabin-like construction on the prime of a really tall mountain and take within the vista.

2. Stewart Falls

Stewart Falls. Picture through Jake Nackos for Unsplash.

• Problem: Intermediate
• Size: 3.2 miles
• Location: The bottom of Mount Timpanogos close to Provo, Utah
• Trailhead: You may entry the trailhead from the identical place as Mount Timpanogos — Aspen Grove.
• Path map: Click on right here for the path map of Stewart Falls
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts in Provo

Stewart Falls is among the greatest mountaineering trails in Utah, notably when you love waterfalls.

This path is a beautiful hike on the bottom of Mount Timpanogos. You’ll hike on largely flat floor by way of a wealthy pine forest till you begin descending to the waterfall.

This descent — and the next hike again out — is pretty steep, however the remainder of the path is gentle and nice.

Stewart Falls itself is a lovely mountain waterfall, and whilst you can’t swim, you may cross the rocks within the stream and discover the completely different vantage factors across the falls.

3. Lake Blanche

Lake Blanche in Utah. Picture through Wirestock for DepositPhotos.

• Problem: Arduous
• Size: 6.8 miles
• Location: Huge Cottonwood Canyon
• Trailhead: Mill B South Trailhead Space
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map to Lake Blanche
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts close to Huge Cottonwood Canyon

Lake Blanche is among the greatest hikes in Utah close to Salt Lake Metropolis.

You’ll achieve 2,800 toes of elevation in simply 3 miles on this tough hike; nonetheless, the payoff on the finish makes all of it price it. Lake Blanche is a lovely lake nestled amongst pine bushes and mountain peaks.

You additionally get some views of Salt Lake Valley on the climb, and if you wish to proceed there may be one other set of lakes a bit of additional on.

Swimming isn’t allowed, however you may calm down and benefit from the surroundings.

4. Ensign Peak

Ensign Peak close to downtown Salt Lake Metropolis in Utah. Picture through Leonid_Andronov for DepositPhotos.

• Problem: Straightforward-moderate
• Size: 0.8 miles
• Location: Salt Lake Metropolis
• Trailhead: Ensign Peak Trailhead in Ensign Peak Memorial Park, about 10 minutes north of downtown Salt Lake Metropolis
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map of Ensign Peak
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts in Salt Lake Metropolis

This reasonably steep however quick hike takes you to an overlook with a implausible view of Salt Lake Metropolis and the Salt Lake Valley.

This can be a very talked-about spot for households, for picnics, and particularly for sunsets!

That is additionally a prime choose for dog-friendly hikes in Utah. Simply be aware that canine have to be saved on a leash always.

5. Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus. Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake Metropolis, USA, CC BY 2.0, through Wikimedia Commons.

• Problem: Very Arduous
• Size: 6.6 miles spherical journey
• Location: Salt Lake Valley
• Trailhead: 5789 Wasatch Blvd, Holladay, on the east facet of the Salt Lake valley
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map of Mount Olympus
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts in Holladay

Mount Olympus is not any joke. If you’re on the lookout for one of many hardest hikes in Utah, that is the one for you.

Whereas Timpanogos (talked about above) is a strong hike, this one will push you much more. The reward is a commanding view of the Salt Lake Valley from one of the outstanding peaks of the Wasatch Entrance.

With an elevation achieve of 4200 toes, you begin steep and keep that means, with just a few restful flat sections interspersed.

Deal with stairs, get pleasure from streams, scramble throughout slender ridges, and absorb wonderful views on this basic Utah hike.

6. Donut Falls

Donut Falls. Leijurv, CC BY-SA 4.0, through Wikimedia Commons.

• Problem: Straightforward
• Size: 3.3 miles spherical journey
• Location: Huge Cottonwood Canyon
• Trailhead: The trailhead begins about 9 miles up Huge Cottonwood Canyon
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map of Donut Falls
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts in Huge Cottonwood Canyon

Donut Falls is among the greatest waterfall hikes in Utah, as the straightforward path takes you on a really scenic path by way of the forest to a singular waterfall.

These falls truly undergo a gap within the rock that resembles a donut, and you’ll admire the falls from outdoors or contained in the rocky space.

Greatest Hikes In Southern Utah

Whereas there are nice hikes in northern Utah, southern Utah has a few of the greatest mountaineering spots and most lovely hikes in Utah. Listed here are a few of my favorites:

7. Fiery Furnace

The tall fins and canyons of the Fiery Furnace make it a singular hike. Picture through Stephanie Rytting.

• Problem: Intermediate
• Size: 2-4 miles
• Location: In Arches Nationwide Park
• Trailhead: The trailhead is situated 14 miles into Arches Nationwide Park, and is simply off of the principle Arches Nationwide Park Highway
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map of Fiery Furnace
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts close to Arches Nationwide Park

To hike the Fiery Furnace, you’ll have to acquire a allow forward of time from recreation.gov.

Word that allows open at 8am one week upfront and are very restricted. In reality, they’re usually gone inside lower than a minute of changing into obtainable, so plan forward for this common Utah day hike.

When you’re capable of seize a allow, although, this is among the greatest Utah hikes you’ll ever do.

Fiery Furnace is a “backcountry” space of Arches stuffed with lengthy rows of alternating fins and canyons.

The wonderful rock formations create a maze-like space, with sheer partitions, slender passageways, cool rock options, just a few arches, and loads of alternatives to scramble over rocks.

Though there’s a normal pathway by way of the Fiery Furnace, there’s no precise path, and also you’re inspired to go “off path” and discover all of the little nooks, crannies, and facet shoots within the Furnace.

Between the restricted variety of folks, the distinctive and epic panorama, and the possibility to only wander and discover, this can be a hike in Arches Nationwide Park you gained’t ever overlook.

8. The Narrows

Mountain climbing the narrows means mountaineering by way of the stream within the canyon. Picture through Stephanie Rytting.

• Problem: Arduous
• Size: Anyplace from 2 miles to 10 miles
• Location: In Zion Nationwide Park
• Trailhead: The trailhead for the Narrows begins on the Temple of Sinawava. The primary mile is a paved path (The Riverside Stroll) subsequent to the river, earlier than you attain the river itself. Through the spring, summer season, and fall, you could take the shuttle bus to the trailhead. In winter, you may drive your self and park on the trailhead.
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map of The Narrows
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts close to Zion Nationwide Park

The Narrows is a singular hike in Utah in that you’re mountaineering in a slot canyon — in a river! The towering canyon partitions stretch 1500 toes above you as you hike, with the canyon narrowing the farther up you get.

The narrowest a part of the river hike is the Wall Avenue part, the place the canyon is simply 22 toes huge. Whereas that’s huge for a Utah “slot canyon,” it nonetheless feels very slender.

The top level for the Narrows Path is at Huge Springs, which might be a 10-mile spherical journey hike; nonetheless, only a few folks go that far. Really, many individuals flip round when they’re drained, and lots simply go to Wall Avenue (6 miles spherical journey) and finish there.

When you don’t achieve a ton of elevation on this path, mountaineering upstream in opposition to the present on a rocky riverbed does require a whole lot of effort. The water peak varies fairly a bit, and will be wherever from ankle deep to waist deep — and much more in some sections previous Wall Avenue!

9. Angel’s Touchdown Path

The thin backbone of Angel’s Touchdown that you just climb up. Picture through Stephanie Rytting.

• Problem: Arduous
• Size: 4.4 miles
• Location: Zion Nationwide Park
• Trailhead: The Angel’s Touchdown Trailhead is 5 miles from the doorway to the park. Through the spring, summer season, and fall, you could take the shuttle bus to the trailhead. In winter, you may drive your self and park on the trailhead. To hike the Angel’s Touchdown Path, you could have a allow, which you’ll be able to apply for early within the Seasonal Lottery, or within the Day Earlier than Lottery.
• Path map: Click on right here for a map of Angel’s Touchdown
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts close to Zion Nationwide Park

Angel’s Touchdown is among the greatest locations to hike in Utah, particularly when you love really surprising trails.

The primary a part of the path is fairly regular and simple; you’re mountaineering up a mountain through switchbacks with lovely views.

Nonetheless, it’s within the final half of the path — from Scout Lookout to the summit — the place issues get actually epic. Right here, you’ll hike alongside an excellent slender and thin piece of land connecting two mountains, and holding onto chains so that you just don’t slip or fall off.

Positively cling on tight and watch your step, as folks have fallen earlier than and misplaced their lives. When you have a worry of heights this part of the hike will not be for you.

When you attain the summit, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views over the complete valley.

Whereas the spectacular views from the summit are a spotlight, it’s the ultimate a part of the hike up that makes Angel’s Touchdown such a bucket listing expertise. When you’re on the lookout for the best hike in Utah, Angel’s Touchdown is your path!

10. Navajo Loop and Queen’s Backyard Path

Tall hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. Picture through Stephanie Rytting.

• Problem: Intermediate
• Size: 3.1 miles/ 5 km
• Location: Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park
• Trailhead: You may both begin at Dawn Level with the Queen’s Backyard Path or at Sundown Level with the Navajo Loop. You’ll finish on the different location. You may drive to the trailhead or take the free shuttle.
• Path map: Click on right here for a map to this scenic path
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts close to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park

Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is legendary for the dramatic hoodoos that fill the park. These hoodoos are tall, skinny, knobby spires of rock, and are largely orange.

This Utah path takes you down into the Bryce Amphitheater — the principle space of Bryce Canyon the place there’s a very giant focus of hoodoos. Right here you’ll weave out and in of the hoodoos as you descend into the canyon after which climb again out.

Essentially the most Instagram-famous part of this wonderful hike is named “Wall Avenue” and is at the start of the Navajo Loop Path. This part options tight, quick switchbacks lined by a tall wall of hoodoos.

This hike takes you thru a few of the most otherworldly landscapes you’ll ever expertise, and is among the prettiest hikes in Utah!

11. Kanarra Falls

• Problem: Intermediate
• Size: 3.7 miles
• Location: Kanarraville
• Trailhead: On the Kanarra Creek Trailhead Parking Lot. This hike prices $12 per individual to do and you could reserve your time on-line forward of time. There are a restricted variety of reservations day by day, and so they promote out days to weeks forward of time in the summertime, so plan forward.
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map of Kanarra Falls
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts in Kanarraville

If you’d like a lesser recognized and fewer intense model of the Narrows hike, Kanarra is a superb choice.

On this hike, you’ll alternate between mountaineering on dry floor and mountaineering by way of the creek, with sections of the path being in a slender slot canyon with undulating red-orange partitions.

Your finish goal is the waterfall, with a picturesque ladder in opposition to the facet the place you may climb to the highest! This is among the greatest slot canyon hikes in Utah.

12. Peekaboo and Spooky Canyon

The very tight path of Peekaboo slot canyon. Picture through Stephanie Rytting.

• Problem: Intermediate-difficult
• Size: 5 miles
• Location: Escalante, Utah
• Trailhead: Decrease Dry Fork Trailhead is the place you’ll park and begin the path. To get right here, you’ll drive about 28 miles on Gap within the Rock Highway, an unpaved and really bumpy and washboard-y street. There are frequent potholes and bumpy areas, which implies you’ll have to drive slowly. We did this one advantageous in a “common” automobile; simply drive rigorously.
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map of Peekaboo and Spooky Gulch canyons
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts in Escalante

Peekaboo and Spooky Gulch Canyons is a extremely enjoyable and adventurous hike by way of two of the perfect slot canyons in Utah.

Whereas they’re two separate canyons, they’re proper subsequent to one another and it’s straightforward to mix each right into a single hike.

This scenic path truly begins with a 1.5-mile one-way hike from the trailhead to the beginning of the canyons, with the slot canyons themselves being roughly 0.5 to 1 mile lengthy.

These slot canyons are extremely slender and so they weave their means by way of the crevice within the rock.

At some factors, you’ll really need to show sideways to suit by way of; I needed to take off my backpack and maintain it behind me for this.

There’s a set of metallic poles on the trailhead indicating how slender it will get. Don’t ignore these — as a result of when you can’t match by way of, you’re going to get caught within the canyons!

13. Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch. Picture through Stephanie Rytting.

• Problem: Intermediate
• Size: 3.2 miles
• Location: Arches Nationwide Park
• Trailhead: The trailhead begins from the Delicate Arch Parking Lot, 12 miles from the Arches Nationwide Park Customer Middle
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map of Delicate Arch
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts close to Arches Nationwide Park

Delicate Arch is probably the most well-known arch on the planet and undoubtedly deserves its spot on this listing of greatest hikes in Utah.

The path begins on a dust path, however then switches to mountaineering on clean rock the remainder of the way in which. You don’t see the arch till you’re actually on the summit, after which there may be it, standing tall and independently in entrance of you.

This is among the extra common hikes so there are many different folks, however you may unfold out alongside the bowl in entrance of the arch and get some area to your self.

This is among the prime hikes in Utah and top-of-the-line hikes in Utah Nationwide Parks.

14. Mesa Arch

One of many a number of arches outdoors of Arches Nationwide Park. Picture through Stephanie Rytting.

• Problem: Straightforward
• Size: 0.7 miles
• Location: Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Island within the Sky part
• Trailhead: The trailhead is on the Mesa Arch Trailhead, a ten minute drive from the Island within the Sky Customer’s Middle
• Path map: Click on right here for a path map to Mesa Arch
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts close to Canyonlands Nationwide Park

This straightforward but spectacular hike delivers top-of-the-line views within the Island of the Sky part of Canyonlands Nationwide Park.

After a comparatively degree, quick hike, you’ll attain Mesa Arch — a large and comparatively flat arch.

What’s extraordinarily cool about this arch is that it sits proper on the sting of the mesa, so that you get a tremendous view by way of the arch as you look out over the river, buttes, and canyon beneath.

Dawn is an very talked-about time to go to Mesa Arch, because the rising solar will get framed fantastically by way of the low arch.

Mesa Arch is among the greatest straightforward hikes in Utah!

15. Goblin Valley

The “goblin” stone constructions of Goblin Valley. Picture through Stephanie Rytting.

• Problem: Straightforward
• Size: As lengthy or as quick as you need it to be
• Location: Goblin Valley State Park
• Trailhead: The trailhead is at Goblin Overlook, which is on the finish of Goblin Valley Highway
• Path map: N/A – no set path in the principle a part of Goblin Valley
• Lodging: Click on right here for resorts close to Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley is a enjoyable state park in Utah providing some wonderful sights. Whereas there are a few devoted trails alongside or outdoors the rim, the perfect hike actually entails simply wandering across the valley and exploring all of the goblins.

The goblins are quick, squat rock formations and the valley is stuffed with them! Generally they’re squished collectively or on a mound of dust and you’ll climb up, in, and round them.

There’s no path so that you simply get to stroll by way of and discover. That is an exceptionally enjoyable space for teenagers to play and discover — however is actually cool for adults too!

Be certain to pack sufficient water, even when you’re doing a better hike. Picture through Julia Sakelli for Pexels.

Essential Ideas For Having fun with The Greatest Hikes In Utah

1. Begin your Utah mountaineering early in heat climate. In the summertime, begin early to keep away from the worst warmth. The climate is definitely fairly good between 6am-10am, making this a good time to get pleasure from the perfect Utah hikes talked about above.

2. Carry sufficient water. In response to REI, the final rule is about one half-liter of water per hour of reasonable exercise in reasonable temperatures; however when you’re choosing a strenuous Utah mountaineering path or are trekking in scorching climate, convey extra!

3. Correctly put together for colder temperatures. In winter, Utah can get snowy and slick, so when you’re mountaineering within the colder months, contemplate crampons to keep away from slipping on ice, snow or snow.

4. Put together for no cell service. I’d extremely advocate downloading offline Google Maps so you may seek the advice of a map and get driving instructions once you’re out of service areas. Word that many of the above-mentioned Utah hikes will take you out of cell service.

Alternatively, you may set up the AllTrails App in your cellphone. Whereas the paid model comes with offline maps, when you discover and start your hike by hitting “Navigate” when you could have service it usually nonetheless works offline with the free model.

5. Mountain climbing solo? Think about a packing a Private locator beacon (PLB) or satellite tv for pc messenger. Like the favored Garmin inReach Mini. Having one among these is essential when you’ll be solo mountaineering or trekking in a distant space, as each of those instruments can assist you ship SOS messages when in peril. Simply ensure to examine the protection map for the gadget(s) you’re contemplating to ensure your particular path is roofed. You may examine this information for added assist with selecting a PLB or satellite tv for pc messenger.

6. Lower your expenses on a number of Utah nationwide parks. You’ll discover many hikes inside Utah nationwide parks. In reality, Utah is dwelling to 5 of them:

• Zion Nationwide Park
• Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park
• Arches Nationwide Park
• Canyonlands Nationwide Park
• Capitol Reef Nationwide Park

If visiting a number of of those parks, contemplate buying an America The Stunning Cross, which supplies you limitless nationwide park entry throughout the nation for a 12 months for one flat price!

Together with mountaineering, you may take a scenic drive in Zion Nationwide Park. Picture through Pixabay for Pexels.

Renting A Automotive For Your Utah Mountain climbing Journey

The easiest way to get round Utah is with a automobile. This can mean you can attain the entire trailheads simply and by yourself time.

Have to hire a automobile on your Utah mountaineering journey? Try Uncover Automobiles to rapidly evaluate your rental choices.

Their comparability device does the homework for you, so there’s no have to have up 10+ tabs attempting to determine which firm is probably the most inexpensive. Really, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their device!

Sundown in Arches Nationwide Park. Picture through Ray Bilcliff for Pexels.

Packing Necessities For Mountain climbing In Utah

I all the time convey a great backpack and water bottle (like my favourite Hydro Flask), or a camel pack when mountaineering.

Be sure you convey a hat and sunscreen. The excessive altitude in Utah can rapidly trigger sunburns.

Lots of the rocks that you just’ll be mountaineering on in Utah — particularly in southern Utah — are grippy sandstone, however I’d nonetheless extremely advocate good trekking sneakers or mountaineering boots with tread when hitting the paths. In northern Utah, you’re extra more likely to run into looser shale.

When it comes to what to put on when mountaineering, it’s good to put on moisture-wicking clothes as your base layer to assist preserve your self dry and temperate so you may comfortably get pleasure from these most spectacular trails.

In fact, examine the climate forecast to see when you’ll additionally want a rain jacket, dry bag, and many others.

Ultimate Ideas On The Greatest Mountain climbing In Utah

Utah’s desert panorama, mountains, and distinctive geological historical past make for a few of the greatest mountaineering in the complete nation — if not the world!

Really, the hikes in Utah are a few of my favourite I’ve ever executed. When you’re planning on hitting these prime hikes and trails in Utah, you might be in for a good time.

When visiting Utah — or wherever else on the planet — it’s clever to get journey insurance coverage.

One of many greatest journey medical insurance coverage for vacationers is SafetyWing as they’ve received a big community and provide each short-term and long-term protection — together with protection when you’re touring for months in addition to restricted protection in your house nation.

Moreover, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and affords $250,000 price of protection with only one low general deductible of $250.