Top 15 Hikes in Utah

Utah is a stunning beautiful state. Between the canyons swirled in orange, buttes, and hoodoos it’s a nature lovers paradise. Many visit for the hikes in Utah. Home to 5 National Parks including Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonland, and Capitol Reef. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the Beehive State, and whether you are a beginner or a pro there is a hike on this list for you. These top 15 best hikes in Utah are a great place to start your hiking adventure in Utah.

There is always talk in my home about travel. Utah was on the bucket list and February 2021 was my first time there. Well, kinda I guess. Years ago a local radio station ran a trip giveaway. I won and it was for a trip to Wendover, Nevada. Wendover is right on the border of Utah. In fact, the hotel we stayed in was half in Utah and half in Nevada. Crazy right!

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Top 15 Hikes in Utah

It’s important to remember that all of these National Parks have entrance fees on top of permit fees for some of these hikes.

1. Angels Landing – Zion National Park

Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,630 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous

This world famous trail offers spectacular views and is on most hikers’ bucket lists. Some areas of the trail have chains to help you get to those beautiful viewpoints. However, because of the popularity of this trail NPS has decided to implement a permit lottery starting in April 2022. You will need a permit to hike Angels Landing and you can find out more about that here.

2. Delicate Arch – Arches National Park

Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 141 ft
Difficulty: Easy

If you’ve been looking into hiking in Utah, you’ve seen pictures of Delicate Arch. It’s actually the symbol of Utah and it’s even featured on the state’s license plate. This scenic trail gives you panoramic views of Arches National Park. Try this hike at sunset to see even more beauty but don’t forget a headlamp for your hike back.

3. Fairyland Loop – Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,541 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous

This loop trail takes you through Bryce Canyon’s northern region. You’ll hike past spiraling hoodoos and walk all the way around the rim of the canyon. That is until you wander down into the canyon itself, and what more could you want from a hike in this beautiful National Park? Fairyland has a lot less foot traffic than other Bryce Canyon hikes. If you are looking for a challenging hike then this one’s for you.

4. The Narrows – Zion National Park

Distance: 8.9 miles
Elevation Gain: Up To 1,000 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous

The Narrows is another famous hike in Zion National Park. A permit is required if you are going to the top of this slot canyon hike. However, if you are starting at the Bottom Up portion then you don’t need a permit. On this hike you will navigate through a tight canyon while trekking through waters in the desert, and that’s pretty amazing. This is an extremely popular hike so be prepared for crowds.

5. Navajo Loop Trail & Queens Garden Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 629 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

Bryce Canyon National Park is home to some truly beautiful hikes, and these 2 trails are no exception. Known as one of the best and most popular hikes in Bryce Canyon, the trail descends into one of the most scenic lookouts in the entire park, Sunrise Point. If you continue you will be delighted by the sight of one of the park’s main highlights, Bryce Canyon Amphitheater.

Sadly while visiting Bryce Canyon we didn’t do much for hiking. It was very very cold and windy. However, the overlooks we were at gave us great views of this amazing National Park.

6. Deadhorse Point Rim Trail – Deadhorse Point State Park

Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 908 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

Deadhorse Point State Park is vastly underrated and that’s great news for you as a hiker! This state park is just south of Moab and features breathtaking views of the famous Colorado River Canyon. This trail follows the canyon’s rim and gives you some amazing views of the red rock canyon and the meandering Color River.

7. Corona & Bowtie Arch Trail – Moab

Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 482 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

Just outside of Arches National Park you’ll find the Corona & Bowtie arches. The Corona Arch tops the list for can’t miss hikes while visiting Moab, Utah. The trail does a bit of a scramble to get up to Corona Arch. There are also some safety cables on parts of the trail, and this hike is also dog friendly. This is another beautiful place to hike at sunset.

While there we stayed at an RV park right below Corona Arches. One day we took the dogs and did some hiking and it was incredible. Most National Parks don’t allow dogs, so it was nice to bring them with.

Activities – Hikes in Utah

There is a lot of great hiking you can do in Utah. However, there is also a lot of fun activities that are hiking based. Check out some at Get Your Guide.

 

 

8. Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail – Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Distance: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 866 ft
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

This hike is relatively easy, flat, and dog friendly. It’s perfect for beginner hikers and bonus: you get to see a beautiful waterfall. You will hike through the stunning scenery of Grand Staircase Escalante and arrive at a magnificent waterfall. What makes this hike even more unique is the lush green vegetation that grows along Lower Calf Creek. You can also find prehistoric rocks along the hike that date back to 1200 A.D.

9. Zion Narrows Riverside Walk – Zion National Park

Distance: 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 193 ft
Difficulty: Easy

Great for beginner hikers, Zion Narrow Riverside Walk is an easy, paved trail. For those who aren’t feeling up to hiking the full Narrows Trail this is perfect for you. The hike is unrivaled in both ease and beauty and perfect for every hiker.

10. Mesa Arch Trail – Canyonland National Park

Distance: .7 miles
Elevation Gain: 88 ft
Difficulty: Easy

One of the most famous and photographed places in Canyonland is Mesa Arch. This trail is an easy hike that features the unique half-mile path that leads to level ground as you approach the arch. If you arrive at sunrise you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the flowing arches.

11. Hickman Bridge Trail – Capitol Reef National Park

Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

One of the best short hikes in Capitol Reef is the Hickman Bridge Trail. As you walk past the Fremont River you’ll come upon a beautiful viewpoint over Highway 24. The hike culminates at Hickman Bridge, a large natural arch. This trail also features pit houses that belonged to the Fremont People from 300-1400 C.E.

12. The Wave – Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness

Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

The mesmerizing wave of colorful red sandstone crosses the Utah/Arizona border. This is a very popular hike that requires a permit, one of the most competitive hike permits in the United States. There are 64 daily permits and 16 of those are walk-ins While the odds may not be in your favor, if you are lucky enough to win a permit you will get to hike this beautiful place in complete solitude.

13. Coyote Gulch – Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Distance: 13-22 miles
Elevation Gain: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate

This gorgeous slot canyon in Utah’s red rock country can be completed in 1 to 3 days. Overnight backpacking does require a permit, and you can find more information here. This hike will lead you past waterfalls, arches, Native American ruins, and petroglyphs. Take in the Navajo sandstone that glows in shades of orange in the morning light.

14. Frary Peak – Antelope Island

Distance: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,335 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous

Just outside of Salt Lake City you’ll find Antelope Island, and the hike to Frary Peak will take you to the highest point on the island. You’ll experience amazing views of the Great Salt Lakes and you may even catch a glimpse of the bison who call the island home.

15. Devils Garden Trail – Arches National Park

Distance: 7.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,350 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

The Devils Garden Trail has all the ingredients to be one of the best trails in Arches National Park. If you hike the entire loop trail you will get to see a staggering 8 arches in total. What makes this trail unique is that you can choose which arches you want to hike. Take an easy 1.6 mile hike to Landscape Arch or challenge yourself at Double O Arch where the trail gets more intense.

Final Thoughts on Hikes in Utah

Utah is truly a beautiful state that has so much to experience for nature lovers. Exploring here means taking in all of the stunning scenery that the Beehive State has to offer. These 15 best hikes in Utah will get you started on your Utah adventure.

Check out this quick video of Bryce Canyon I made. You can hear how windy it is.