Best Hikes In Utah: 25 Unmissable Hiking Trails (+Map)

Utah is home to some of the most iconic, adventurous and unique hiking trails in the US. We have personally hiked most of the bucket list trails in southern Utah including all 5 national parks and in this guide we are going to show you our version of the 25 best hikes in Utah.

Are hiking trails in Utah really as great as everyone makes out?

Yes! You do not need to worry about hikes in Utah being overhyped. The Beehive State is overflowing with outdoor adventure activities and landscapes perfectly chiseled for hiking. Utah is one of our favorite places to hike in the US and we can’t wait to show you why!

Here’s what we will cover in this guide:

• What are the best hikes in Utah?
• What can you expect from hiking in Utah?
• Permits, passes and fees required
• Map of the best hikes in Utah
• 25 amazing Utah hiking trails

Let’s begin creating your Utah hiking wishlist!

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Our Utah Hiking Experience

We have been lucky enough to road trip through Utah on two separate occasions in the months of October and December.

Both times we were in Utah, our only goals were to hike as many trails and photograph as many unique landscapes as possible.

Up to now, we have hiked most of the top level bucket list trails in southern Utah including The Wave, Buckskin Gulch, Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, The Narrows, Angels Landing and The Subway.

However, there are so many amazing hikes scattered around the rest of Utah. We haven’t hiked any of the top trails around Salt Lake City, but they are next on our list and they will appear in this guide.

We are going to show you the best hikes in Utah based on our own experiences, as well as trail ratings according to thousands of other hikers collected from various popular online platforms. This means you can rest assured our list is unbiased.

What Are The Best Hikes In Utah Ranked?

Here’s the thing; The term best can be interpreted in several ways and it has a different meaning for everyone.

Does best simply mean the highest rated? The most iconic? What about difficulty and location?

We strive for inclusivity when we show you our version of the best hikes in Utah. Our list is based on the highest ratings and our own experiences but crucially we include every difficulty category so that every level of hiker can find the best trails in Utah.

Are you curious about the best hikes in Utah ranked purely on ratings?

Here are the top 5 Utah hikes according to thousands of reviews by hikers from several popular online sources (correct as of July 2023):

All Trails

• 1. Angels Landing (4.9 / 5)
• 2. Navajo Loop and Queens Garden (4.9 / 5)
• 3. Delicate Arch (4.8 / 5)
• 4. Devils Garden (4.8 / 5)
• 5. Zion Canyon Overlook (4.8 / 5)

Google

• 1. Angels Landing (4.9 / 5)
• 2. The Narrows (4.9 / 5)
• 3. Zion Canyon Overlook (4.9 / 5)
• 4. Devils Garden (4.9 / 5)
• 5. Delicate Arch (4.9 / 5)

Tripadvisor

• 1. Navajo Loop and Queens Garden (5 / 5)
• 2. The Narrows (5 / 5)
• 3. Zion Canyon Overlook (5 / 5)
• 4. Angels Landing (5 / 5)
• 5. Buckskin Gulch (5 / 5)

You should always take ratings at face value because they are incredibly subjective and change frequently. However, you can see patterns emerge and certain trails appear consistently.

In this instance, all of the trails listed above are included in our guide because they are superb hikes.

Our Top 5 Hikes In Utah

What about our opinion? Well, we don’t have any ratings but we do have experiences.

Here is our personal list of the top 5 hiking trails in Utah that we would recommend to friends and family based on trails we have hiked so far:

• 1. The Narrows
• 2. The Wave
• 3. Angels Landing
• 4. Devils Garden
• 5. Buckskin Gulch

Choosing a top 5 from so many amazing Utah hikes is really tough! We had to switch around our list a few times until we were happy with it.

Before you head straight down to our comments section at the end, we know The Wave is technically in Arizona but the hike does begin and end in Utah.

The Wave is a wonderful hike with an extraordinary climax but we still think The Narrows is our favorite hike in Utah. We hiked The Narrows bottom up all the way to Big Springs and it is just so unique, challenging and fun.

What Can You Expect From The Top Hikes In Utah?

Utah is a remarkably diverse part of the United States known for outdoor adventure. Many of the best things to do in Utah are centered around hiking, but what exactly can you expect if you visit?

In the south of Utah you will find desert, sandstone, canyons, arches, hoodoos and sand dunes. Conversely, in the north you will find mountains, snow, valleys and forest.

This varied topography will suit every type of hiker.

If you prefer mountain peaks and forest trails, head for Salt Lake City. But if you want to hike into deep canyons or through slot canyons, head for the south.

Hikes in Utah are generally challenging, picturesque, rugged, fun and filled with intriguing or dramatic climaxes.

Utah Hiking Hotspots

Where are the best places to base yourself in order to take on the best hikes in Utah?

There are several pockets around the state of Utah with clusters of incredible hiking trails. You can tick off most of the top rated Utah hikes by staying in just the following 4 places:

• 1. Springdale
• 2. Kanab
• 3. Moab
• 4. Salt Lake City

Now, you won’t be able to tick off every hike in this list from those four places, but you would put a huge dent in it!

We have included Zion, Kanab, Moab and Salt Lake City in our popular guide to the best vacation spots in the US.

In an ideal world you will be able to hike all of the best Utah trails in one long (and awesome!) road trip.

However, the likelihood is that you will first visit southern Utah and have to come back again to hike the trails around Salt Lake City, just like us.

Apps To Use When Hiking In Utah

We always use hiking apps to plan and track our routes when we hike in a new place.

In Utah especially where the landscapes are harsh and hostile, we absolutely would not begin a trail without tracking our GPS location on an offline map.

We highly recommend using one of the best hiking apps for The Subway, The Wave, Devils Garden and then every other hike outside of a national park in Utah.

If you plan to go into the backcountry in a place like Grand-Staircase Escalante, you really must use offline maps so you don’t get lost.

Here are the two apps we use most:

• 1. AllTrails
• 2. Gaia GPS

We use AllTrails simply to look at recent comments from other hikers to keep on top of any last minute conditions or warnings.

Then we use our Gaia GPS Premium account to plot our route and keep track of our live location, as well as our hiking statistics throughout the hike.

If you plan to hike in remote places in Utah, Gaia GPS will be your best choice. Use our exclusive Gaia GPS 20% discount to get instant access to this awesome hiking navigation app today.

Hiking Permits

Let’s move on to what is the most frustrating but necessary part of planning your Utah hiking itinerary, acquiring permits.

Due to extraordinarily high demand and a strong desire to care for the natural environment so that the future generations can enjoy the same beautiful places, you must obtain hiking permits for specific trails in Utah.

We completely understand the annoyance of having to apply for permits. After 4 consecutive years of trying we still have not won a permit to hike Half Dome in Yosemite!

Which Utah Hikes Require Permits?

There are four major hikes in Utah that require a permit. Unsurprisingly, three are for hikes in Zion, which is one of the best US national parks and receives a huge amount of tourism.

They each have different rules so we will break each hike down so you can get started with applying today:

• 1. The Wave
• 2. The Subway
• 3. Angels Landing
• 4. The Narrows

Note: Technically you do also need this permit to hike Buckskin Gulch and this permit to hike Kanarra Falls. However, these permit can be bought instantly so you do not have to win them like the others.

1. The Wave

The Wave is the hardest permit to win in the entire United States. You can apply in advance or for two days ahead. Chances of winning are low, so you might want to consider planning your Utah hiking itinerary around eventually winning this permit.

We were lucky enough to win a daily lottery permit as one of the very last days when it was held in person in Kanab (it is all online now).

• Here is our guide to winning a lottery permit for The Wave.
• Apply for your permit at Recreation.gov.

2. The Subway

The Subway in Zion can be hiked top-down or bottom-up. Both are amazing and both require a permit that you must win.

You can apply in advance or for the next day and you stand a better chance in the off season. We were able to pick up a next day walk in permit during our visit to Zion in December.

• Apply for your permit at the NPS.

3. The Narrows

The Narrows in Zion can also be hiked top-down or bottom-up. This is important – only the top-down version requires a permit. You can hike The Narrows bottom up without a permit.

We hiked The Narrows bottom up and it was a fantastic experience but we would consider applying for the top down version next time we are in Zion.

• Apply for your permit at the NPS.

4. Angels Landing

Angels Landing now requires a permit. It is important to know that you will not be able to hike Angels Landing if you do not buy a permit in advance.

The difference here is that permits are much easier to win. You have to select whether you want to hike either before 9.00am, between 9.00am to 12.00pm and after 12.00pm.

• Apply for your permit at the NPS.

Fees And Passes

Outside of paying fees to apply for hiking permits, you will have to pay entry to any national parks and any state parks you wish to hike within Utah.

Here are national park entrance fees per vehicle:

• Zion – $35.00
• Bryce Canyon – $35.00
• Arches – $30.00
• Canyonlands – $30.00
• Capitol Reef – $20.00

If you plan to visit multiple parks in Utah or anywhere else in the US, you should buy a National Parks Pass for $80 which lasts for one full year.

We buy a new annual pass every year and you can read our America the Beautiful Pass guide for more information.

Map Of The Best Hikes In Utah

Click or touch our map of the best hikes in Utah below to activate. Zoom in and out, move around and get to know where each hike is located within Utah.

Map key:

• Orange – Easy hikes in Utah
• Blue – Moderately difficult hikes in Utah
• Purple – Hard hikes in Utah

You can see how the hikes are clustered in small pockets around Utah as we mentioned earlier in the guide.

Southern Utah is the most popular place to hike because it is so unique. But there are plenty of challenging trails to the south and east of Salt Lake City to consider.

Consider including hikes in the north or south of Utah as part of wider USA road trip routes.

How We Are Ordering Our List Of Best Hikes In Utah

Instead of listing in alphabetical order or geographically, we have decided to order the best Utah hikes in order of difficulty.

You will find the best easy hikes in Utah, followed by moderately challenging and then finally the hardest hikes in Utah. Within each difficulty category we will list in alphabetical order to keep things easy.

Look out for the ratings by hikers like you and us on both All Trails and Google (correct at time of writing).

Best Easy Hikes In Utah

Let’s kick things off with the top rated hiking trails rated as easy.

You will find short hikes without much elevation gain that are perfect for beginner hikers. But that does not mean they are not worth it for experienced hikers.

On the contrary, each hike listed below is highly rated for a reason!

1. Canyon Overlook

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Zion
• Trail Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 160 ft

Canyon Overlook is an immensely popular trail in Zion and it is one of our favorite hikes in Utah. The hike easy, short, family friendly and leads to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Pine Creek Canyon.

Parking can be a real problem for this hike, so we suggest hiking Canyon Overlook early or late in the day. We have hiked Canyon Overlook for sunset twice and we can’t recommend it highly enough.

Want to hike Canyon Overlook? Here is our complete guide to hiking Zion Canyon Overlook, which includes our sunset photos.

2. Grand View Point

• All Trails: 4.7 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Canyonlands
• Trail Difficulty: Very easy
• Trail Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 70 ft

Grand View Point is one of the easiest and most scenic hiking trails in the Islands in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Non-stop unobstructed views over dramatic canyons are amazing.

When we hiked Grand View Point we commented that it looked like Monument Valley had been picked up and dropped inside a deep rugged canyon. This is one hike you can’t miss in Moab, Utah.

Short on time in Moab? Our popular guide on how to see the best of Arches and Canyonlands in one day will get your itinerary on point.

3. Hickman Bridge

• All Trails: 4.7 / 5
• Google: 4.8 / 5

• Location: Capitol Reef
• Trail Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 400 ft

Hickman Bridge is the most popular hike in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. The fun trail is perfect for kids, with plenty of cool eroded formations and a huge arch-bridge climax.

We were surprised by how much we enjoyed hiking Hickman Bridge. If you are visiting Capitol Reef on your Utah road trip, do not miss this picturesque and quiet hiking trail.

Want to visit Capitol Reef? Here are the 22 best things to do in Capitol Reef to get you started with planning!

4. Mesa Arch

• All Trails: 4.7 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Canyonlands
• Trail Difficulty: Very easy
• Trail Distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 50 ft

Mesa Arch is the most popular hike in Canyonlands. The trail itself is incredibly short and easy, but what makes this hike so famous is the unique arch climax with far reaching views over canyons and mountains.

We hiked to Mesa Arch for sunrise to photograph the iconic sunrise through the arch and we have to say it was extraordinary. The issue is, we don’t think this hike would be as good any other time of day.

Want to hike Mesa Arch? Here is everything you need to know about hiking Mesa Arch at sunrise.

5. Toadstool Hoodoos

• All Trails: 4.5 / 5
• Google: 4.7 / 5

• Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante
• Trail Difficulty: Very easy
• Trail Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 140 ft

Toadstool Hoodoos is one of the most interesting easy hikes in Utah. On the drive between Kanab and Page, you should make time to hike the easy trail leading to unique mushroom shaped rock formations.

We hiked Toadstool Hoodoos after hiking The Wave earlier in the day and it made for a fantastic easy going late afternoon stroll. The awesome photo opportunities here were completely unexpected.

Want to hike Toadstool Hoodoos? Here’s our complete guide to hiking Toadstool Hoodoos Trail, which we are sure you will enjoy.

6. White Pocket

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.8 / 5

• Location: Vermilion Cliffs
• Trail Difficulty: Very easy
• Trail Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Open
• Elevation Gain: 150 ft

White Pocket is one of the most unique and off the beaten path hikes to take on when visiting Kanab, Utah. Technically, White Pocket is just over the border into Arizona but it is accessed from Utah.

We haven’t had chance to hike White Pocket yet because we hiked The Wave instead. White Pocket is a classic backup option to The Wave if you can’t get a permit and it is almost as striking in appearance.

Want to visit Kanab? Don’t miss our guide listing the 25 best things to do in Kanab, one of our favorite places in Utah.

Best Moderately Difficult Hikes In Utah

Next we are going to cover the best Utah hikes rated as moderately difficult.

The following trails are either relatively long, steep or technical. Most hikers will be fine on any of the moderately challenging trails but a degree of extra care should be taken.

7. Bell Canyon Trail

• All Trails: 4.7 / 5
• Google: 4.7 / 5

• Location: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft

Bell Canyon Trail is a hugely popular Utah hike starting near Granite in southwest Salt Lake City. The trail ultimately leads to Bell Canyon Waterfall before turning back to the trailhead.

The trail is steep at the end, it is rocky, parking is a challenge and the bugs can be bad at times. However, Bell Canyon has gorgeous wildflowers, a picturesque waterfall and easy access from SLC.

8. Cassidy Arch

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.8 / 5

• Location: Capitol Reef
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 650 ft

Cassidy Arch is a firm favorite Utah hike for those who have more time and like to get off the beaten path. The trail is accessed via Scenic Drive and has a steep beginning before leveling out.

After following cairns, you will arrive at a picture perfect arch climax which would be amazing at sunrise if you are staying at a hotel near Capitol Reef. Cassidy Arch is a hike we will most certainly complete the next time we are in Utah.

9. Delicate Arch

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Arches
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 480 ft

Delicate Arch is the quintessential trail in Arches National Park and one of the best hikes in Utah. The trail itself is fun, interesting and has elements of adventure, but the climax is what makes this hike so unique.

We have to say the sunset and milky way display we watched at Delicate Arch was one of our personal favorite Utah experiences to date. Delicate Arch will feature heavily in our next Utah road trip!

Want to hike Delicate Arch? Read our complete guide to hiking Delicate Arch Trail for a magnificent sunset.

10. Donut Falls

• All Trails: 4.6 / 5
• Google: 4.7 / 5

• Location: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 550 ft

Donut Falls is another incredibly popular hike near Salt Lake City with thousands of reviews on All Trails. The drive up from SLC is picturesque but the hike to unique Donut waterfall is even better.

After a steep final climb, you can look up from a cave through a circular hole from which water is pouring. This is a fantastic hike to take the older kids on, but snow is common even in early June.

11. Fairyland Loop

• All Trails: 4.9 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Bryce Canyon
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft

Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon is one of the top rated hikes in Utah. It is a popular hike, but not as heavily trafficked as Queens Garden which means you can find some respite from the crowds.

The length and elevation make Fairyland Loop challenging, especially when hot. This hike is endlessly picturesque as you pass through and around the famous Bryce Canyon hoodoos.

Only have a few days in Utah? We recommend driving this Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip for the best short hiking trip in Utah.

12. Kannara Falls

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.7 / 5

• Location: Kanarraville, UT
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 3.5 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 650 ft

Kanarra Falls is of the best slot canyon hikes in Utah and it is far less crowded than The Narrows in Zion. Only 150 hikers are allowed each day, you can buy tickets in advance or on the day if any remain.

Neoprene socks, water shoes and hiking poles are recommended to hike through this popular slot canyon filled with water and ladders. Turn around whenever you feel comfortable!

13. Lake Catherine via Brighton Lakes

• All Trails: 4.7 / 5
• Google: 4.8 / 5

• Location: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1200 ft

Lake Catherine is yet another exceptionally popular Utah hike located close to Salt Lake City. The trail begins at Brighton Resort and passes by the three Brighton Lakes before arriving at Lake Catherine.

The best time to hike Lake Catherine Trail is in early to mid October when the fall colors are popping and the crowds are at a minimum. This hike is on our wishlist next time we are in SLC.

14. Lower Calf Creek Falls

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Grand Staircase Escalante
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 500 ft

Lower Calf Creek Falls is among the best hidden hikes in Utah. Don’t miss this relatively unknown but fun hiking trail when driving scenic byway 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon.

The hike is sandy and quite long so it pays to begin early, especially if you take your dog on the trail. At the end you get to see a wispy waterfall cascading down slick rock through a gap in the cliff above.

15. Observation Point via East Mesa

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.8 / 5

• Location: Zion
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 700 ft

Observation Point via East Mesa is one of those Utah hikes that could be classed as a hidden gem. The hike is really easy and maybe even boring, but it leads to a remarkable climax overlooking Zion.

Accessing the East Mesa trailhead is challenging, which makes this a considerably quieter hike in the main Zion canyon. It is all worth it for the view over Angels Landing and Zion from a high vantage.

16. Queens Garden Navajo Loop

• All Trails: 4.9 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Bryce Canyon
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 3 miles rountrip
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 650 ft

Queens Garden and Navajo Loop is the most popular hike in Bryce Canyon and one of the very best hikes in Utah because it is just so unique and mind-blowing. The photo ops on this hike are relentless!

We hiked the Queens Garden Navajo Loop twice when we visited Bryce Canyon. The switchbacks leading down into the canyon are so much fun and we highly recommend this hike to everyone.

Want to hike Queens Garden? Here is our complete guide to hiking Queens Garden Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon.

17. The Wave

• All Trails: 4.9 / 5
• Google: 4.7 / 5

• Location: Vermilion Cliffs
• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 450 ft

The Wave is a truly special hike in Utah and Arizona. Permits are notoriously hard to win because of a limit on daily hikers and an exceptionally high demand, but this is one of our top recommendations.

We were blown away by the sheer beauty and genuine uniqueness at The Wave. The alien landscape is fascinating, mind boggling and beyond photogenic. Our Wave photos are on sale in our gallery.

Want to hike The Wave? Here is our incredibly popular guide covering everything you need to know about hiking The Wave Trail.

Best Hard Hikes In Utah

Finally we are going to cover the best hard hiking trails in Utah that are perfect for more adventurous and experienced hikers.

The following trails are either long, steep, technical or include uniquely challenging elements. We recommend that you carefully consider each trail below to decide if you should take it on.

18. Angels Landing

• All Trails: 4.9 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Zion
• Trail Difficulty: Very hard
• Trail Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft

Angels Landing is the most famous and exciting adventure hike in Utah. The trail to Scout Lookout is steep but easy enough, but the final climb to Angels Landing is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.

We have hiked Angels Landing twice, once during the day when it was overcrowded and once for sunrise as the only two hikers at the summit. The hike is amazing and truly unique, but it is scary!

Want to hike Angels Landing? Here is our complete guide covering everything you need to know about hiking Angels Landing Trail in Zion, including the permit process.

19. Buckskin Gulch via Wire Pass

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.8 / 5

• Location: Paria Canyon – Vermilion Cliffs
• Trail Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Distance: Open ended
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: N/A

Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the US and you can actually hike the entire 40 mile length from Wire Pass to Lees Ferry on a multi day hike. However, most choose to hike a total of 5 or 6 miles.

We hiked a good few miles into Buckskin Gulch when we visited Kanab and it was so much fun. The slot canyon is awesome and such a unique hiking experience. Don’t miss this southern Utah hike!

Want to hike Buckskin Gulch? Here is our complete guide to the Buckskin Gulch hike via Wire Pass which covers everything you need to know.

20. Devils Garden

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Arches
• Trail Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft

Devils Garden Trail is one of the most exciting hikes in Utah. It can be hiked in many ways but the iconic route is to complete a loop consisting of 7 arches and one spire with long primitive sections.

We love hiking Devils Garden, it is exactly the sort of hike we enjoy with challenging off path sections and non-stop photo spots. Adventure hikers should not miss this trail in Arches National Park.

Want to hike in Arches? Read our guide to the 3 unmissable hikes in Arches, which includes a full hiking walkthrough for Devils Garden.

21. Lake Blanche

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.8 / 5

• Location: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
• Trail Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft

Lake Blanche is one of the most popular hikes near Salt Lake City, Utah. The busy trail climbs steadily until it reaches three lakes called Lake Lillian, Lake Florence and Lake Blanche.

This is one of the better hikes in Twin Peaks Wilderness for those hikers in SLC who are seeking a good challenge with an excellent payoff at the end. Definitely on our wishlist for next time!

22. Mount Timponogos

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.8 / 5

• Location: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
• Trail Difficulty: Very hard
• Trail Distance: 14 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 4,500 ft

Mount Timponogos is among the most popular Utah hikes to a mountain peak and it is a beast. Most hikers take the Timpooneke Trail from north trailhead for a long 14 mile trek.

This achievable day hike is perfect for those who are looking for a real challenge when hiking in Utah. We are without question going to be taking the hike to Mt Timponogos on when we are next in Salt Lake City.

23. Pfeifferhorn via Red Pine Lake

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.8 / 5

• Location: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
• Trail Difficulty: Very hard
• Trail Distance: 11 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft

Pfeifferhorn via Red Pine Lake is another epic Utah hike near Salt Lake City for those who are craving a challenge. The first part of the hike is easy enough, but it turns hard and has a scramble to summit.

The final ascent has steep drops so if you suffer from vertigo, this is one to miss! Otherwise, the rugged Pfeifferhorn summit looks dramatic and has exceptional 360 degree views.

24. The Narrows

• All Trails: 4.8 / 5
• Google: 4.9 / 5

• Location: Zion
• Trail Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Distance: 9.4 miles roundtrip maximum
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 500 ft

The Narrows in Zion is one of the most enjoyable hikes we have ever done and we think it is the best hike in Utah. Where else can you walk knee and waist deep in water for miles through a narrow slot canyon?!

We hiked the entire way from Temple of Sinawava as far as Big Springs (the furthest you can hike on the bottom up version of The Narrows with no permit) and it was outstanding. Do not miss this one!

Want to hike The Narrows? Read our complete guide to day hiking The Narrows bottom up for all the information you need.

25. The Subway

• All Trails: 4.7 / 5
• Google: 4.7 / 5

• Location: Zion
• Trail Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Distance: 9 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft

The Subway is a highly sought after destination in Zion and it is one of the best off the beaten path hikes in Utah. Hikers must forge their own path up the Left Fork of North Creek until reaching The Subway.

We loved hiking The Subway, it was easily one of our favorite Utah hikes and we would do it again in a heartbeat. You will need a permit to hike in either direction, but we highly recommend applying!

Want to hike The Subway? Here is everything you need to know about day hiking The Subway bottom up in Zion.

Utah Hiking Tips

Do not underestimate the harsh elements and unpredictable weather conditions when hiking the best trails in Utah. A hike in this hostile environment can turn life threatening if you do not prepare properly.

In addition to reading our day hike packing essentials guide, keep these important tips in mind:

• 1. The best times to hike in Utah are spring, fall and winter. In summer, the temperature can be very dangerous for hiking which may lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• 2. Snowmelt and thunderstorms in spring and summer can quickly cause flash flooding in slot canyons so it is vital you check live weather reports before entering.
• 3. Carry plenty of water and never depend on water sources. Always have a way to filter and purify water incase you run out. We always carry a LifeStraw on every hike.
• 4. Keep track of your time, especially if hiking in the winter when daylight hours are shortest or if you hike into the Utah backcountry.
• 5. Always carry a fully charged headlamp in case you end up hiking in the dark. Do not rely solely on your phone flashlight in case your battery runs out.

Top Tip – Hiking is one of the best things to do in Utah, so remember to enjoy every step, snap hundreds of photos and take home unforgettable memories!

Utah Hiking FAQ’s

Let’s finish with some of the most asked questions about the best hikes in Utah.

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Want more Utah content? Head over to our Utah Travel Guides to explore the Mighty Five National Parks and beyond.

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We hope this comprehensive hiking guide helps you conquer some of the best hikes in Utah!

Please let us know if you have any questions about hiking in Utah in the comments below.

Happy Hiking,

Mark and Kristen

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