6 Must-Do Hikes in Utah

For your next outdoor adventure, aim high and head to Utah. This state is designed for hikers and thrilling experiences.

The landscape is undeniably captivating: red-rock mesas rising above powerful rivers, exhilarating trails along precarious ridges, and paths that plunge into narrow slot canyons shaped by natural forces since the age of dinosaurs.

Explore our selection of the top spots to experience Utah's wild and rugged backcountry.

1. Peekaboo Loop Trail

Top Choice for a Day Hike 5.5 miles roundtrip, 3-5 hours, challenging

A perfect day hike, the Peekaboo Loop Trail offers the most diverse terrain and breathtaking views in Bryce Canyon National Park, featuring cumulative elevation changes of 1500 to 1800 feet.

You can access this circular trail from either the Navajo Loop or the Queen’s Garden Connecting Trail, which branches off from the Queen's Garden Trail. This description begins at Bryce Point; if starting from Sunrise Point, the hike extends to 6.6 miles, while from Sunset Point, it’s 5 miles.

The Peekaboo Loop Trail also serves as a horse trail, so be prepared to encounter occasional riders. They travel at a slow pace, giving you ample time to prepare. Remember, stock animals have the right of way—step aside to let them pass undisturbed. If you'd prefer to avoid navigating around horse droppings, you might want to choose a different route. However, the views here rank among the park's finest, especially of the Wall of Windows, the Silent City, and the Fairy Castle. You'll also find shaded resting spots, a picnic area, and pit toilets (the latter located on the loop, just west of the intersection with the connecting trail to Bryce Point, and available only during the summer).

This trail features many ups and downs, so be ready for a workout. If heights make you uneasy, be aware that in certain sections, you'll encounter sheer drops, though the trail is wide enough for a horse.

2. Grand Wash Trail

Ideal Hike for Beginners 4.4 miles roundtrip, 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, easy

Capitol Reef National Park’s most impressive canyon is a must-see, allowing visitors to walk between the towering walls of the Narrows. Be cautious and avoid this hike if rain is in the forecast, as the wash is susceptible to flash floods.

Begin your hike at the parking lot located at the end of the Grand Wash spur road. It's an easy stroll up the packed-sand wash from the parking area. Keep an eye out for seasonal wildflowers like the reddish Indian paintbrush, white-flowering Apache’s plume, and tall yellow-flowering prince’s plume. The canyon walls gradually converge until, about 1.25 miles from the trailhead, you arrive at the Narrows, where the 80-story canyon narrows to just 15 feet—an exhilarating sight. The canyon walls widen and close again as the flat trail nears Hwy 24. You can return the same way or arrange for a pickup on Hwy 24, roughly 4.5 miles east of the visitor center (look for a trailhead marker on the south side of the highway with a small gravel pull-off).

3. Chesler Park/Joint Trail Loop

Top Choice for an Overnight Hike 11 miles roundtrip, 1-2 days, moderate overnight hike, moderate-difficult day hike

This trail, situated in Canyonlands National Park, meanders through desert grasslands, past striking red-and-white-striped pinnacles, and between deep, narrow slot canyons, some as narrow as 2 feet. It also offers fantastic views of the Needles. While the elevation changes are mild, the distance makes it a challenging day hike.

Be aware that there is no water available along the trail. The Trails Illustrated Needles District map should be sufficient for most hikers, but if you plan to explore more, consider carrying a 7.5-minute USGS map.

Begin your adventure by parking at the Elephant Hill trailhead, located three miles from Squaw Flat Campground. The trail ascends to a bench from the parking area, then traverses over slickrock toward impressive rock spires. Watch for a common mistake at the T-junction: cross the wash and follow the signs directing you to Chesler Park (not Druid Arch), descending 300 feet via switchbacks into Elephant Canyon. Keep following the signs along the canyon floor.

The last 0.2 miles to the Chesler Park Viewpoint ascends 100 feet, culminating at a rocky pass amidst spires, 2.9 miles from the trailhead. This point marks the start of the 5-mile Chesler Park Loop, where you’ll find five campsites to the southeast of the junction.

On the following morning, leave your backpack at the campsite and venture into the tightly enclosed Joint Trail, where the fractured rock narrows to just 2 feet in places; the trail junction is located to the south, about halfway around the Chesler Park Loop. Stop just east of the Joint Trail for breathtaking views of the towering pinnacles surrounding Chesler Park. In the southwest section of the loop, you’ll navigate a half-mile segment of a 4WD road. If you plan to stay for two nights, consider a side trip to Druid Arch.

4. Landscape Arch

Best hike for families 1.6 miles roundtrip, 30 minutes to 1 hour, easy to moderate

One of the longest natural stone arches in the world, Landscape Arch is an impressive sight that can be reached via a moderately easy gravel trail with various interesting side paths.

Landscape Arch is located 0.8 miles along the Devils Garden trail at the northern end of the main park road. Be sure to explore the short side trails (0.5 miles) to Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches along the way. From the trailhead, you’ll navigate through towering sandstone fins that resemble enormous wedges. After a third of a mile, take a right at the fork and descend towards Tunnel Arch (to your right) and the 45-foot Pine Tree Arch (to your left). Perched high on a cliff, Tunnel Arch resembles a subway tunnel carved through the Entrada sandstone, while Pine Tree Arch has a robust structure framed by its wide opening. Look for the twisted juniper tree at the base of this impressive formation.

As you near Landscape Arch along the main trail, the landscape opens up, offering sweeping views of distant ridges and a broad sky. Previously, hikers could walk directly beneath the graceful 306-foot span of sandstone, which stretches longer than a football field. However, after a 60-foot slab of rock fell from the arch in 1991, nearly injuring several visitors, the National Parks Service (NPS) closed the trail after noting cracks on the left side of the arch.

Amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, and access to drinking water.

5. Lower Calf Creek Falls

Best hike for waterfall views 6 miles roundtrip, approximately 4 hours, moderate difficulty

The sandy path at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument eventually traces a year-round flowing creek through a stunning canyon, leading to a 126-foot waterfall, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

The allure of Lower Calf Creek Falls is well-known; it’s the most frequented trail in the entire monument. Its convenient location off Hwy 12 between Escalante and Boulder makes it an ideal stop. While the trail isn’t very steep, it features lengthy sandy stretches that can be tiring. Be sure to bring plenty of water (available at the trailhead), as the creek is not safe to drink from.

Park at the Calf Creek Recreation Area (day use $5) located between mile markers 75 and 76 on Hwy 12. As you approach the creek, you’ll encounter honeycombed rocks, Navajo sandstone domes, an ancient Native American granary, a box canyon that once served as a calf herding area (hence the name Calf Creek), prehistoric pictographs, and lush wetlands.

After the final bend, the trail concludes in a rocky amphitheater featuring a 126-foot waterfall with a delicate stream flowing into a large pool. The sandy beach and expansive knee-deep wading area before the deeper drop-off make it a family favorite. Keep in mind, the sandy return walk is just as demanding as the journey in, so pace yourself accordingly.

6. The Narrows: Bottom Access

Best hike for thrill-seekers Up to 10 miles roundtrip, as much as 8 hours, challenging

Wading through a swiftly flowing river, with the water ranging from knee-deep to chest-deep, the canyon walls seem to close in on you—this is the quintessential experience of Zion National Park. While some adventurers may opt for the full overnight journey starting from the top, hiking from the bottom doesn't require a permit and still grants access to the narrowest, most breathtaking section. If you tackle the full 5 miles to Big Springs (the furthest point allowed for day hikers), you’ll surpass most day-trippers, but be aware: it’s a significant hike upstream.

The 'trail' commences at the end of the Riverside Walk, where you enter and start navigating alongside the river. Just around the first bend, you’ll encounter Mystery Falls, the exit point for Mystery Canyon, where you might spot canyoneers completing their final rappel. As you trek along, each alcove, bowl, hollow, crack, and arch feels like a hidden gem. Ravens soar low over the water, and the distant sound of waterfalls echoing from within the rocks adds to the adventure.

The junction with Orderville Canyon is about 2.5 miles in, and this alternate canyoneering route is well worth a visit. If you're feeling adventurous, consider a side trip up the smaller, narrower Orderville, which you can explore for half a mile upstream to reach a waterfall. Beyond this point, a permit is necessary. You'll encounter a few small falls beforehand; the main waterfall is identifiable by a park service sign and its impassable nature for most hikers. Note that to proceed further, you'll need to swim across a small pool about a quarter-mile upstream.

Beyond Orderville Canyon lies the renowned Wall Street, where the sheer, towering cliffs drastically alter your sense of scale and perspective. After this dramatic section, the canyon widens a bit, the water becomes deeper (often necessitating swimming), and the number of fellow hikers decreases.

After reaching the 4-mile mark, you'll need to navigate around large boulders, and while the scenery remains stunning, it becomes less surreal. At 5 miles, you’ll arrive at Big Springs, a lush area with a much larger flow of water than you've seen so far. Day hikers are required to turn back at this point.

Although the complete round-trip to Big Springs can take up to eight hours, allocate at least five hours to ensure you can reach Wall Street. Remember, you'll also need to retrace your steps on the Riverside Trail back to the Temple of Sinawava.

Essential tips for hiking in Utah

Since 2022, Arches has implemented a timed entry system. While officials have yet to confirm its permanence, it's been reinstated every season. If you're planning to visit between now and October 21, 2024, we suggest reserving a spot online.

For maps and details on trails, permits, navigation, and weather conditions, visit the Visit Utah and National Park Service websites. Park visitor centers can offer trail advice and assist with backcountry hike permits. Most trails feature cairns and signs at intersections. Make sure to reserve campsites well in advance during peak season (usually March to October). Summer hiking is possible, but with temperatures soaring to 100°F (38°C), it's best to avoid the midday sun and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.