Hiking Utah
There is nothing better in the summer months than clearing your mind and taking in the natural beauty Utah’s vast trail system provides. Whether you enjoy mountain-scapes or miles and miles of dessert, there is a trail for you here in the 45th state.
Regardless of whether you’ve been here before and need some new ideas or are visiting for the first time, we have compiled a list of some of the very best hikes Utah has to offer. Happy Trails!
Mountainous Hikes Near Salt Lake City
Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine (easy, 2 miles)- this hike is short and easy, but certainly does not lack in breath-taking scenery. If you are new to hiking and Utah’s altitude this is a great hike to cut your teeth on. This trailhead is located at the base of Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail (easy, endless miles)- if you are looking for miles and miles of terrain to explore that is easy-going this is your trail. Mainly created from the shores of extinct Lake Bonneville, this trail runs north and south along the Salt Lake Valley and hooks on to other trails depending on what kind of adventure you’re looking for that day.
Neff’s Canyon (moderate, 7 miles)- dog friendly, this trail is easy to turn around and head back depending on how much time you have, however, there is a wildflower field that is worth it if you can make it. A cool stream keeps the hike pleasant and offers your pup some drinking water and a fun place to splash around for a bit.
Grandeur Peak (moderate to challenging, 6 miles)- sandwiched between Parley’s and Millcreek Canyons this peak rises 3000 feet above the Salt Lake Valley and offers incredible views. If you want to keep it easier start at Church Fork in Millcreek Canyon—it’s longer, but not as steep. If you are looking to challenge yourself start on Wasatch Boulevard and stroll a half mile up to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. We especially recommend this trail at sunset.
Bell’s Canyon (challenging, 6 miles)- drive out to Sandy on Wasatch Boulevard and prepare to be amazed. With a stream and sweeping vistas through most of the hike, you will be in a mountainous wonderland. About halfway up you will be met by a stunning waterfall with a picnic area and if you are feeling very adventurous you can continue for a few more miles and hit a reservoir below Lone Peak.
Treks for Dessert Dwellers
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park in Moab (3 miles)- we’d be really remiss if we didn’t mention this hike as it is one of the most famous landscapes in Utah. This trail has a gradual rise that is mostly in sun (plan accordingly) along slick rock. Once you get close to the arch the trail narrows and follows a ledge. With granite mountains in the background surrounded by red rock, this truly is a breath-taking wonder.
Angle’s Landing, Zion National Park (5.5 miles)- this trail is not for the faint of heart, but it is worth it if you have a bit of an adventurous spirit. Narrow ledges and huge drop-offs lead up to the lookout on top of Angel’s Landing giving you a view of the entire Zion Valley that you can’t get anywhere else in the park.
Dead Horse Point (7 miles)- overlooking the mythical Colorado River this trail (along with the lookout) offers some of the most spectacular views from start to finish. The best part? This trail hooks into a bunch of other systems so you can explore, explore, and explore some more through this red rock haven.