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Utah, a hiker’s paradise, boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse trails in the United States. From the red rock wonders of Zion and Arches National Parks to the incredible canyons at Canyonlands National Park, there’s something for every adventurer.
Whether you’re exploring the iconic Narrows, trekking through the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, or discovering hidden gems like Goblin Valley, Utah’s hiking trails promise breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trails? Utah awaits!
Incredible Hiking Trails in Utah
1. Zion Canyon Overlook Trail – Zion National Park
Distance – 1.4km (1 mile)
Elevation – 48meters
Duration – 1 hour
Type – Out & back
Level – Easy to moderate. The trail itself features a well-marked path with some rocky sections and minor elevation changes. Along the way, you’ll traverse slickrock sections and wooden bridges, adding a bit of variety to the hike.
Parking – The trailhead for the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is located just east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, making it easily accessible by car. But beware that the amount of parking spaces is extremely limited. We ended up parking further along the road.
Best time to visit – Enjoy the perfect light at sunrise or sunset.
The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the most accessible and rewarding hikes in Zion National Park, offering stunning panoramic views of Zion Canyon. Perfect for hikers of all skill levels, this trail is a short yet exhilarating adventure that showcases the park’s dramatic landscapes without requiring a full-day commitment.
We visited the Canyon Overlook for sunset since we only had 1 day to explore Zion National Park. The trail itself is super easy and I even did it in my Converse sneakers, which I normally never do! But for some reason my hiking boots were hurting my leg that day, probably some weird pregnancy thing, so sneakers it was!
When we arrived to the Canyon Overlook it was already pretty crowded but the area is pretty large so even if it’s crowded you’ll still find a spot to take some photos and enjoy the sunset.
2. Pa’rus Trail – Zion National Park
Distance – 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles)
Elevation – 41 meters
Duration – 1 hour
Type – Out & Back
Level – Easy. This trail is unique for its accessibility, as it is one of the few trails in Zion that is both wheelchair and bicycle-friendly, providing a great way to experience the park’s beauty without the challenge of more strenuous hikes.
Parking – Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Best time to visit – We hiked this trail in the middle of the day and it wasn’t crowded at all. But for better light sunset is ideal.
Starting from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, the Pa’rus Trail follows the Virgin River, winding through lush vegetation and offering stunning views of the surrounding red rock cliffs.
The Pa’rus Trail is one of the few trails in Zion National Park where pets are allowed, making it a perfect option for visitors who want to bring their furry friends along.
💡 TIP – If you don’t want to hike the way back you can also take the shuttle bus back to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
3. Queens Garden Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance – 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles)
Elevation – 199m
Duration – 1.5 to 2 hours
Type – Out & Back. You can make this a loop by connecting to other trails but at the time of our visit this wasn’t possible due to ice conditions on the other trails.
Level – Easy. This trail is one of the most popular and accessible in the park, providing a relatively easy hike with spectacular scenery.
Parking – You can park your car at Sunrise Point
Best time to visit – Bryce Canyon is at its most spectacular during sunrise when all of the hoodoo’s are lit up.
The Queens Garden Trail is a must-do hike in Bryce Canyon National Park, offering hikers an up-close look at the park’s iconic hoodoos and stunning rock formations. This trail is one of the most popular and accessible in the park, providing a relatively easy hike with spectacular scenery.
Starting from Sunrise Point, the Queens Garden Trail descends into the Bryce Amphitheater, winding through a landscape filled with unique rock formations and towering hoodoos. The trail is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for families and hikers of all skill levels.
The trail leads to a rock formation that resembles a garden, with a prominent hoodoo said to resemble Queen Victoria, which gives the trail its name.
💡 TIP – Combine with Navajo Loop Trail – For a longer and more varied hike, consider combining the Queens Garden Trail with the Navajo Loop Trail. This combination creates a 2.9-mile (4.6 kilometers) loop that takes you through more of Bryce Canyon’s breathtaking scenery, including the famous Wall Street section.
📖 READ MORE – How To Hike The Queens Garden Trail In Bryce Canyon + Tips
4. Capitol Gorge Trail – Capitol Reef National Park
Distance – 3.2 kilometers (2 miles)
Elevation – 114m
Duration – 1.5 hour
Type – Out & back
Level – Easy to moderate.
Parking – The trailhead for Capitol Gorge is located at the end of the Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef National Park. From the parking area, the trail follows a wash through the narrow Capitol Gorge, offering a relatively flat and easy hike.
Best time to visit – We hiked the Capital Gorge Trail in the middle of the day and had a good experience! I also loved the fact that the canyon walls were lit up by the sun standing high in the sky.
The Capitol Gorge Trail is a fascinating hike in Capitol Reef National Park, known for its historical significance and unique geological features. This trail takes you through a stunning canyon with towering walls, ancient petroglyphs, and historical inscriptions from early pioneers.
One of the main attractions along the trail is the Pioneer Register, where early settlers and travelers inscribed their names and dates on the canyon walls. These historic carvings date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, providing a glimpse into the past.
Look for ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock by the indigenous people who once inhabited the region. These rock carvings are a fascinating glimpse into the cultural history of the area.
At the end of the main trail, a short, steep climb leads to natural water tanks, or potholes, which collect rainwater. These tanks are an interesting geological feature and provide a unique habitat for various desert wildlife.
5. Cassidy Arch Trail – Capitol Reef National Park
Distance – 5km (3.1 miles)
Elevation – 209m
Duration – 2 to 3 hours
Type – Out & Back
Level – Moderate.
Parking – The trailhead for Cassidy Arch is located in the Grand Wash area of Capitol Reef National Park. To reach it, drive along the Scenic Drive to the end of the paved section, then follow the dirt road into Grand Wash to the parking area.
Best time to visit – Sunrise or sunset
The Cassidy Arch Trail in Capitol Reef National Park is a spectacular hike that leads to one of the park’s most iconic natural features. Named after the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy, who is said to have used the area as a hideout, this trail offers hikers stunning views, interesting geological formations, and the chance to stand atop a massive natural arch.
The trail begins with a steep ascent from the parking area, quickly gaining elevation and offering expansive views of the Grand Wash below.
The highlight of the hike is reaching Cassidy Arch, a massive natural arch that spans across a canyon. Unlike many arches that are viewed from below, Cassidy Arch can be accessed from above, allowing hikers to walk out onto the arch and peer down into the canyon below.
6. Goosenecks & Sunset Point – Capitol Reef National Park
Distance – 4km
Elevation – 84m
Duration – 1 hour
Level – Easy
Parking – The Goosenecks Overlook is located off the Scenic Drive, about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) south of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. Follow the signs for Goosenecks Overlook.
Best time to visit – Sunset is definitely the best time to visit these two places!
Goosenecks Overlook provides an awe-inspiring view of the meandering Sulphur Creek as it carves dramatic “gooseneck” curves through the colorful rock layers of Capitol Reef. A short, easy walk from the parking area leads to the viewpoint. The path is well-marked and suitable for visitors of all ages.
Sunset Point is located near the end of the Scenic Drive, close to the Goosenecks Overlook As the sun sets, the cliffs and canyons of Capitol Reef are bathed in golden light, creating a stunning and ever-changing landscape. The view from Sunset Point offers an expansive panorama of the park’s varied topography.
But do know that this is one of the most popular spots in Capitol Reef National Park to watch the sunset!
7. Goblin Valley Trail – Goblin Valley State Park
Distance – Varies, as the trail network within Goblin Valley is not strictly defined. Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the valley.
Elevation – 54m
Type – Out & back
Level – Easy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Parking – From Green River, take UT-24 west for about 30 miles, then turn south onto Goblin Valley Road (UT-101). Follow this road for about 12 miles to reach the park entrance. There is a designated parking area near the visitor center and trailhead.
Best time to visit – Visit in the early morning for cooler temperatures. We visited in the middle of the day and even in April it was already heating up.
Goblin Valley State Park, located in the heart of Utah, is a unique and fascinating destination known for its whimsical and otherworldly rock formations. The Goblin Valley Trail offers visitors a chance to explore this surreal landscape, filled with hoodoos and “goblins” that make for an unforgettable hiking experience.
The Goblin Valley Trail isn’t a traditional marked trail but rather a network of paths that wind through the valley filled with thousands of goblin-like rock formations. These formations are created by the erosion of Entrada sandstone, resulting in mushroom-shaped rocks that range in size from a few feet to several meters tall.
The open nature of the valley means you can wander freely among the formations, climbing on and around the rocks. It’s a great place for kids to explore and let their imaginations run wild.
8. Delicate Arch Hiking Trail – Arches National Park
Distance – 4.8km (3 miles)
Elevation – 192m
Duration – 2 to 3 hours
Type – Out & Back
Level – Moderate. The trail itself is well-marked and features a variety of terrain, including slickrock, sandy paths, and some moderate elevation gain.
Parking – Arches National Park is located just north of Moab, Utah. From Moab, take US-191 north to the park entrance. Follow the park road to the Wolfe Ranch parking area, which is clearly signposted. The parking area at Wolfe Ranch can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Best time to visit – We started hiking in the dark to be at Delicate Arch for sunrise! Highly recommended!
The Delicate Arch Hiking Trail in Arches National Park is one of the most iconic and rewarding hikes in Utah. This trail leads to the famous Delicate Arch, a stunning natural arch that has become a symbol of the American Southwest.
There’s a pretty big area surrounding the main attraction. So while it was rather busy during sunrise we had plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos!
9. Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail – Arches National Park
Distance – 1.6km (1 mile)
Elevation – 47m
Duration – 45 minutes
Type – Loop
Level – Easy. This area is easily accessible by car and features a well-marked trail that leads to multiple impressive arches.
Parking – From the Arches National Park entrance, follow the main road for approximately 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) to the Windows Section turnoff. Follow this road to the parking area, which is well-signposted
Best time to visit – The Windows section was our second stop in Arches National Park, after first hiking to Delicate Arch
The trailhead for the Windows Loop and Turret Arch is located in the Windows Section of Arches National Park.
The first major feature on the trail, the North Window, is a massive arch that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It’s particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light casts dramatic shadows.
Just a short walk from the North Window, the South Window is another impressive formation.
The trail also leads to Turret Arch, a unique formation that resembles a turret or tower. This arch is easy to access and provides a great photo opportunity, especially with the La Sal Mountains in the background.
10. Park Avenue Trail – Arches National Park
Distance – 3.2km ( 2 miles)
Elevation – 91m
Duration – 1 hour
Level – Easy
Type – Out & back
Parking – There are parking areas at both the Park Avenue trailhead and the Courthouse Towers trailhead. The parking lots can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours, so it’s best to arrive early.
Best time to visit – Try to arrive early in the day
The trailhead for the Park Avenue Trail is located just a few miles from the Arches National Park entrance. The trail descends steeply into a canyon and then follows a relatively flat path along the canyon floor, offering close-up views of massive rock formations.
The trail is flanked by towering monoliths and fins, some of which reach over 300 feet (91 meters) in height. Notable formations include the Courthouse Towers, the Organ, and the Three Gossips.
11. Mesa Arch Trail – Canyonlands National Park
Distance – 1.1km (0.5 miles)
Elevation – 27m
Duration – 20 minutes
Type – Loop
Level – Easy
Parking – The trailhead for the Mesa Arch Trail is located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. There is a parking area at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially at sunrise. Arriving early is recommended.
Best time to visit – For photography the best time is sunrise. Otherwise simply visit during the day while exploring the rest of Canyonlands National Park
The Mesa Arch Trail in Canyonlands National Park is one of the most iconic hikes in the park, offering stunning views and a memorable experience for hikers of all skill levels. This short trail leads to Mesa Arch, a picturesque rock arch perched on the edge of a cliff, providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding canyon country, particularly at sunrise.
12. Grand View Point Trail – Canyonlands National Park
Distance – 3.2km (2 miles)
Elevation – 50m
Duration – 1.5 hour
Level – Easy. The trail is well-marked and mostly flat, with a few rocky sections that require careful footing.
Type – Out & back
Parking – The Grand View Point trailhead is located at the end of the scenic drive, approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the park entrance. There is a parking area at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.
Best time to visit – We visited the Island in the Sky in the early afternoon and I didn’t find it too crowded.
The Grand View Point Trail in Canyonlands National Park offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Island in the Sky district. This relatively easy hike takes you along the edge of a mesa, providing breathtaking vistas of the expansive canyons, mesas, and buttes that define the park’s dramatic landscape.
You’ll see expansive vistas of the Colorado and Green River canyons, as well as distant views of the Needles and Maze districts of Canyonlands.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as lizards, birds, and small mammals. The trail also features desert vegetation, including juniper trees and pinyon pines.
The best time to go hiking in Utah
For most hikers, the best times to hike in Utah are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the temperatures are generally mild, the weather is more predictable, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.
We visited Utah at the start of April, although it would have been even more ideal towards the end of the month. Especially in Zion National Park and Bryce National Park there was still a lot of snow present which meant some of the best hiking trails were still closed for the season.
Spring (March to May)
Pros:
- Mild Temperatures: Spring offers pleasant hiking temperatures, especially in southern Utah’s desert regions, such as Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
- Wildflowers: The desert blooms with wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.
- Waterfalls and Rivers: Spring runoff from snowmelt can make waterfalls and rivers more spectacular.
Cons:
- Unpredictable Weather: Weather can be variable, with occasional rain or late snow in higher elevations.
- Crowds: Popular trails can start to get crowded as the weather warms up.
Fall (September to November)
Pros:
- Mild Temperatures: Fall offers cooler temperatures, making it ideal for hiking in both desert and mountain regions.
- Fall Foliage: The changing leaves in areas like Zion National Park and the Wasatch Mountains add stunning colors to the landscape.
- Less Crowded: Trails tend to be less crowded than in summer, especially after Labor Day.
Cons:
- Shorter Days: As fall progresses, daylight hours shorten, limiting hiking time.
- Weather Changes: Early snow can occur in higher elevations, especially by November.
Tips for hiking in Utah
I highly recommend purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass. This US Park Pass gives you entrance to all of the National Parks for the duration of 12 months. 1 US Park Pass is valid for up to 4 adults in 1 vehicle. Otherwise you’ll have to pay a fee to access the National Parks in this Utah hiking guide! Fees are usually around $35 per vehicle so if you visit more than 2 you’re already making a profit by purchasing the US Park Pass.
Research the Trail – Know the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty of the trail you plan to hike. Check recent trail conditions and weather forecasts!
Practice Leave No Trace – Carry out everything you bring in, including food wrappers and other waste. Avoid creating new trails or shortcuts, which can damage the fragile environment. Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
Monsoon Season: – In late summer, be aware of the potential for flash floods in slot canyons and low-lying areas. Never enter a slot canyon if rain is forecasted, even if it’s miles away. Flash floods can occur with little warning.
Beware of Snakes – Be cautious in areas where rattlesnakes are common. Watch where you step and don’t reach into crevices.
Map of the best hikes in Utah
🗺️ How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
If you have any questions about hiking in Utah or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
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The 10 Very Best Things To Do In Capitol Reef National Park
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The 12 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Utah (Map Included)
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