12 Best Hikes in Utah: A Local’s Guide to Can’t-Miss Trails
These are the best hikes in Utah that you absolutely need to add to your bucket list! Growing up low-income in Salt Lake City, I didn’t get to explore much beyond my local area until adulthood. Since then, I made it my mission to visit every corner of this state. The resulting list wouldn’t be possible without those years of weekend roadtrips!
Iconic arches? Desert landscapes that look like an alien planet? Steep canyon walls? High alpine lakes and epic summits? Utah truly has it all! I’ve hiked all these spots multiple times, and they continue to remain my favorites in the entire state. Here are the top hikes to add to your list today. Let’s dive in!
12 amazing hikes in Utah
I’ll be honest, narrowing this list down to just 12 hikes was really, really hard. I could have easily listed 100 amazing hikes in Utah, so I worked hard to curate a “best of the best” selection that truly captures the spirit and diversity of our state!
Ready to see where these gems are located? Check out all 12 hikes on the map here,
1. Delicate Arch
Located in Arches National Park near Moab, this is a quintessential Utah experience. While some consider it an easy hike, others classify it as moderate; regardless, it’s popular for good reason! Everyone visiting Utah should experience Delicate Arch at least once.
My first visit was in 2014 during my very first road trip! Until the age of 21, I hadn’t actually left the Salt Lake City area, and I had no clue what Delicate Arch even was (despite it being on our license plate!). I am sure you can imagine my surprise when I turned the final corner, and the arch popped into view. A core memory was made that day!
The hike can be tough in the summer sun, so bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen!
Pro Tip: Parking at the trailhead fills up quickly, so I recommend arriving before sunrise to secure a spot and beat the midday heat.
2. Angel’s Landing
Located in Zion National Park, this trail needs no introduction, as it is arguably the most infamous hike in the state. Most people are familiar with the final section with the chains along the narrow spine, but you should not attempt this if you are afraid of heights.
Though I must say, I had convinced myself that I was afraid of heights; that is, until I first hiked Angel’s Landing in 2015. I still remember looking over the edge at Scout’s Lookout and feeling pure awe, which made reaching the summit even more special! Even if you don’t do the final ridge, hiking to Scout’s Lookout is a rewarding trek on its own and a great spot for a well-earned break.
Note: I was lucky enough to complete this hike three times before the permit lottery existed. Since it can be competitive, apply as soon as registration opens in February for the spring season.
3. The Narrows (Bottom – up)
When I talk to visitors from out of state, I am constantly reminded of how lucky we are to live here! The Narrows are so breathtaking that most people can’t even fathom just how incredible this hike truly is.
Located at the end of Zion Canyon, where the Virgin River flows into a narrow slot canyon flanked by cliffs over 1,000 feet tall, this is an absolute bucket-list adventure. Most of the trek after the mile-long Riverside Walk is spent in the water! You can go as little or as far as you like.
There are two main ways to experience it: a “bottom-up” route starting in Zion Canyon, and a “top-down” route that begins on the east side. While I haven’t completed the full 16-mile one-way top-down trek yet, I hope to do so soon! A permit is required for this route.
4. Navajo Loop (Bryce Canyon National Park)
The Navajo Loop is easily the best hike in the park, taking you through the famous Wall Street and back up via Two Bridges, both of which offer picturesque switchbacks surrounded by tall hoodoos!
Personally, I recommend hiking the full Figure 8 loop. I tackled this in March of 2026, and it was absolutely mind-blowing! The only downside is that, unless you’re very motivated, you’ll have to skip Two Bridges,
But you still get to experience Wall Street, and so much more. Start at Sunset Point, head down Wall Street (note: in winter, you’ll need to take Two Bridges since Wall Street is closed), connect with the Peekaboo loop, and then circle back to Queen’s Garden up to Sunrise Point, and finally walk the Rim Trail back to your car.
5. Druid Arch (Canyonlands National Park)
While many visitors stick to the Island in the Sky District at Canyonlands, the Needles District is home to the incredible Druid Arch. I first hiked this in 2020 and remember the route required following rock cairns (markers), which makes for a much more adventurous route! I yearn to go back to the Needles District and explore deeper!
While there is an established route, there is no direct trail, so your route-finding skills are essential: don’t miss the rock cairns! This is definitely one of the best day hikes in Utah, and the arch is even more massive than it looks in photos. Since this area is remote, please carry more water than you think you’ll need.
Pro-Tip: Do not underestimate the length of this hike! It took me close to 8 hours to complete. Be sure to start early and pace yourself accordingly!
6. Lower Calf Creek Falls
I personally call this “Utah’s Havasu Falls,” and I’m sure I am not alone! If you are in the Escalante area and only have time for one hike, make it this one! The stats are a bit deceptive: because of the sandy sections, it’s slightly harder than it sounds, but the reward is unmatched.
When I first discovered Calf Creek Falls, I couldn’t wait to go, and neither could all my friends and family! So in a span of about 22 months, I hiked to this waterfall four different times, including a winter trek! I mean, how can you not?
The sight of the 120-foot waterfall plunging into a beautiful pool is just something I can’t describe with words. Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel! The entire trail is a true desert oasis, filled with lush vegetation and towering sandstone cliffs.
Pro Tip: The trailhead is small and fills up fast. Arrive early! You must walk through the campground to access the trail itself
7. Diamond Fork (Fifth Water) Hot Springs
Okay, this is easily the best hot spring hike in all of Utah, and I know that’s a bold claim, but hear me out.
Imagine this: you’re soaking in a natural, turquoise-colored hot spring tucked within a canyon, surrounded by nature and the feeling of being far from civilization. I mean, doesn’t that sound absolutely surreal?
In the Winter, the gate closes, making the hike longer, but the payoff is usually a bit more solitude.
My friends agreed! So once again, in a span of a year before the 2020 Covid Pandemic (when the trail was shut down), I visited this stunning hot springs five times! Whenever I showed anyone photos, their response was “wow, take me please!!”
Located about an hour and a half south of Salt Lake City in Spanish Fork Canyon, this is a can’t-miss trail! Having to work for it makes the soak extra rewarding! It can get crowded, but if you go early in the morning or at night, it feels like you are completely alone in the wilderness.
In recent years, this area has grown popular and has unfortunately seen an increase in trash; please follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to keep this special place beautiful.
Tip: There are over a dozen pools scattered along the river, so plenty of space to hang out! Be respectful of the land and of others!
8. Mount Timpanogos
Mount Timpanogos is a bit of an anomaly when compared to the rest of the Wasatch Mountains; it stands out (literally!). The entire mountain feels as if it belongs in the Canadian Rockies instead of here, with features like hanging gardens, glacial cirques, and even an emerald colored lake.
Locals are well aware of its presence. It is truly “Utah’s Mountain!” and hiking to the summit is akin to a pilgrimage for us locals!
Despite being just the second-highest peak in the Wasatch, it likely sees three times as many hikers as Nebo (the tallest). I first summited in July 2015 after dreaming about it for years. I loved it so much that I returned a few weeks later, and I’ve been back many times since!
The hike is long with steady altitude gain, so give yourself plenty of time to finish before dark. Summer weekends can be very busy, so consider hiking on a weekday or starting at dawn.
There are two routes, with the more popular being the Timpanooke route. The Aspen Grove route is a bit harder. For a full comparison, check out my full guide to hiking Mount Timpanogos.
9. Lake Blanche
Of all the hikes on this list, Lake Blanche holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first hike I ever completed in 2007 as a teenager with my family, with limited resources and knowledge, and it is what kick-started my love for the outdoors! I hike to Lake Blanche every year, sometimes more than once!
This is easily the best alpine lake hike in the Wasatch Mountains! Located only 20 minutes from Salt Lake City, it rewards you with stunning scenic views the entire way: think meadows, rushing streams, and gorgeous aspen forests.
What’s even better is that there are actually three lakes at the top: Lake Blanche, the lesser-known Lake Florence, and Lake Lillian (just a short walk further down). Parking fills up fast on weekends, so try to arrive before 7 AM!
10. Red Pine Lake and Pfiefferhorn
We hiked to Red Pine Lake in 2007, a few months after we triumphed with Lake Blanche. While Blanche took multiple attempts, we were able to hike to Red Pine on our first outing, which continued to ignite that spark for my love of the outdoors!
If you are looking for a quick outing, you can hike up to Gloria Falls, a beautiful waterfall located just over a mile in (a 10-minute detour from the main trail). However, if you have more energy, continue to Red Pine Lake.
Still not tired? Well, if you keep going, you’ll end up on Pfeifferhorn, which involves a class 3 ridge scramble but offers some of the best mountain views in Utah, including a stunning look at Mount Timpanogos.
The reason this is one of the best hikes in Utah is not just for the stunning views, but also because it has a little bit of everything. A waterfall? Yes! A lake? Yes, actually 3-4 lakes. A stunning mountain summit? also Yes!
11. Bald Mountain (The Uintas)
Bald Mountain in the Uintas is easily “the best bang for your buck” hike in Utah. It is one of the easiest hikes to reach nearly 12,000 feet, and the views are unparalleled, with over a hundred lakes visible from the summit. It was my first successful hike in the Uintas back in 2008, and it has become an annual tradition for me ever since.
The trail is quite rocky the entire way, so wear proper footwear. Always check the forecast before heading out, as the weather can change rapidly at high elevations – the Uintas are notorious for popping up afternoon thunderstorms all summer!
12. Kings Peak (The Uintas)
No Utah list would be complete without the state high point! While this hike is doable as a long day trip, it is much more enjoyable as a backpacking adventure with two nights spent in Henry’s Fork Basin.
Knowing this, I backpacked to the summit in 2017, which sparked my obsession with tackling every state high point. I swore I’d never hike it in a single day, but somehow, I let my friends convince me otherwise in 2019! Let’s just say that 16-hour ordeal was a true test of endurance.
If you are contemplating this hike, I can’t recommend it enough. While the first seven miles wind through a peaceful forest, the final few miles reveal some of the spectacular high Uinta scenery. You’ll be rewarded with open basins, multiple alpine lakes, and stunning, secluded views around every corner.
Even Nat Geo listed Kings Peak as one of the world’s most beautiful hikes in 2017!
Gear to pack for hiking in Utah
While I believe gear shouldn’t be a barrier to entry into the outdoors, having the right equipment makes all the difference! I have built my outdoor collection over a decade, and it is constantly evolving. Through this experience, here is what has worked best for me!
In Winter:
The Wrap-up: 12 Best Hikes In Utah
While I truly believe these are the best hikes in Utah, the truth is, they barely scratch the surface of what the state has to offer! If you know me, my philosophy is simple: if a place makes you feel like there isn’t enough time to see everything, then it must be special!
If you haven’t done any of these hikes yet, then you have to add them all to your bucket list! This collection really highlights the diversity of our state, from red rock country to alpine mountains with incredible views. What are you waiting for? Let’s get exploring!
