Utah is home to five stunning U.S. National Parks, each offering an abundance of exceptional hiking trails both within and beyond the park boundaries. In this guide, we provide a concise overview of our preferred hikes in Utah, which, in our opinion, represent the very best the state has to offer.
The southern region of Utah boasts the incredible desert landscapes and famous slot canyons for which the state is renowned, while the Salt Lake City area features mountains and alpine lakes reminiscent of Colorado.
Throughout Utah, you’ll discover numerous captivating waterfalls as well. We’ve dedicated months to exploring this diverse state, and it never ceases to amaze. Whether you’re trekking through the canyons of Escalante or traversing the lakes of the Wasatch Range, you’ll encounter exceptional and distinctive scenery at every turn.
Our comprehensive Utah hiking guide covers the entire spectrum of Utah’s landscapes, from the breathtaking canyons of Escalante to the serene lakes of the Wasatch Range.
Angels Landing stands as the quintessential Utah hike. If you have the opportunity to undertake just one hike in the national parks, this should be it.
This trail is an exhilarating and somewhat nerve-wracking journey, ascending the side of a steep sandstone mountain. Chains are available for safety, and the sweeping vistas of Zion National Park envelop you from all directions. As of 2022, permits are required for this hike.
The chain section of Angels Landing is particularly renowned for its hair-raising and challenging nature, and over the years, there have been unfortunate incidents of hikers falling to their demise on this trail. However, it is entirely safe if you adhere to the designated path.
At times, the trail narrows to just a few feet, and you’ll need to edge along the side of the mountain. While not every section is equipped with chains, the most precarious portions are, ensuring your safety.
The Angels Landing trail may not be suitable for everyone, but if you relish adventure, photography, and a thrilling adrenaline rush, it’s an absolute must-add to your bucket list.
The concluding vista at Angels Landing offers a 360-degree panorama of Zion Canyon, with the minuscule roads and shuttle buses below, allowing you to gaze down at the colossal peak you’ve just conquered.
It unquestionably ranks among the finest views in Zion National Park, and in our global travels, it remains one of our all-time favorite vistas on any hike.
The Observation Point trail often goes under the radar, but it stands as one of the premier hikes in Utah’s Zion National Park.
From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of some of Zion’s most iconic sights, including the Great White Throne, Cathedral Mountain, and Angels Landing. You can even spot hikers making their ascent to Angels Landing, while the roads and shuttle buses below resemble tiny toys in the distance.
Observation Point sits at an elevation more than 700 feet above Angels Landing, providing you with a bird’s-eye perspective of Zion National Park. The scenery is truly breathtaking, and since this trail is less frequented than some other locations in Zion, you won’t have to contend with massive crowds, as often encountered in places like The Narrows.
In fact, if you venture out early on a weekday, you might even have the place virtually to yourself, save for a few chipmunks scurrying around in search of snacks.
The primary trailhead for this hike was closed due to a significant rockfall in 2019, which impacted part of the trail and its switchbacks. However, you can still access Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail, which, incidentally, is an easier hike. This alternate route leads to a relatively short and straightforward hike culminating in stunning panoramic views. Be sure to add it to your Zion bucket list!
Of course, we can’t overlook the epitome of slot canyons, the Zion Narrows!
This colossal gorge features walls towering a thousand feet in height, with the Virgin River meandering through its depths. Hiking the Narrows entails walking in water, and if you embark on the full journey, it covers a total of 16 miles.
The good news is that the Narrows accommodates hikers of all fitness levels because you’re not obligated to traverse the entire gorge. You can choose to turn back at any point.
It’s feasible to complete the entire Narrows from the top down in a single day if you secure a permit in advance, but most people opt to venture partway and then retrace their steps (no permit is required for that).
The not-so-good news is that the Narrows has become incredibly popular, and the crowds have somewhat diminished the experience for some. If you’re determined to savor the Narrows without the masses, it’s advisable to obtain a permit and hike it from the top down. Otherwise, you might want to explore one of the other Utah hiking destinations in this guide.
