Utah's Top Hiking Trails

Mount Timpanogos, UT

If you’re looking for vibrant wildflowers at high elevation and a surreal view of Utah Valley, Mount Timpanogos is your peak. Definitive of striking, this mountain will give you a run for your money if you come unprepared. Sore legs and chapped lips? Totally worth it.

Ensign Peak, Salt Lake City, UT

A Salt Lake City classic, hiking to Ensign Peak is a casual but delivers a phenomenal view of the city. Just above the capitol building, this easy trek is perfect for a summer picnic. Accessible any time of the year, you can revel in Utah’s expanse just as Mormon settlers did some 150 years ago. 

Big Elk Lake, UT

There’s nothing quite like a fresh-water lake to cool you down in the summer time. Located in the Uinta Mountain Range, this hike is only 2.2 miles round trip.? With an inner tube in one hand and a chunk of watermelon in the other, you’ll surely enjoy the experience.

Kyhv Peak, Provo, UT

One of Provo’s best-loved hikes, this seven-miler starts in the beautiful Rock Canyon and takes you to the very top of the world. Although it may be close to civilization, Kyhv Peak (formerly Squaw Mountain/Squaw Peak) definitely delivers in difficulty (think steep, forested inclines) so make sure to wear appropriate hiking gear. 

Lower Calf Creek Falls, Boulder, UT

Scorching in summer, sweet in fall, chilly in winter and lovely in spring, Lower Calf Creek Falls is worth the trek any time of year. Even in the hottest of months, a dip in the falls is a Southern Utah tradition worth celebrating. Although not particularly steep, this scenic hike definitely necessitates adequate fuel and sunscreen.

The Subway in Zion National Park, UT

The most experienced hikers know that a trip to Utah is incomplete without experiencing the wonder of slot canyons. The Subway trail in Zion National Park is the slot canyon hike of all slot canyon hikes. At 9.5 miles round trip, this hike takes some serious maneuvering and isn’t very suitable for outdoor newbies. In fact, only hike this trail if you’re in the company of an experienced canyoneer.

Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, UT

Blessedly iconic for a reason, the Angel’s Landing trail in Zion National Park is as exhilarating as it is terrifying. When you’re checking out a magnificent red rock view while holding onto a chain bolted to a cliff, sweaty palms are inevitable. That said, this trail is an experience like none other and if completed carefully, a positive memory for the books.

The Narrows in Zion National Park, UT

Much easier than the Subway trail, the Narrows is one of Utah’s most famous hikes. Why? You’ll spend the majority of the hike wading in clear, mountain-spring water, wandering through a slithering slot canyon. Don’t worry though—there are no snakes! 

Timpanogos Cave National Monument, American Fork, UT

Stalagmites, anyone? You’d be hard-pressed to find any better than at the Timpanogos Cave National Monument. That’s right, this switch-back hike will make you break a sweat, but a professional tour of some dark, chilled caves will have you cooled off in no time.

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, UT

If you’ve ever seen a Utah license plate, you’ll recognize Delicate Arch: One of the state’s most iconic images and top tourist destinations. If you’re looking for a scenic, rewarding hike at a shorter distance, the Delicate Arch trail in Arches National Park is right up your alley. 

Albion Meadows Trail, UT

Back in the Wasatch Mountain Range, the Albion Meadows Trail offers both hiking and mountain biking. Located near Sandy in Little Cottonwood Canyon, this trail is reminiscent of the Swiss Alps and provides serenity unparalleled. 

Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Although not as big as Zion or Arches, Bryce Canyon National Park is arguably the most visually stunning of Utah’s national parks. The Navajo Loop Trail offers visitors the perfect means by which to get a well-rounded taste of what the park has to offer.

Tibble Fork Loop Trail, Provo, UT

Located in American Fork Canyon, this trail is named for Tibble Fork Reservoir, where it starts. Taking you through dense forests of spruce and pine, this trail is not only accessible, but will give you a taste as to what Utah is all about. 

King’s Peak, UT

The tallest mountain in Utah, King’s Peak has earned its gnarly reputation over decades of committed backpackers. Located in the Uinta Mountain Range, this peak requires some fierce discipline but rewards those who come out on top. 

Lone Peak via Jacob’s Ladder Trail, UT

Overlooking the cities of Alpine and Highland, Lone Peak’s jagged edges prove less frightening on the trail. Make sure you’re in decent shape, lest you end up the lone hiker as your buddies forge ahead. 

Key Insights at a Glance

• Utah offers world-class outdoor recreation with its cascading mountains, red rock, and shimmering lakes.
• Mount Timpanogos offers a surreal view of Utah Valley and vibrant wildflowers at high elevation.
• Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City provides a phenomenal view of the city and is perfect for a summer picnic.
• Big Elk Lake in the Uinta Mountain Range is a great spot for cooling down in the summer.
• Kyhv Peak in Provo offers a challenging hike with steep, forested inclines.
• Lower Calf Creek Falls in Boulder is worth the trek any time of year for a dip in the falls.
• The Subway in Zion National Park is a challenging slot canyon hike best done with experienced hikers.
• Angel's Landing in Zion National Park offers an exhilarating and terrifying hike with breathtaking views.
• The Narrows in Zion National Park is a famous hike through a slithering slot canyon with clear water.
• Timpanogos Cave National Monument offers a switch-back hike leading to chilled caves with stalagmites.
• Delicate Arch in Arches National Park is a scenic, rewarding hike at a shorter distance.
• Albion Meadows Trail near Sandy offers hiking and mountain biking in a serene setting reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.
• Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park provides a well-rounded taste of the park's stunning beauty.
• Tibble Fork Loop Trail in American Fork Canyon takes hikers through dense forests of spruce and pine.
• King's Peak in the Uinta Mountain Range is the tallest mountain in Utah and requires fierce discipline to summit.
• Lone Peak via Jacob's Ladder Trail overlooks Alpine and Highland and offers a challenging hike for those in decent shape.