Utah’s Top 30 Hiking Trails You’ve Probably Overlooked ⛰️
Utah, renowned for its “Mighty Five” national parks and stunning red rock landscapes, offers some of the most diverse and spectacular hiking opportunities in North America.
From the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion to the delicate arches of Moab, and from the pristine alpine lakes of the Wasatch Mountains to the mystical hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the Beehive State provides unparalleled outdoor adventures.
We’re counting down Utah’s premier hiking destinations, revealing their unique features, and the incredible landscapes that await your boots!
Jump to a Trail
- #30 Mossy Cave Trail
- #29 Hickman Bridge Trail
- #28 Sunset Point and Sunrise Point via Rim Trail
- #27 Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
- #26 Double O Arch Trail
- #25 Emerald Pools Trail
- #24 Corona and Bowtie Arch via Corona Arch Trail
- #23 Stewart Cascade Trail
- #22 Navajo Loop Trail
- #21 The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk
Source: Pixabay
30. Mossy Cave Trail
Distance: 0.9 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Estimated Time: 23 minutes
Highlights: Mossy Cave Trail offers an easy introduction to the wonders of Bryce Canyon National Park. This short, family-friendly hike provides a perfect taste of the canyon experience without the challenging descent into the main amphitheater, making it ideal for those with limited time or mobility.
It features hoodoos, a waterfall, and a mossy cave with hanging icicles, offering a perfect introductory Bryce Canyon experience. It is accessible year-round with stunning winter ice formations.
Source: Pixabay
29. Hickman Bridge Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Estimated Time: 56 minutes
Highlights: Located in Capitol Reef National Park, the Hickman Bridge Trail is a relaxing and scenic hike that showcases the park’s diverse geology and rich cultural history. This interpretive trail features 17 numbered stops that highlight the area’s natural and human heritage.
It features a natural sandstone bridge formation and rich cultural and geological interpretation. It is easy to follow with excellent educational value.
Source: Pixabay
28. Sunset Point and Sunrise Point via Rim Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Estimated Time: 26 minutes
Highlights: This section of Bryce Canyon’s Rim Trail connects two of the park’s most famous viewpoints, offering spectacular panoramic views of the main amphitheater. It’s one of the few trails in Bryce Canyon that allows dogs, making it perfect for pet owners.
It connects two iconic Bryce Canyon viewpoints and is a dog-friendly trail. It features a paved and accessible pathway with stunning hoodoo views throughout.
Source: Pixabay
27. Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
Distance: 0.9 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Estimated Time: 25 minutes
Highlights: Despite being short, the Canyon Overlook Trail offers some of the most breathtaking views in Zion National Park. Located in the upper east canyon, this trail provides a unique perspective of the main canyon from above.
It offers a spectacular overlook of Zion Canyon and requires private vehicle access (no shuttle). It is perfect for sunset photography, being a short but rewarding climb.
Source: Pixabay
26. Double O Arch Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Estimated Time: 2.5 hours
Highlights: Double O Arch Trail extends beyond the famous Landscape Arch in Arches National Park, leading to a unique formation featuring two arches stacked on top of each other. The terrain becomes more challenging past Landscape Arch, offering a true backcountry experience.
It is the second-largest arch in the Devil’s Garden area and features rugged terrain beyond Landscape Arch. It is less crowded than shorter arch hikes.
Source: Pixabay
25. Emerald Pools Trail
Distance: 2.9 miles round-trip (all pools)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Estimated Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Highlights: The Emerald Pools Trail system in Zion National Park offers multiple hiking options to reach three distinct pools and waterfalls. This popular trail provides excellent views of Zion Canyon while leading to refreshing oases tucked beneath towering cliffs.
It features three pools with varying difficulty levels and is accessible via Zion Lodge. It has well-maintained paved and rocky sections, offering beautiful valley views.
Source: Pixabay
24. Corona and Bowtie Arch via Corona Arch Trail
Distance: 2.3 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 440 feet
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Located outside Arches National Park near Moab, Corona Arch offers an excellent introduction to desert hiking with two spectacular arches as destinations. This dog-friendly trail features diverse terrain and stunning Colorado River views.
It features two impressive arches outside the national park and is a dog-friendly trail. It has slickrock terrain with safety cables on steep sections and offers Colorado River views.
Source: Pixabay
23. Stewart Cascade Trail
Distance: 3.5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Estimated Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Highlights: Stewart Falls is one of Utah’s most photographed waterfalls, featuring a dramatic two-tiered cascade over 200 feet tall. Located on the east side of Mount Timpanogos, this trail offers beautiful forest scenery and mountain views.
It features a two-tiered waterfall over 200 feet tall and a beautiful forest setting in the Wasatch Mountains. It is a popular photography destination with Provo Canyon views.
Source: Pixabay
22. Navajo Loop Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 550 feet
Estimated Time: 58 minutes
Highlights: One of Bryce Canyon’s most popular trails, the Navajo Loop descends into the main amphitheater and passes through the famous “Wall Street” canyon. This trail provides close-up views of the park’s iconic hoodoos and towering Douglas fir trees.
It features the famous “Wall Street” narrow slot canyon and a close-up hoodoo experience. It includes the iconic Thor’s Hammer formation and features steep switchbacks through the amphitheater.
Source: Pixabay
21. The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk
Distance: 1.9 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Estimated Time: 44 minutes
Highlights: The gateway to the world-famous Narrows, this paved riverside walk provides easy access to some of Zion’s most spectacular scenery. While only the beginning of the full Narrows experience, it offers incredible canyon views and river access.
It is a paved trail to Virgin River and the gateway to the famous Narrows hike. It features spectacular canyon walls, accessible facilities, and sandy beaches.