10 Of The Greatest National Park Hiking Trails In Utah For Beginners
If you’re an avid hiker, you already know that you can easily spend your lifetime exploring Utah’s hiking trails. You also know that not every trail is suitable for every hiker: some are steep and wreak havoc on folks with knee problems; others climb to dizzying heights and aren’t for those whose palms sweat when looking down into a thousand-foot-deep chasm.
Beginning hikers might not be able to tackle eight-mile-long trails with steep inclines, but there are plenty of gorgeous trails in the Beehive State that are easy-peasy for just about everyone, and several can be found in our National Parks. We’ve featured our favorite two easy trails in each national park, keeping in mind that the distance should be short and the elevation gains minimal for newbies of hiking. Browsing this list will help you uncover your new favorite national park to visit in Utah for easy hikes.
1. Double Arch Trail, Arches National Park
Arches National Park Road, Arches Nat'l Pk Rd, Utah, USA
The trail to Double Arch is just a half mile, and that's round trip! There's almost no elevation change - just 32 feet total - and the payoff for this short stroll is a beautiful double arch. Learn more about what makes Arches the best national park to visit in Utah.
2. Landscape Arch Trail, Arches National Park
Arches National Park Road, Arches Nat'l Pk Rd, Utah, USA
Landscape Arch is the fifth longest natural arch in the world, and the largest in the United States. To reach it, hikers take the trail by the same name, which is just under two miles, out and back. There's a bit of an elevation change (256 feet), but it's easy enough for most newbies. Looking for another great trail in Arches National Park? Check out the Park Avenue Trail for breathtaking scenery at every turn.
The Mossy Cave Trail gives you an up-close view of the iconic hoodoos of the park without a super steep descent. The trail is just one mile, out and back. No matter the time of year, Bryce Canyon National Park makes for an excellent day trip destination.
The three mile out-and-back Tower Bridge Trail is likely the hardest on our list. Plan on a hike of about three hours, and an elevation change of 826 feet. Looking for more? Another great nearby hiking option is Fairyland Loop Trail.
5. Grand View Point Trail, Canyonlands National Park
It's easy to get a peek at Grand View, because you'll travel just 100 yards on a paved trail from the parking lot. Continue on along the unpaved trail, down the staircase and along the edge of the drop-off to another viewpoint, which adds one mile to your trip. It's well worth the longer stroll, and not very strenuous. Learn more about visiting Canyonlands National Park, Utah's least-visited national park.
Photographers from all over the world come to photograph the sunrise at Mesa Arch, and even newbie hikers can join them. Wake up at the crack of dawn, park in the parking lot, and stroll just a quarter mile to the arch. Learn more about this short-and-sweet hiking trail in Utah.
7. Goosenecks & Sunset Point Trail, Capitol Reef National Park
Now that you've seen the sunrise at Canyonlands, take a nap, then head out to the Goosenecks & Sunset Point trail at Capitol Reef for some stellar sunset views. The trail is just 2.5 miles out and back, and you'll have a few elevation gains here and there. Learn more about the fascinating history behind Capitol Reef National Park.
The longest hike on our list, the Grand Wash Trail is just over six miles long (out and back), but the terrain isn't steep, so it's not a tough journey. You'll be surrounded on both sides by massive cliffs, and in one spot you'll hike through "the narrows," for a slot-canyon experience you won't forget. Learn more about what makes the Grand Wash Trail so unique.
9. Zion Narrows Riverside Walk, Zion National Park
This is the most popular (and busy) trail at Zion National Park, and because it's paved, it's accessible to everyone. Take a stroll for 1.8 miles out and back to get a look at Zion's iconic beauty.
The Lower Emerald Pools Trail is also quite popular, so don't expect to be hiking this one alone! It's just 1.3 miles out and back, and takes you right under a waterfall. If you're feeling more adventurous, continue on to the Upper Emerald Pools, which is more difficult. Ready to plan your visit to Zion? Check out our list of things you should know before traveling to Zion National Park.
What are your thoughts on these incredible hiking trails? Do you have a favorite national park to visit in Utah? This is just a small sampling of the many easy trails all throughout the Beehive State that are perfect if you’re just getting started hiking. Do you have other favorites you’d recommend? If so, tell our readers in the comments!
Address: Zion National Park Visitor Center, Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, USA
Address: UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, USA
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
Address: Moab, UT 84532, USA
Address: Capitol Reef, National Park, UT 84775, USA
Address: The Narrows, Utah 84737, USA
Address: Zion National Park, UT, Springdale, UT 84737, USA
Address: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
Address: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Utah 84532, USA
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Utah 84532, USA
Address: Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
Address: Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
Address: Arches National Park Road, Arches Nat'l Pk Rd, Utah, USA
Address: Arches National Park Road, Arches Nat'l Pk Rd, Utah, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
national park to visit in Utah
February 09, 2022
Beth C.
How many national parks are there in Utah?
No trip to Utah is complete without experiencing at least one of the state’s incredible national parks. Of course, we’d recommend experiencing each of the “Big 5,” the nickname for Utah’s five impressive parks. These destinations include Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. Curious to see all of these places in one convenient itinerary? Check out the Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip — we think you’ll love it!
What are the best state parks to visit in Utah?
Utah may be famous for its national parks, but it’s also true that the Beehive State is home to an impressive amount of must-see state parks. Curious where to start? The following is a list of some amazing, lesser-known state parks to visit in Utah: Camp Floyd State Park, Gunlock State Park, Anasazi State Park, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, Goosenecks State Park, Frontier Homestead State Park, Red Fleet State Park, Palisade State Park, and Snow Canyon State Park. Curious to learn more about these spots? Check out our previous article: 10 State Parks In Utah You’ve Never Heard Of But Should Visit Immediately.
Address: Zion National Park Visitor Center, Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, USA
Address: UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, USA
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
Address: Moab, UT 84532, USA
Address: Capitol Reef, National Park, UT 84775, USA
Address: The Narrows, Utah 84737, USA
Address: Zion National Park, UT, Springdale, UT 84737, USA
Address: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
Address: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Utah 84532, USA
Address: Canyonlands National Park, Utah 84532, USA
Address: Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
Address: Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
Address: Arches National Park Road, Arches Nat'l Pk Rd, Utah, USA
Address: Arches National Park Road, Arches Nat'l Pk Rd, Utah, USA
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
