12 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Utah Should Take
Utah offers literally hundreds of hiking trails; it would be impossible to list all the best ones! This list features 12 hikes under 5 miles in Utah that’ll showcase some of our state’s most stunning landscape. Some are easy, others are more strenuous, all include some beautiful scenery.
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This hike gives you an eagle’s-eye view of the park without a grueling climb. The trailhead starts just east of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. It’s about one mile round-trip and should take you around an hour to complete.
This is a great hike to view wildflowers this spring, and you might see some cool wildlife, too. The trailhead starts at the Albion Basin Campground at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The hike is 1.5 miles round-trip and is somewhat strenuous - you’ll climb about 300 feet in elevation along the way. And the lake? Mesmerizing!
This is Arches’ most popular trail by far, but everyone should take it at least once. The trailhead begins about 11 miles inside the park (take the Delicate Arch/Wolf Ranch turn-off). The hike is 3 miles round-trip. Don’t forget your camera!
No actual pastries are involved in this 3.5-mile hike, but the waterfall at the end is pretty amazing (the water falls through a hole in the rock - like a donut). To find the trailhead, drive about 9 miles up the canyon to the Mill D trailhead, then proceed to the Jordan Pines Picnic Area.
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is an easy hike that’s perfect for families. It also provides a great view of Ogden. Access the trail from Harrison Blvd. at 22nd Street, 29th Street, 36th Street or 46th Street. Hike as far as you’d like!
The easiest tour in the park, Queen's Garden starts at Sunrise Point. You’ll descend 320 feet, down amongst the hoodoos and formations. The hike is 1.8 miles round-trip.
This trail has an elevation climb of 500 feet, so it can be somewhat difficult, but the reward at the end is a stunning waterfall! The trail is 3.8 miles round-trip. Find the trailhead at the end of Eastside Road in Layton.
Emerald Pools is one of Zions’ most popular hikes, and it’s easy to see why. The waterfalls cool you off from the hot summer sun, and the scenery is gorgeous. The hike to the upper pools is 3 miles round-trip - you can choose to stop at the lower or middle pools for a shorter hike. To access the trailhead, ride the Zion shuttle to the Emerald Pools stop.
If you’ve never hiked up to Timpanogos Cave, now’s the time! The switchbacks are strenuous, but the cave tour at the top is well worth your trouble. The trail is three miles round-trip. Take a jacket for the cave tour - it’s only about 45 degrees Fahrenheit inside.
Tony Grove Lake is a pretty spot in Logan Canyon at about 8,100 feet. Take the 1.2 round-trip nature trail around the lake, or venture to White Pine Lake, another 2 miles.. To find the trailhead, take the Tony Grove turn-off from Logan Canyon, then drive to the end of the road.
If you want to get away from the throngs of tourists and see part of Arches National Park that’s often passed by, take the Tower Arch trail. It’s only 3 miles round-trip, and on fairly level ground, but you’ll want to bring plenty of water because it crosses open desert with full sun exposure. Find the trailhead in the Klondike Bluffs section of the park.
This trail culminates at one of Utah’s most beautiful waterfalls - a 200-foot, 2-tiered fall. Find the trailhead off the Alpine Scenic Loop at Aspen Grove. The trail is 3.5 miles round-trip.
What’s your favorite short Utah hike? Did it make the list? Let us know in the comments below or nominate it for a chance to be featured!
Address: Canyon Overlook Trail, Utah 84737, USA
Address: Cecret Lake, Alta, UT 84092, USA
Address: Delicate Arch Trail, Utah, USA
Address: Doughnut Falls, Utah 84121, USA
Address: Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Address: Queens Garden, Utah 84764, USA
Address: Layton, UT 84040, USA
Address: Emerald Pools, Utah 84737, USA
Address: 2038 Alpine Loop Rd, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
Address: Tony Grove Lake, Utah 84333, USA
Address: Moab, UT 84532, USA
Address: Stewart Falls Trail, Utah 84604, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hikes Under 5 Miles In Utah
May 07, 2021
Jackie Ann
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Utah?
Getting back to nature is a great way to spend a day filled with family fun and Utah parents have a wide selection of kid-appropriate hikes to choose from. The Silver Lake American Fork Canyon is a popular 2.3-mile trail that winds through a lush forest of towering aspen trees to reveal some incredible mountain vistas. Located up Payson Canyon is an awesome geological formation known as The Devil’s Kitchen. This super short hike spans only a ¼ mile but offers stunning scenery, picnic areas, and is wheelchair accessible. At Bells Canyon you can see sweeping valley and reservoir views in just 20 minutes! The easily accessible trailhead is located at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon and is rated as an easy hike the whole family will love.
What are the best outdoor adventures in Utah?
Outdoor lovers in Utah will find no shortage of exciting, heart-pumping activities to satisfy the adventurous spirit all year round. Our state is home to some of the best mountain biking destinations in the country and the Moab area is a notable leader of the pack. Trails range in difficulty but there are plenty of paths for all experience levels to enjoy. If you’re a water sports enthusiast, the Moab region has it all! Explore the striking scenery by raft along the Colorado River and take in the incredible sights of its famous red canyons and buttes. For some unforgettable skiing and snowboarding, head to Brighton Resort near Wasatch Mountain State Park. Boasting the second-highest base elevation of all Utah ski resorts, Brighton offers a range of ski and snowboard options for all skill levels.
What are the best family-friendly campgrounds in Utah?
Family camping trips can be a magical experience for both kids and parents alike and Utah offers a multitude of kid-approved camping sites to discover. The Hailstone campground at Jordanelle Reservoir and State Park in northern Utah is a favorite camping area among local families. Spend a day by the water enjoying the parks many recreational activities like boating, birdwatching, fishing, and swimming. In the eastern region of Utah, the Rock Creek and Upper Stillwater Reservoir is nestled in the gorgeous scenery of the Uinta Mountains and offers excellent campground sites and popular hiking trails. In central Utah, spend the night in an enchanted aspen forest surrounded by roaming herds of elk at camping at Fishlake. Fun fact, not only is Fishlake full of fish, but the lake itself is shaped like one!
Address: Canyon Overlook Trail, Utah 84737, USA
Address: Cecret Lake, Alta, UT 84092, USA
Address: Delicate Arch Trail, Utah, USA
Address: Doughnut Falls, Utah 84121, USA
Address: Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Address: Queens Garden, Utah 84764, USA
Address: Layton, UT 84040, USA
Address: Emerald Pools, Utah 84737, USA
Address: 2038 Alpine Loop Rd, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
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.
