Posted in Utah
April 20, 2016
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 only 12 of Utah’s amazing hikes – and each is less than 5 miles round-trip. 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.
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 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?
