Take These 12 Incredible Utah Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
It’s easy to take Utah’s natural beauty for granted. This year, make it a priority to get out there and explore our beautiful state! We’ve compiled a list of what we believe to be some of the very best hikes in Utah. Lace-up your hiking boots and take these 12 incredible hikes; there’s one for every month of the year.
1. January: Silver Lake Loop, Solitude Nordic Center, Big Cottonwood Canyon
Solitude Nordic Center, 12000 S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd Suite 4002, Solitude, UT 84121, USA
Our list of the best hikes in Utah begins in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Silver Lake is one of the most scenic spots in Utah, and it's gorgeous year-round. Kick off the year with some fresh air and exercise! Bring your snowshoes or Nordic skies to explore the trail and tracks. You'll need to purchase a pass at the Solitude Nordic Center during winter months. When it comes to the best hikes in Utah, the Silver Lake Loop is an easy choice.
Utah's most iconic rock formation, Delicate Arch is a place that every Utahn should see in person. February is a great time to take this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail; there are fewer tourists, and a dusting of snow makes the arch and its surroundings even more beautiful.
The Angel's Landing Trail is known all over the world for its unique characteristics (and its terrifying heights). March temperatures are perfect for this hike - usually in the low-to-mid 50's. Be prepared for some sheer drop-offs...and a breathtaking view from the top! Learn more about the iconic Angel's Landing Trail in Utah.
4. April: Queens Garden Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon National Park
The Queens Garden-Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce is a visitor favorite. You'll drop right down amongst the hoodoos along the 2.9-mile loop trail. Take an in-depth look at this beautiful Utah hiking trail.
5. May: Lower Calf Creek Falls, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
On a warm May day, the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail is a good choice. You'll see some cool prehistoric rock art and granaries along the way, and at the end of the trail, you're rewarded with this stunning, 130-foot-tall waterfall. Cool off in its pool before heading back.
Donut Falls is a favorite with hikers of all ages, and it's a great trail to take during hot summer months. You'll hike alongside the river, and then right down the middle of it to reach this unique waterfall. The hike is 3.5 miles out-and-back. Learn more about hiking Donut Falls in Utah.
7. July: Dog Lake, Millcreek Canyon
Millcreek Canyon, 3800 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, USA
If you love to hike with your furry friend, this is the trail for you! During your hike, you'll pass pups on their way down, soaking wet, carrying sticks and wagging their tails. The lake at the top of the trail isn't very scenic, but it's the perfect swimming hole for your best friend. Learn more about this incredible, dog-friendly destination in Utah.
8. August: Mount Timpanogos via Timpanooke trail, American Fork Canyon
Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple, 742 N 900 E, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
Challenge yourself with this incredible 15-mile out-and-back trail to the peak of Mount Timp. You'll want to bring along plenty of water (and snacks!) to fuel this all-day-long hike. The scenery along the way is stunning, and the view from the top is unforgettable. While you're there, don't forget to check out Scout Falls.
9. September: Cascade Springs, Alpine Loop, Utah County
Cascade Springs, Cascade Scenic Dr, Provo, UT 84604, USA
You'll find Cascade Springs along the Alpine Loop, and it's gorgeous in the fall. It's an easy hike along a boardwalk with just a few steep spots. You'll pass pretty ponds and little falls cascading amongst the fall foliage. When it comes to short and sweet trails in Utah, it doesn't get much better than this trail.
The Wind Cave Trail is our favorite fall foliage trail. Logan Canyon is filled with rich orange, yellow, and red leaves, and the cave itself is fun to explore. The views from it are picturesque, too.
11. November: Hickman Bridge Trail, Capitol Reef National Park
The weather might be slushy and cold in northern Utah in November, but Capitol Reef National Park is generally still sunny and around 50 degrees. The trail to Hickman Bridge is short and sweet - just 1.8 miles out and back, and the huge arch is amazing. Learn more about the iconic Hickman Bridge Trail in Utah.
12. December: Goblin Valley Loop, Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park, Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, UT 84525, USA
Last but certainly not least, our list of the best hikes in Utah concludes with a December-friendly trail in Goblin Valley State Park. Goblin Valley is one of the strangest spots in the entire Beehive State. The valley full of odd hoodoos is always fun to explore, and in the winter you might enjoy a dusting of snow. Moreover, Goblin Valley State Park has been voted the best state park in Utah.
Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Utah? Share your favorites with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
Address: Wind Cave Trail, Arizona 85207, USA
Address: Angels Landing, Utah 84737, USA
Address: Queens Garden, Utah 84764, USA
Address: Lower Calf Creek Falls, Utah 84716, USA
Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah 84121, USA
Address: Millcreek Canyon, 3800 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, USA
Address: Delicate Arch, Utah, USA
Address: Solitude Nordic Center, 12000 S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd Suite 4002, Solitude, UT 84121, USA
Address: Cascade Springs, Cascade Scenic Dr, Provo, UT 84604, USA
Address: Goblin Valley State Park, Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, UT 84525, USA
Address: Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple, 742 N 900 E, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
Address: Hickman Bridge Trail, Utah, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Utah
March 19, 2022
Beth C.
What’s the most dangerous trail in Utah?
Utah’s natural landscape is wonderfully wild. Filled with canyons, towering mountain peaks, and even desert, there’s an incredible diversity of natural beauty in the Beehive State. It’s also true that these wild spaces can be dangerous, especially for those who are unprepared. That’s why you should always take precautions when planning a hike in Utah, no matter which region you’re visiting. Weather conditions can change in a flash, so always keep that in mind when planning a hiking excursion. And be sure to never start a hike without plenty of water and food. That’s especially true if you’re planning to tackle the most dangerous trail in Utah: the Maze in Canyonlands National Park. As its name implies, the Maze is especially difficult to navigate, even for the most experienced hikers. The trail is filled with dead-ends, but it’s also dangerous because of the chance of flash flooding. Those who plan on hiking the most dangerous trail in Utah should exercise extreme caution. Another very dangerous trail in Utah is Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park. One segment of the trail features a skinny land-bridge with just a metal chain for guidance, challenging balance and threatening the risk of falling.
Address: Wind Cave Trail, Arizona 85207, USA
Address: Angels Landing, Utah 84737, USA
Address: Queens Garden, Utah 84764, USA
Address: Lower Calf Creek Falls, Utah 84716, USA
Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah 84121, USA
Address: Millcreek Canyon, 3800 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, USA
Address: Delicate Arch, Utah, USA
Address: Solitude Nordic Center, 12000 S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd Suite 4002, Solitude, UT 84121, USA
Address: Cascade Springs, Cascade Scenic Dr, Provo, UT 84604, USA
Address: Goblin Valley State Park, Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, UT 84525, USA
Address: Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple, 742 N 900 E, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
Address: Hickman Bridge Trail, 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.
