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Nature|Hiking

The 2.3-Mile Trail In Utah That Leads To An Extraordinary Lake

Published Apr 22, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

One of the best ways to explore the Beehive State is on a hiking trail. With hundreds of trails throughout Utah to tackle, there is always someplace for you to get outside, move your body, and admire the natural beauty found in our great state. One trail that you must add to your bucket list is the Lake Mary Trail, which begins at Brighton Resort. This hike is short, a bit of a climb, and takes you to one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. It’s easy to see why it is considered one of the best hikes in Utah.

The Lake Mary Trail will take you on an adventure through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. You’ll find the trailhead at Brighton Resort.

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Todd Leeflang/AllTrails

Because portions of this trail pass Brighton Resort, you may encounter closures on this trail during the winter months.

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This is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail. It is considered moderate in difficulty as you will climb approximately 800 feet on your journey.

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Brantlee Neff/AllTrails

This is a well-known and popular trail in the area. This means that you may see others along your way.

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Ben Weber/AllTrails

But nothing will prepare you for the views you will receive when you arrive at Lake Mary.

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Andrea Truitt/AllTrails

The mountains and trees create a gorgeous scene that will make you fall in love with Utah and its natural beauty.

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Paris Matthews/AllTrails

I recommend you spend some time sitting next to the lake and soaking in the scenes surrounding you. Keep in mind that this is a protected watershed so swimming and dogs are not allowed.

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Mary Beck/AllTrails

If you enjoy a beautiful day in nature like I do, you’ll fall in love with the Lake Mary Trail. There’s a reason it is considered one of the best hikes in Utah — it checks off all the boxes for the best outdoor adventure.

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Jenny Hernandez/AllTrails

Have you ever hiked the Lake Mary Trail? What did you think about your journey? Let us know in the comments. You can learn more about the trail and read about other hikers’ experiences on AllTrails.

Whether you wish to tackle the Lake Mary Trail or another one of the best hikes in Utah, make sure you are prepared. We’ve put together a must-have hiking packing list. Take a look at the 75 accessories we recommend for a day on the trails.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike Snow Canyon State Park’s Scout Cave Trail in Utah for an Unforgettable Adventure

In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real.

Published Nov 5, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Utah is a nature lover's dream, and we're blessed with some of the best hiking trails in the country. It just doesn't get much better than our vast canyons and stunning rock formations. I could spend the rest of my life hiking in the Beehive State and still get excited about hitting the trail each day! In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real. Plus, it's kid and pet-friendly!

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AllTrails Zach Schuster

Scout Cave Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike that passes over lava flow fields, Navajo Sandstone rocks, and stream beds. Although it's rated as intermediate on AllTrails, most hikers describe it as being easy, so you definitely don't need to be super skilled. The elevation gain is about 350 feet, and just a few moderate climbing sections make up the bulk of it. You're unlikely to get lost because the trail is very well-marked, and the variation in terrain makes for an interesting adventure from start to finish.

By far the coolest part of the trail (and the main reason anyone hikes it in the first place) is Scout Cave. It's located right before the turnaround point and showcases unbelievable panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city below. You can actually go inside the cave, which makes this trail a favorite among kiddos.

Shade is minimal, so if you're visiting in the summer, you'll definitely want to wear a hat and load up on sunscreen. Getting started early in the morning also helps with the temperature issue - although the views at sunset are equally as mesmerizing. You should also bring plenty of water and a snack or two, and make sure you have durable footwear for the rock scrambling sections of the trail (however brief they may be).

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Scout Cave Trail, including the parking fee for Snow Canyon State Park. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you do a lot of hiking. The app offers exclusive perks like offline and 3D maps, ensuring you never miss a turn.

Have you ever hiked this trail? If so, do you think it's one of the best hikes in Utah? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article for some of the best things to do in the nearby town of St. George. It's perfect for a family getaway!

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Utah Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

When it comes to iconic hikes in Utah, Zion National Park is the first place I think of (along with Arches and Bryce Canyon, of course). After all, it's home to some of the most stunning views our state has to offer, and millions of people travel from all over the world each year to revel in its magic. One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

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AllTrails Kristin Kozelsky

At 3.6 miles long, the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail is by no means the longest hike in the park, but it is one of the most challenging. The out-and-back trail is rated as hard on AllTrails due to its steep ascent. You'll climb over 1,100 feet in a relatively short distance, navigating tight switchbacks before arriving at the final viewpoint known as Scout Lookout.

While the view at the top is definitely the pièce de résistance, you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery along the entire trail. At the beginning, the path crosses the Virgin River on a bridge before paralleling the river for a short time. From there, the ascent begins, and as the scene unfolds before your eyes, it only gets more picturesque with every step you take. With the ancient, majestic canyon walls rising up all around, you'll swear you're looking at a painting or a postcard. That's just part of living in Utah - what a blessing to call such a state home where the scenery is almost too beautiful to be real.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue past Scout Lookout to Angel's Landing, but only experienced hikers should attempt this. Additionally, the trail does not offer much shade, so consider starting either in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat if you're visiting in the warmer months.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you're an avid hiker. The app is an incredible resource with features like 3D flyovers, wrong-turn alerts, and offline map access. Your first week is free, so there's no risk involved in trying it out.

Have you ever embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? What are your favorite iconic hikes in Utah? Tell us in the comments!

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