Whether you’re setting goals for the upcoming year or just want some quiet space to think and reflect on your hopes and dreams, a hiking trail can be just what you need. There are hundreds of hiking trails in Utah where you can disconnect and immerse yourself in your thoughts, but we’ve put together this list of our favorites. Lace up your hiking boots and check out these seven best hikes in Utah soon!

1. Angel's Palace Trail, Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome State Park Road, Kodachrome State Park Rd, Utah 84736, USA
Jenn Daniels/Alltrails
Visit Southern Utah without the crowds when you explore Kodachrome Basin State Park. The Angel's Palace Trail is short — just a 1.4-mile loop — and it's full of scenic vistas. We can't think of a better place to contemplate your hopes and dreams for the year ahead.
2. Buffalo Point Trail, Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park, Utah, USA
Chrissy Shammas/Alltrails
The Buffalo Point Trail is an excellent hiking trail regardless of the time of year. In the winter, the bugs have gone to bed and the tourists are all at home, making this the perfect place to enjoy some quiet. In the summer, climb the half-mile up to this lookout and see for miles.
3. Rock Canyon Trail, Provo
Rock Canyon Trail, Provo, UT 84604, USA
Matthew Smith/Alltrails
Looking for something more challenging? Check out Rock Canyon Trail, located in Rock Canyon Park. The 5.5-mile trail is considered moderately difficult, with a 1,709-foot elevation change. Also, this trail is supposedly haunted! Maybe one of your goals this year is to see a ghost?

Related Stories

The Creepiest Hike In Utah Takes You Through A Haunted Rock Canyon

The Creepiest Hike In Utah Takes You Through A Haunted Rock Canyon

 Take These 12 Incredible Utah Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year

Take These 12 Incredible Utah Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year

 Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In Utah

Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In Utah
4. The Living Room Lookout Trail, Salt Lake City
Living Room Trail, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Jocelyn Tian/Alltrails
Check out the spectacular scenery high above the city when you hike the Living Room Lookout Trail. The end of the trail features several slabs of rock that are fashioned into chairs, so you can sit and soak up those views. The hike is 2.3 miles, out and back.
5. Scout Cave Trail, Ivins
Ivins, UT, USA
Thaddeus Wendt/Google
You'll find Scout Cave Trail in Ivins (near St. George). This is a 4.4-mile, out-and-back trail and you'll want to be prepared to climb a bit to reach the cave. It's worth your effort though!
6. Mesa Arch Trail, Canyonlands National Park
Mesa Arch Trail, Utah 84532, USA
Nick Wilson/Alltrails
We can't help but add Mesa Arch Trail to this list, even though it's crowded pretty much all year long. Wake up early and take the 0.3-mile stroll to Mesa Arch. The landscape beyond the arch is just stunning, and in the winter it's especially beautiful. This is not only one of the most scenic hikes in Utah but also one of the best.
7. Silver Lake Loop Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon
Silver Lake Trail, Utah, USA
Yangyang Zhao/Alltrails
This is one of our favorite trails in the summer, and it's a winter wonderland for snowshoeing. The loop trail takes you around the lake with mesmerizing mountain views surrounding you. The trail is 0.9 miles, and during the winter, requires a day ticket purchased at the Solitude Nordic Center.

Do you have a favorite hiking trail that you visit when you want a quiet, calm space to think about your goals? What do you think are the best hikes in Utah? Share with us your thoughts in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best hikes in Utah

Courtnie Erickson | March 16, 2022

What are some easy hikes in Utah?

If you are searching for kid-friendly hikes around Utah, you are in luck. There are easy hikes scattered all over the state and many are absolutely gorgeous. One of our favorite easy hikes in Utah is the Silver Lake Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon. This loop trail circles the beautiful Silver Lake, and even better, the trail is less than one mile long. Despite the short trail, make sure you take your time and enjoy the beauty surrounding you. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the Beehive State.

Another one of the best easy hikes in Utah is found at Arches National Park. The Double Arch Trail is just 0.6-miles and is an out-and-back trail. The red rocks are fun to explore and the arches are quite mesmerizing. Just be aware that during peak season, this becomes a very busy hiking trail.

What are some of the most scenic hikes in Utah?

When you are searching for “hiking trails near me,” add Timpanogos Cave Trail to your list. This is one of the most scenic hikes in Utah, taking you up to the incredible Timpanogos Cave. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear adequate hiking shoes as you’ll hike right up the mountain on multiple switchbacks. If you need a break, sit down on one of the benches along the path.

Related Articles

Explore Utah