11 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Utah
If you live in Utah, you really should do at least a little bit of hiking. It’s the best way to see our state’s incredible natural surroundings, and it’s a shame to miss out on this free, easy activity. Sure, not every Utahn is a hard-core hiker. And, that’s ok!
The wonderful thing about Utah’s hiking trails is that there’s something for everyone. Are you really out of shape? Do you use a wheelchair, cane, or walker? No problem. There is a Utah trail for you. Unless you’re allergic to sunlight and fresh air, I promise that you’ll find a hiking trail on this list that you’ll love. Take a look at our list of easy hikes in Utah, then make plans to hike at least one of these easy trails as soon as you can.
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1. Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Multiple Locations Along the Wasatch Front
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail will eventually reach from the Utah/Idaho border all the way south to Nephi. Currently, it's about 100 miles long and you'll find sections from Cache County to Utah County. This section, from the Avenues neighborhood in Salt Lake City to Parley's Canyon, is particularly popular. It's about 22 miles long and is mostly flat, so it's an easy hike for most people. Dogs are also allowed on this trail, which offers pretty wildflowers and fabulous views of the Salt Lake Valley. It's hard to imagine a more epic beginning to our list of easy hikes in Utah.
To reach Mesa Arch, you'll walk just .3 miles on a fairly level path. It's a very popular trail, so you won't find much solitude here, but the view is well worth the extra company. Plus, you might consider hiking early in the day to avoid crowds. Plus, a visit to Mesa Arch early in the morning will make for some epic sunrise photos.
3. Silver Lake, Big Cottonwood Canyon
Catherine Armstrong
Silver Lake is about 14 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It's a .9-mile loop that's almost completely ADA accessible. A boardwalk surrounds most of the lake; the rest is hard-packed dirt and easily navigable, though there are a few spots on the far side of the lake that have some rocks and tree roots. This is also one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Utah. For more information, read our full article here.
This pretty trail makes a 1.5-mile loop around the lake. You'll see colorful wildflowers and will probably encounter some adorable wildlife (squirrels and chipmunks, for instance) along the way. This kid-friendly trail is also one of the best hiking trails in Utah.
When the weather is nice, this easy trail in Utah takes you right under a scenic waterfall. The trail starts at Zion Lodge and is about two miles long. If you're up for a little bit more elevation gain, continue along past the middle pool and to Upper Emerald Pool. This trail can be slippery in rainy or cold weather, so check with the park rangers before you go.
6. Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail, American Fork Canyon
The Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail is ADA-accessible and is just .7 miles long. It's a memorable hike that takes you past the springs, which create tons of tiny waterfalls. It's fun for even the smallest children and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. For more information, read our full article here.
This is the most strenuous hike on our list of easy hikes in Utah, but it should be on your itinerary if you're interested in a little challenge. The entire trail is paved, but the switchbacks up the mountain can be steep. However, at the curve of every switchback, you'll find a bench to sit on to rest for a bit. And while you're resting, the views of American Fork Canyon are spectacular. Take this hike in the spring or fall before the temperature heats up, and take plenty of water. The hike is only 1.5 miles to the top.
Grotto Falls is not ADA-accessible, but it's a fun trail for families with kids, and it's an easy hike for most. The trail is just .06 miles out and back and ends at a beautiful little waterfall. The best news of all? Dogs are allowed on this trail, too!
Birdsong Trail is a 2.6-mile loop and you can bring your pup, as long as he's on a leash. The trail winds through the trees, past six springs, and a lovely pond. Along the way, you'll see tons of birds and wildlife. If you're looking to teach your kiddos about the outdoors, this is a great family-friendly trail in Utah.
10. Grosvenor Arch, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
While some of Utah's beautiful arches require a strenuous hike, the trail to Grosvenor Arch is ADA-accessible and just .2 miles long. The trail takes you right up to the arch, which is actually a split arch with two windows. For more information, read our full article here.
Riverside Walk is an ADA-accessible trail in Zion National Park that takes you along the canyon and the Virgin River. Take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava stop (the last shuttle stop), then stroll along the path for one mile until the trail ends at the river. From there, you can walk through the water in the river at the beginning of the Zion Narrows Trail. At that point, the trail is no longer wheelchair-accessible, but if you have kids with you and it's hot, they'll definitely love to continue on for a bit in the cool water.
Even easy hikes in Utah require a little bit of preparation. Make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear, and that you bring plenty of water. Ideally, you’ll hike with at least one other person. If you go alone, make sure you let someone know when and where you’re going, and when you plan to return. Thunderstorms can be deadly while you’re hiking; some areas are prone to flash flooding while others put you at risk for lightning strikes. As long as you take a few precautions before you head off to hike, you’ll be fine.
Address: Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Address: Utah, USA
Address: 8073 Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Brighton, UT 84121, USA
Address: Tony Grove Lake, Utah 84333, USA
Address: Springdale, UT 84737, USA
Address: Cascade Scenic Dr, Provo, UT, USA
Address: Payson Canyon, Utah 84651, USA
Address: 745 U.S. 89, Kanab, UT 84741, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Easy Hikes In Utah
May 14, 2020
Beth C.
Are there any other easy hiking trails in Utah?
It’s no exaggeration to say that Utah is a hiker’s paradise. The Beehive State is a treasure trove of National Parks, state parks, and other outdoor spaces that are just waiting to be discovered. Whether you prefer climbing to the top of mountain peaks or exploring the desert, there’s bound to be the perfect trail for you. And the best part of all is that some of the best hiking trails in Utah are also relatively easy. In addition to the trails we’ve outlined above, there are plenty more to add to the list. Some of these include Adams Canyon, Goblin Valley, and the Watchman Trail.
What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Utah?
Spending quality time in nature and enjoying all that Utah has to offer is one of the best ways to make lasting memories with your family. For kid-friendly hikes in Utah, look no further than Donut Falls Hiking Trail, Silver Lake American Fork Canyon, Maple Box Canyon, Lower Bells Reservoir, and Rocky Mouth Falls. Utah’s National Park facilities also offer interactive activities for little ones. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt or an interactive tour, both kids and adults will love the opportunity to learn from Utah’s beautiful hiking trails.
What are the best short hikes in Utah?
As you can imagine, the best short hikes in Utah aren’t always the easiest hikes. When you’re looking for a relatively short hike that promises a rewarding lookout, be sure to check out this list of 12 incredible hikes under 5 miles. Utah’s National Parks also offer an abundance of shorter trails that provide spectacular scenery along the way. For more information, you can read about 10 of the greatest National Park hiking trails in Utah for beginners. Don’t’ forget to bring plenty of water with you!
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.
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