Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Utah

Utah Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Utah.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 15+ hiking trails in Utah — Angels Landing, Zion National Park, The Narrows (Bottom-Up), Zion National Park and Navajo Loop / Queens Garden Trail, Bryce Canyon top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Utah is a western state of monumental landscapes, home to five of America's most dramatic national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Red rock canyons, ancient hoodoos, towering sandstone arches, and the vast Bonneville Salt Flats define a state unlike anywhere else on Earth. Salt Lake City, the capital, anchors the north with world-class skiing, a growing food scene, and a gateway to the Wasatch Range.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Angels Landing, Zion National Park

    5.4 miles round trip4–5 hours1,488 ft (453 m) gain

  2. 2

    The Narrows (Bottom-Up), Zion National Park

    Up to 9 miles one way (most hike 4–6 miles round trip to Big Springs)4–8 hours (day hike)200 ft (61 m) gain for standard day route

  3. 3

    Navajo Loop / Queens Garden Trail, Bryce Canyon

    2.9 miles loop2–3 hours909 ft (277 m) gain/loss

  4. 4

    Delicate Arch Trail, Arches National Park

    3 miles round trip2–3 hours480 ft (146 m) gain

  5. 5

    Rim Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

    11 miles one way (most hike 2–5 miles paved section)1–5 hours depending on sectionMinimal (follows canyon rim)

  6. 6

    Cassidy Arch Trail, Capitol Reef National Park

    3.4 miles round trip2–3 hours670 ft (204 m) gain

  7. 7

    Mesa Arch Trail, Canyonlands National Park

    0.5 miles round trip30–60 minutesMinimal

  8. 8

    Goblin Valley Loop, Goblin Valley State Park

    1.5 miles valley loop (roaming encouraged)1–3 hours100 ft (30 m) minimal

  9. 9

    Corona Arch Trail, Moab

    3 miles round trip2–3 hours400 ft (122 m) gain

  10. 10

    Emerald Pools Trail, Zion National Park

    1.2 miles round trip (Lower Pool) to 3 miles (Upper Pool)1–3 hours69 ft to 350 ft (21–107 m) gain depending on pool

  11. 11

    Hidden Valley Trail, Moab

    2.7 miles round trip2–3 hours660 ft (201 m) gain

  12. 12

    Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon (Grand Staircase-Escalante)

    3.7 miles loop (Dry Fork Loop including Peek-a-boo and Spooky canyons)3–4 hours200 ft (61 m) gain

  13. 13

    Mt. Timpanogos (Summit Trail)

    14.7 miles round trip8–10 hours4,580 ft (1,396 m) gain to summit (11,749 ft / 3,581 m)

  14. 14

    Tower Ruin & Canyon Road, Canyonlands Needles District

    7.5 miles round trip to Tower Ruin5–6 hours560 ft (170 m) gain

  15. 15

    Landscape Arch Trail, Arches National Park

    1.9 miles round trip to Landscape Arch; 7.9 miles full Devils Garden loop1 hour (arch only) to 4–5 hours (full loop)175 ft (53 m) to arch; 960 ft (293 m) full loop

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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