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Exploring Utah’s Top Hiking Trails
Utah is a hiker’s paradise, with its stunning landscapes, diverse geography, and a wealth of trails to explore. From the towering peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, to the meandering canyons of the Colorado Plateau, there is something for everyone in the Beehive State. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, or just getting started, Utah has a trail to suit your needs. In this article, we’ll explore Utah’s top hiking trails and look at what makes them unique. Read on to find out more!
Angel’s Landing Trail
Angel’s Landing Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in Zion National Park. The trail is a 5.4 mile round-trip journey that takes hikers up a steep ridgeline, with stunning views of the canyon below. The trail is challenging, with several sections of steep switchbacks, and exposed cliffs, but the reward is worth it – stunning views of the canyon, and the world-famous Angel’s Landing viewpoint.
The trail can be dangerous in sections, and is not for the faint of heart. Hikers should be aware that the last section of the trail is extremely exposed, with life-threatening drop-offs on either side. Those who are uncomfortable with heights are advised to turn back before this point. Despite the risk, the view from the summit is awe-inspiring, and a must-do for any serious hiker.
Angel’s Landing is a popular trail, and can get busy in the summer months. If you’re looking for solitude, it’s best to tackle the trail early in the morning, or in the off-season.
The Narrows Trail
The Narrows Trail is a classic hike in Zion National Park. The trail follows the Virgin River, and winds its way through a narrow slot canyon, flanked by towering walls of sandstone. The narrow canyon is a stunning sight, and is a must-see for any hiker visiting Zion. The Narrows can be explored as a day hike, or as an overnight backpacking trip.
The Narrows is a unique trail, and requires special equipment to tackle. Hikers should bring sturdy shoes, and a wetsuit, as the trail is often flooded with ankle-deep water. The water can become deeper in sections, so hikers should be aware of their limits, and exercise caution. Despite the challenges, the Narrows is an unforgettable experience, and a must-do for any hiker in Zion National Park.
The Narrows is a popular trail, and can get busy in the summer months. If you’re looking for solitude, it’s best to tackle the trail early in the morning, or in the off-season.
Kolob Arch Trail
Kolob Arch Trail is a 5.8 mile round trip hike, located in Zion National Park. The trail follows a meandering path up a canyon, to a stunning arch, perched atop a cliff. The arch is an impressive sight, and an unforgettable experience for any hiker.
The trail is relatively easy, and is suitable for most hikers. The trail is mostly flat, with a few short climbs. The trail can get busy in the summer months, but it is still possible to find solitude if you’re willing to trek a bit further.
Kolob Arch is a popular trail, and is a must-do for any hiker visiting Zion National Park. The views of the canyon and the arch are stunning, and the experience is unforgettable.
Timpanogos Cave Trail
Timpanogos Cave Trail is a 1.5 mile round-trip hike, located in the Wasatch Mountains. The trail follows a winding path up a canyon, to a stunning cave, carved into the side of a mountain. The cave is an impressive sight, and an unforgettable experience for any hiker.
The trail is easy, and is suitable for most hikers. The trail is mostly flat, with a few short climbs. The trail can get busy in the summer months, but it is still possible to find solitude if you’re willing to trek a bit further.
Timpanogos Cave is a popular trail, and is a must-do for any hiker visiting the Wasatch Mountains. The views of the canyon and the cave are stunning, and the experience is unforgettable.
Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail
Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail is a 6.5 mile round-trip hike, located in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The trail follows a meandering path through a stunning canyon, to a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall is an impressive sight, and an unforgettable experience for any hiker.
The trail is relatively easy, and is suitable for most hikers. The trail is mostly flat, with a few short climbs. The trail can get busy in the summer months, but it is still possible to find solitude if you’re willing to trek a bit further.
Lower Calf Creek Falls is a popular trail, and is a must-do for any hiker visiting the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The views of the canyon and the waterfall are stunning, and the experience is unforgettable.
Delicate Arch Trail
Delicate Arch Trail is a 3 mile round-trip hike, located in Arches National Park. The trail follows a winding path up a mesa, to a stunning arch, perched atop a cliff. The arch is an impressive sight, and an unforgettable experience for any hiker.
The trail is relatively easy, and is suitable for most hikers. The trail is mostly flat, with a few short climbs. The trail can get busy in the summer months, but it is still possible to find solitude if you’re willing to trek a bit further.
Delicate Arch is a popular trail, and is a must-do for any hiker visiting Arches National Park. The views of the canyon and the arch are stunning, and the experience is unforgettable.
Zion Narrows Trail
Zion Narrows Trail is a classic hike in Zion National Park. The trail follows the Virgin River, and winds its way through a narrow slot canyon, flanked by towering walls of sandstone. The narrow canyon is a stunning sight, and is a must-see for any hiker visiting Zion. The Narrows can be explored as a day hike, or as an overnight backpacking trip.
The Narrows is a unique trail, and requires special equipment to tackle. Hikers should bring sturdy shoes, and a wetsuit, as the trail is often flooded with ankle-deep water. The water can become deeper in sections, so hikers should be aware of their limits, and exercise caution. Despite the challenges, the Narrows is an unforgettable experience, and a must-do for any hiker in Zion National Park.
The Narrows is a popular trail, and can get busy in the summer months. If you’re looking for solitude, it’s best to tackle the trail early in the morning, or in the off-season.
Alpine Loop Trail
Alpine Loop Trail is a 4.8 mile round-trip hike, located in the Wasatch Mountains. The trail follows a meandering path up a canyon, to a stunning overlook, perched atop a cliff. The overlook is an impressive sight, and an unforgettable experience for any hiker.
The trail is relatively easy, and is suitable for most hikers. The trail is mostly flat, with a few short climbs. The trail can get busy in the summer months, but it is still possible to find solitude if you’re willing to trek a bit further.
Alpine Loop is a popular trail, and is a must-do for any hiker visiting the Wasatch Mountains. The views of the canyon and the overlook are stunning, and the experience is unforgettable.
The Subway Trail
The Subway Trail is a 8.7 mile round-trip hike, located in Zion National Park. The trail follows a meandering path up a canyon, to a stunning river gorge, carved into the side of a mountain. The gorge is an impressive sight, and an unforgettable experience for any hiker.
The trail is relatively difficult, and is not suitable for novice hikers. The trail is steep in sections, and requires scrambling over rocks and boulders. The trail can get busy in the summer months, but it is still possible to find solitude if you’re willing to trek a bit further.
The Subway is a popular trail, and is a must-do for any experienced hiker visiting Zion National Park. The views of the canyon and the river gorge are stunning, and the experience is unforgettable.
The Wave Trail
The Wave Trail is a 3.3 mile round-trip hike, located in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The trail follows a meandering path up a canyon, to a stunning mesa, carved into the side of a mountain. The mesa is an impressive sight, and an unforgettable experience for any hiker.
The trail is relatively easy, and is suitable for most hikers. The trail is mostly flat, with a few short climbs. The trail can get busy in the summer months, but it is still possible to find solitude if you’re willing to trek a bit further.
The Wave is a popular trail, and is a must-do for any hiker visiting the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The views of the canyon and the mesa are stunning, and the experience is unforgettable.
Conclusion
Utah is a hiker’s paradise, with its stunning landscapes, diverse geography, and a wealth of trails to explore. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, or just getting started, Utah has a trail to suit your needs. In this article, we’ve explored some of Utah’s top hiking trails, and looked at what makes them unique. From the iconic Angel’s Landing Trail in Zion National Park, to the breathtaking Wave Trail in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, there is something for everyone in the Beehive State. So grab your gear, and hit the trails – you won’t regret it!
