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  • Utah

    Looking for the best backpacking in Utah? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Utah. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

    Top Backpacking Spots in and near Utah

    • Kanab, Utah

      Hike through Paria Canyon

      5.0
      14.94 mi / 846 ft gain
      No matter how far you plan on hiking, it is ideal to get an early start so you aren’t hiking too long under the desert sun. There is no shade on this hike except for the shadows offered from the steep walls of the canyon, so make sure you bring sunscreen! From the very start, you’ll get your fee...
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    • Bryce, Utah

      Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail

      4.9
      2.93 mi / 679 ft gain
      There are many many trails that explore the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and this is just one option of a combination of trails that is about 3.5 miles. The Navajo trail begins at Sunset Point and you head straight down dozens of switchbacks to what is called "Wall Street". It doesn't take long to get...
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    • Kane County, Utah

      Coyote Gulch Loop

      4.7
      10.59 mi / 4354 ft gain
      Easy hiking, water availability, and spectacular scenery make this a "must do" hike. Three days are best to see all this canyon has to offer. You can either make this a 3-5 mile hike or a longer 10-15 mile hike. The perfect trip down Coyote Gulch is three days and two nights. Hike in to Jacob Ham...
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    • Garfield County, Utah

      Golden Cathedral Trail

      4.5
      9.27 mi / 1398 ft gain
      From highway 12, drive south down the hole in the rock road for about 17 miles to a dirt road on the left that is well marked for Egypt. Follow that dirt road 9.9 miles to the Egypt Trailhead. There is a BLM trail register at the trail head. After that, take one of the numerous ways down to the E...
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    • Sandy, Utah

      Climbing in the Lone Peak Cirque

      4.0
      Lone Peak reaches 11,253 feet at its summit. It's alpine feel is unique as it stands above the busy city below. While this gem is one of the highlights in the Wasatch range, it must be earned. A long steep approach, best done at night in the summer months, deposits you in the high meadow surround...
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    • Green River, Utah

      Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell

      4.0
      The San Rafael Swell, is the home of many adventures! One of those adventures being canyoneering. There are many slot canyons of various skill levels that have been explored and descended. There are many other canyons that still have yet to be explored by man kind. The Swell is large and ungo...
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    • Kamas, Utah

      Ibantik Lake via Crystal Lake Trailhead

      5.0
      3.96 mi / 646 ft gain
      From the Crystal Lake trailhead, follow the trail 1.1 miles north to Wall Lake. Here, you'll come to a junction with the trail from Trail Lake; take the left trail heading north to Notch Mountain, and Ibantik Lake is a mere .6 miles northeast, nestled next to Notch Peak. At Ibantik Lake, you'll ...
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    • Salt Lake City, Utah

      Backpack to Bloods and Lackawaxen Lakes

      4.8
      4 mi / 1040 ft gain
      This trail is just outside of Big Cottonwood Canyon which forbids both dogs and swimming due to the Salt Lake watershed. As a result, dogs and swimming are more than welcome. Blood Lake and Lackawaxen Lake Trailhead can be reached by driving up Big Cottonwood approximately 15 miles until the tur...
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    • Salt Lake County, Utah

      Lake Blanche & Sundial Peak

      5.0
      9.52 mi / 4098 ft gain
      This is a popular hike all year round, but less popular in the winter. If you’re backpacking you’ll most likely be alone. In winter, the lake is covered in snow, but Sundial Peak is one of the most picturesque mountains in the Wasatch. Especially when it is dusted with snow. You’ll also be far en...
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    • Salt Lake City, Utah

      Broads Fork Basin and Beaver Pond

      4.0
      5.1 mi / 2083 ft gain
      The Broads Fork trailhead starts in Big Cottonwood Canyon in the same parking lot as the Lake Blanche trailhead, this trailhead is on the west side of the parking lot. The trail is very easy to follow and is well marked. Follow the trail until you come to a great big basin. Here you will be able...
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    • Sandy, Utah

      Camp at the Cottonwood Ridgeline

      Begin at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Follow the trail up toward Red Pine Lake. The trail gets a little hard to follow after the lake, but find your way up to the ridge between Pfeifferhorn and White Baldy. Set up camp and enjoy a night in the high mountains. Morning will...
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    • Bountiful, Utah

      Backpack to Rudy's Flat

      4.0
      7 mi
      Rudy's Flat is a great overnight hike with plenty of tent or hammock space and multiple established fire rings. This hike offers multiple options for distance depending on your availability and skill level.From the Mueller Park Canyon trailhead (5,234 ft), hikers will experience a gradual ascent ...
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    • Brighton, Utah

      Hike and Camp at the Twin Lakes Reservoir

      5 mi / 650 ft gain
      The trailhead begins at the Solitude Nordic Center. Walking around Silver Lake, you get a chance to observe the ducks and lovely wetlands area. This trail then leads you into the lower aspens, and if you are hiking just as fall colors have begun to emerge, they create a glowing effect in the wood...
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    • Tropic, Utah

      Under the Rim Trail to Swamp Canyon Camp

      5.0
      23.79 mi / 5794 ft gain
      This trail is just about the only way I would see Bryce Canyon. When we initially drove in it was like we were at Disneyland, with crowds of people everywhere. We soon discovered, however, that very few people enter Bryce Canyon's backcountry. We chose to visit Bryce in July due to it's higher el...
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    • Huntsville, Utah

      Hike the Skull Creek Trail of Causey Reservoir

      4.8 mi / 400 ft gain
      To get to the trailhead from Ogden, Utah, take 12th street east up canyon and around Pine View Reservoir. When you get to Huntsville, turn right and continue to head east up the canyon. IN 8 miles you will come to a sign for Causey Road. Turn right here and follow the road to the dam. Turn right ...
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    • Kamas, Utah

      Backpack to Island Lake

      5.0
      6 mi / 1000 ft gain
      You begin at the Crystal Lake trailhead off of the Mirror Lake Highway. On the way to Island Lake you pass several other lakes including, Crystal Lake and Long Lake. The hike is not too hard but there are several switchbacks at the end to get you up above the ridge where the lake is located. It ...
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