Utah
From its expanses of iconic desert playgrounds to its towering Wasatch Range, Utah is home to every type of outdoor adventure you can imagine. Locals and visitors alike are spoiled with convenient access to world-class winter and summer time activities and lodging.
Top Spots in and near Utah
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Sandy, Utah
Red Pine Lake Trail
5.06.94 mi / 1995 ft gainRed Pine Lake, located in Red Pine Fork of the Wasatch Mountains, is one of the premier hiking and backpacking destinations in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Red Pine Fork is sandwiched in between White Pine Fork and Maybird Gulch to the east and west, respectively. All three are accessed via the Whit...Read more -
Springdale, Utah
Hike Observation Point
5.06.8 mi / 5121 ft gainThis is the best trail in Zion Canyon to beat the crowds while experiencing the awe and wonder it has to offer. We take this trail every time we visit Zion and never tire of it. It is an 8 mile out and back hike that takes you up, up, up then down, down, down. Be prepared to get your heart going!...Read more -
Sandy, Utah
Bell Canyon's Waterfall
4.64.64 mi / 1549 ft gainIf you keep a steady pace, the hike takes about an hour each way, so allow time when trying to catch the sunset. The hike is pretty easy until right before you reach the falls, where there is a big, steep hill you have to climb. From the parking lot/trailhead, head up the path and head left when...Read more -
Grand County, Utah
Devils Garden Campground
4.0This popular campground houses 50 campsites. Keep in mind that since it's the only campground in Arches, it can be crowded from March through October, so get on it early. This campsite not only provides easy access to landmarks like the delicate arch, but also provides very convenient access to t...Read more -
Green River, Utah
Camp at Goblin Valley
3.8Goblin Valley State Park is in a rural section of southern Utah, but if you type it into Google Maps you will go straight there. There are awesome campsites within the park but they require reservations. If you didn't take the time to reserve a campsite, don't worry, there is plenty of BLM land r...Read more -
Kanarraville, Utah
Kanarra Falls via Kanarraville Slot Canyon
4.73.6 mi / 732 ft gainKanarra Falls is a gem of a hike that takes you into the Kanarraville slot canyons in southern Utah and the infamous Kanarra Falls. After hiking half a mile or so from the parking lot on a fairly open trail the canyon slots up. This is where the fun begins. Here you will have to walk through the ...Read more -
Kanab, Utah
The Wave via Coyote Buttes North
5.05.41 mi / 755 ft gainThe hike to the Wave is 2.5 miles (one-way). When you arrive, take in the sandstone showing incredible striations of red, orange, pink, yellow, and beige. Please note that this adventure is only accessible by obtaining a permit. Only 20 visitors are allowed access per day with 10 permits given on...Read more -
Saratoga Springs, Utah
Saratoga Hot Springs
3.30.7 mi / 46 ft gainSaratoga Hot Springs is a natural, geothermally heated pool located on the northwest shore of Utah Lake, about 35 minutes south of Salt Lake City. It's free, publicly accessible, and one of the few hot springs in Utah that doesn't have a strong sulfur smell — which makes it a popular spot for fir...Read more -
Alta, Utah
Albion Meadows Trail
4.92.86 mi / 696 ft gainAt Albion Basin, wildflowers you will see include lupine, Indian paintbrush, American bistort, sunflowers, fireweed, and many more! Drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Albion Grill. There is a trail just behind the Grill that takes you through a variety of wildflowe...Read more -
Salt Lake City, Utah
Lake Catherine and Sunset Peak
3.54.69 mi / 1407 ft gainAny chance to get into the backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains is worth it. Many people day hike in the area, but not very many backpack in. The trail meets up with the Great Western Trail and overlooks Lake Catherine. The best place to camp is in the woods next to the lake. Hike down to the lak...Read more -
Salt Lake County, Utah
Lake Blanche Trail
4.56.76 mi / 2766 ft gainThe hike is only 6 miles roundtrip, but it's pretty steep the whole way. It will take about 1.5 - 2 hrs to get up and about 45 min - 1hr to get back down. This can be longer depending on weather conditions and if you choose to loop the lake. At the Mills B Trailhead, you will head to the far end ...Read more -
Kane County, Utah
Reflection Canyon
5.015.24 mi / 1368 ft gainBackpacking Reflection Canyon is not for the faint of heart. It's an intense, challenging hike that takes you through slot canyons, climbing up and down shifty sandstones and traversing rugged terrains and ravines. Although the elevation gain is almost nothing, the up and down climbs from one rav...Read more -
Alta, Utah
Pfeifferhorn via White Pine Lake
5.09.91 mi / 3684 ft gainStarting at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT, hike southwest until reaching the junction to Red Pine Canyon. Take the trail that crosses the stream and continues west around the ridge. The trail will quickly turn south and begin to gain elevation. Continue west as you pass...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Double O Arch
4.64.09 mi / 390 ft gainStarting at the Devil's Garden Trailhead, this 4.1-mile looped moderate hike features flat sandy paths to narrow sandstone slabs with narrow ledges. The best time to complete this hike is early in the morning. Getting to the Devil's Garden Trailhead at sunrise will almost definitely guarantee you...Read more -
Escalante, Utah
Zebra and Tunnel Slot Canyons Loop
4.86.63 mi / 535 ft gainThis place is just outside of Escalante, Utah, about 6 miles drive down the Hole in the Rock Road / BLM 200. You will see a small parking lot on the right side, the trailhead is not marked, but it's right cross the road from parking lot, once you see the trail you can just easily follow it for 1....Read more -
Castle Valley, Utah
Double Arch
4.40.56 mi / 135 ft gainThe hike to Double Arch is a relatively flat and easy hike of 0.5 miles roundtrip. You can add this to the rest of the quick spots you may want to visit on your visit to Arches.This arch is created by two arches that shares the same stone as the foundation for their outer legs. This arch was form...Read more