Utah is a recreational paradise, with trails weaving throughout the state, from red slot canyons in the southern Canyonlands to snow-capped peaks in the north. Active travelers will revel in the fact that Utah offers hundreds of possibilities to explore the wilderness. Whether you are interested in short day hikes or long haul backpacking and mountain biking expeditions, Utah will not disappoint. With so much open land in close proximity, you can also easily combine hiking and biking in a single trip.
Mid Mountain Trail
The Mid Mountain Trail in Park City, Utah is situated at about 8,000 feet in the Wasatch Rocky Mountain range. The International Mountain Bike Association claims that the ride is the best of any Rocky Mountain riding and has placed the trail on its Epics trail list. With up to 25 miles of possible riding, the Mid Mountain Trail winds its way through pine and aspen forests and along alpine ridgelines on singletrack trails. It is considered a difficult and demanding ride, with plenty of climbs and steep descents, perfect for intermediate and advanced riders.
East Temple Saddle
The saddle route is a strenuous off-the-beaten-path hike in Zion National Park. If you seek something different and more challenging than the more popular hikes in Zion, then the East Temple Saddle is a good option. Follow the Canyon Overlook Trail until you reach the vista, then veer off the path to climb the southeast hump of East Saddle. At this point, there is really no definitive path, so keep an eye out for cairns that mark the safer route. Ascend the saddle and climb down the back side before crossing Shelf Canyon. The hike drops down into Upper Pine Creek, where you will make your way back to the parking lot. This is a strenuous and steep hike. Though it is only a little over two miles long, it can take about four hours to complete.
Alexander Basin
Located just outside Salt Lake City, Alexander Basin makes for a strenuous day hike that provides views of the Salt Lake Valley and Mill Creek Canyon area. Make your way to the trailhead about eight miles above the Mill Creek Canyon fee station, preferably in the summer or fall when the wildflowers abound and the fall colors are their most dramatic. The trail climbs through the forest before reaching Alexander Basin. The Basin is a glaciated bowl that rests below Gobblers Knob. Hike out the way you entered the area.
Shadow Lake
Another Park City mountain biking trail is the challenging Shadow Lake. Utah.com rates this trail as "most difficult," at 15 miles of difficult singletrack riding. Start at either the Sweeney Switchbacks trailhead or the Spiro Trail. The riding is on a loop trail, with a side spur that heads up to Shadow Lake.
Arches National Park
There are dozens of hiking trails within Arches National Park, making it possible to see many of the 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Try out the Devils Garden Primitive Loop trail at the northern end of the park. It is a 6.8-mile trail off the Devils Garden Trail. When combined, you can see Dark Angel spire, Landscape Arch, Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches. Pay attention to where you are going while on the Primitive Loop because it is undeveloped and much rockier than the main trail.
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