Famous for its national parks, southern Utah is a hiker's paradise. From the La Sal Mountains to the sheer cliffs of Zion National Park, you can find numerous hiking opportunities. The predominant landscape of southern Utah is Navajo sandstone, which often assumes the form of massive cliffs and domes. Erosive winds and water have also contributed greatly to bizarre geological formations that hikers enjoy.
Angels Landing
Angels Landing in Zion National Park is touted as the best day hike in a U.S. national park. The entrance fee is $7 per vehicle as of 2010. Begin hiking the five-mile round trip from the Grotto Picnic Area along the west rim. The first two miles are paved and flat. Steep switchbacks then take you upwards toward the 1,488-foot peak. For the last half mile, chains guide you along a thin ridge with sheer cliffs on both sides. This section must be hiked with care, and is not for the faint of heart, but the view at the end is worth the it.
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is one of Utah's hallmarks, featured on the state's license plates. While there are many arches in southern Utah, Delicate Arch is unique as it is freestanding. Delicate Arch is in Arches National Park, five miles north of Moab on Utah 191. As of 2010 the entrance fee is $10 per vehicle. Begin hiking at the Wolfe Ranch parking area. The often-crowded trail is a mile and a half each way and gains 480 feet. There is no shade along the way.
Lower Calf Creek Falls
Lower Calf Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. From Escalante, drive 15 miles eastward on Utah 12 to Calf Creek Campground. Park and pay the appropriate fee, $2 for day use or $7 for camping as of 2010. Bathrooms, water and trail information are available. The waterfall is reached via a three-mile trail. Along the flat, sandy trail you'll find informational markers indicating pictographs, Indian granaries and geological formations. The trail terminates where the creek spills over a 126-foot sandstone cliff into a pond. Cool off with a swim, or just relax in the shade of the trees. Return by the same route.
Portal Overlook
From Portal Overlook you have a panoramic view of Moab Valley, the Colorado River and the La Sal Mountains. To reach the overlook, begin at JayCee Park Recreation Site on Utah 279. Follow the trail along the Colorado River until the register box where you begin to ascend the sandstone via switchbacks marked by cairns. The overlook is one mile from the trail head. Be aware that bikers descend on this trail. There are unprotected cliffs at the top, so exercise caution. The overlook is shaded by higher cliffs late in the day.
Pioneer Names Trail
Pioneer Names is a historically significant hike in Snow Canyon State Park, 11 miles northwest of St. George. Pay the entry fee, $5 in 2010, and drive to the Sand Dunes picnic area. The hike begins at West Canyon Road. Pioneer Names is a half-mile round trip across mildly rocky ground. The historical significance derives from the names of pioneer settlers written in axle grease on the sandstone adjacent to the trail, dating to 1881.
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