Exploring Utah's vast landscape is best seen on foot. Visitors enjoy pleasant walks and challenging treks in local recreation areas and national parks. Outdoor enthusiasts challenge the heart rate while backpacking amongst the serene and secluded land. Utah is an ideal destination for hiking expeditions since many Utah trails are available year-round. The state of Utah is divided into five prominent hiking regions, where hikers explore the spectacular mountains, canyons, rivers, lakes and wildflowers.
Safety Guidelines
Hikers should carry adequate clothing, food and water for short and long hikes. Utah's desert climate can reach up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Hikers are recommended to carry at least two liters of water per hiker. In addition, hiking in mountains and national parks can result in unpredictable weather changes. Therefore, hikers should always check weather conditions at the visitors center prior to hiking. Also, it is not uncommon for trails to close due to wildlife hazards. Any closed trails in a national park will be reported to the visitors center.
Wasatch Front Region
Northern Utah is known as the Wasatch Front. "Utah's urban corridor lies at the base of the Wasatch Mountain range on the east, and the desert terrain of the Great Basin on the west," according to Utah.com. In this region, many hikers utilize the Mount Olympus Trail to hike amongst Mount Olympus. This trail starts at Wasatch Boulevard and leads to scenic view points of the Salt Lake Valley. Another popular hiking destination includes the 325 trails located in Park City and the surrounding mountain areas. Hikers experience a variety of trails from flat to steep trails.
Northern Mountains Region
The Northern Mountain region is located outside of Logan, Utah. For a family-fun, local hike, use the one mile Limber Pine Trail loop at the summit of Logan Canyon overlooking Bear Lake. East of Provo Valley begins the challenging, 15-mile Mt. Timpanogos Summit Trail. This trail starts at the Timpooneke Campground in American Fork Canyon to meander amongst Emeral Lake to the 11,788-foot summit. Other recognized area trails include the Naomi Peak Trail, Deep Water-Cold Canyon Trail and the Great Western Trail.
Dinosaurland Region
Eastern Utah is considered Dinosaurland with vast, contrasting landscape. This area consists of the Vernal Flaming Gorge, Uinta Mountains, high-elevation desert, coniferous forests and the Dinosaur National Monument.
At the Dinosaur National Monument, families hike the easy half-mile Fossil Discovery Trail to view fossils and historic rock art. Access to the trailhead is found at the Temporary Visitor Center where a shuttle transports hikers to the trail.
Intense backpack trips utilize the trails wandering up the Uinta River towards King's Peak. This peak is the highest point in Utah. Also, backpackers trek 60 miles of wilderness along the Highline Trail gaining 12,000 feet in elevation in the Uinta Mountains.
Red Rock Region
The Red Rock Region consists of the southern portion of Utah and the major National Parks. Hikers can choose from any of the hundreds of trails located in Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonland National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.
This Red Rock country also contains the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Self-guided or guided hiking trips are lead throughout these areas. Red Rock Region is Utah's most popular hiking area. Visitors choose from easy to intense hikes that are visually astounding. Contact the National Park Service for a list of guided hiking tours and trail information.
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