As one of the three highest states in the United States, Utah is known as the rooftop of the country. With that type of status, hiking is without question one of the most popular pastimes for outdoors lovers in the state. If you're looking for a group to lead you to some of the best hiking, you have your pick of a handful of local clubs.
Purpose
A handful of groups in Utah meet on a regular basis to take advantage of the wondrous beauty of the state. While hiking groups are mainly focused on getting together for day hikes, groups also meet for backpacking excursions, annual parties and trail improvement events. While each hiking club offers you the chance to get out and stretch your legs on a regular basis, certain groups have a special focus. The Lambda Hiking Club is a group formed specifically for gay, lesbian, and transgender hikers in Utah, while the Outback Hiking Club of Southern Utah draws mainly people from the southern part of the state. The Utah chapter of the Sierra Club, meanwhile, organizes day-long and backpacking trips, but is also focused on cross country skiing and camping trips.
Where They Go
Utah contains a wealth of choices when it comes to hiking, so groups don't have to go far to get a good workout. Popular hikes in the state include Bryce Canyon National Park, which has a handful of extended day hikes past exposed rock cliffs and interesting rock formations, as well as hikes through pine, fir, and spruce forests. Also popular is Canyonlands National Park, with hundreds of miles of backcountry trails and cycling trails. Hikers enjoy winding along the Colorado River while getting views of the Needles and Island in the Sky rock formations. Another biggie in Utah is Zion National Park, with its 15-mile strenuous hike through the Narrows of Zion Canyon. Also popular are Flaming Gorge National Wildlife Area and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
What to Bring
The climate of Utah can be quite dry and hot in the summertime, and brutally cold in the winter. With those types of conditions, it's important to be well-prepared when heading out on an excursion with a hiking group. In fact, most hiking groups maintain a list of important things to bring with you. They include plenty of water, decent hiking boots with extra socks, packable food like trail bars or granola, sunscreen and sunglasses, bug spray, extra layers of clothing, and a packable first aid kit. Even if you're traveling in a group, it's a wise idea to have all these items on your person, just in case you get separated.
Considerations
With Utah's high overall elevation comes far less oxygen that you might encounter in other states. Utah hikers are used to this, but depending on where you come from, you may not be. Before you go on a hiking trip, make sure that you check with the group leader about how many miles you'll be hiking and the terrain you'll be hiking on. Be sure you're in proper shape to handle the trip, so you are not slowing down the group, or worse, getting sick or hurt on the trail. If you're not sure you're ready, try going on regular walks from your own house until you can easily cover the number of miles you'll be hiking out in nature.
Legal
Most hiking groups in Utah have a few hoops you have to jump through before you can go out on an excursion. At the very least, you will often have to sign a liability waiver before you go on a hike with an established group. Hiking groups often do not have insurance to cover any injuries you might incur, so be sure you have your own health insurance policy before you take any major trips.
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