What is your favorite form of family exercise? For many people it is hiking. I would much rather go for a hike than a jog any day. Hiking is a way to get outside and get some fresh air, while also getting a fantastic workout in with the fam.
In addition, hiking is a way to experience nature and its wonders from a personal level. You are on that trail taking in everything there, you aren’t just driving past it, seeing the sites in a blur.
If you live in, or are visiting Utah, you are lucky enough to be near some of the most amazing hiking trails throughout the entire country. Utah literally has thousands upon thousands of hiking trails throughout so no matter your skill level, you will find the hike for you.
You will not regret your decision to hike here, as you won’t see these sites anywhere else. If you are ready to get out there and get your hike on, here is a list of some of the top hiking trails throughout Utah.
5 Awesome Hiking Trails in Utah
1. Bristlecone Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park
If you are looking for a scenic trail that just about anyone could do, you really should check out Bristlecone Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park. At an easy 1 mile, this hike will greet you with stunning views of the canyon along with the chance to spot some beautiful Bristlecone Pine Trees, some of which are thousands of years old.
2. Cecret Lake at Little Cottonwood Canyon
Cecret Lake trail is an easy 1.7 mile out and back trail which is located near Alta and features a beautiful alpine lake as it’s focal point. It is worth noting though, that this is one of the most popular trails in the state so you will encounter plenty of other hikers and parking issues when you first get there (this is especially true in the Summer).
You will find abundant photo ops with the surrounding mountains as your backdrop. If you are wanting more than just a day trip, not to worry, the trailhead is actually located at a campground so you can make plans to camp.
3. Cassidy Arch, Capitol Reef National Park
If you want an easy, yet longer hike, Cassidy Arch at Capitol Reef National Park is your trail. Named after the famed Butch Cassidy, this trail is rated as easy, but is 3.5 miles long.
Throughout the trail (and throughout Capitol Reef Park itself) you are rewarded with views of beautiful rock formations. This trail is wide open and doesn’t offer much sun protection, so be sure to bring a hat and lots of water.
4. Lower Calf Creek Falls at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Picture this, you are in the middle of the desert and you come upon a 130 foot waterfall plunging over a sandstone cliff into a clear, brilliantly blue pool of water. That is what you will find here. The Lower Calf Creek Falls trail at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a much longer hike than trails we have mentioned so far (3 miles one-way), but it is doable for families with kids. Be sure to be prepared for a full day outing though and bring a swimsuit to cool off in the stunning waterfall pool.
5. Windows Loop Trail at Arches National Park
Even non-hikers are familiar with Arches National Park, so it would make sense for us to include one of its hikes in this list. The Windows Loop Trail is one of the easiest trails throughout the park, yet in just 1 mile (round trip), you will see 3 of the famed arches (Turrett, North and South Arches). At just 150 elevation gain throughout, this hike is doable for hikers of all skill level and you will find abundant views and photo opportunities.
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