4 Hikes to do in Utah

Honestly, this list could be never-ending. Here are just a few of the hikes I’ve knocked off my Utah bucket list so far. I know there is a long way to go!

Cassidy Arch Trail – Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park quickly became one of my top 5 national parks. I truly don’t know why more people haven’t heard of it. While I don’t want to ruin the experience of a less crowded park I do want to say: GO!

Cassidy Arch Trail is a moderate 3.1 mile (roundtrip) trail. The beginning of the hike is pretty, but it’s the last bit of slab climbing and following the cairns (man-made rock formations that designate a trail) that lead to Cassidy Arch, as well as the jaw-dropping view of Capitol Reef National Park.

Angel’s Landing – Zion National Park

You’ve likely seen the infamous chain section when googling Zion National Park. This hike isn’t for the faint of heart, but it really isn’t as bad as social media makes it look. Also – this isn’t just walking alongside chains. You’re truly climbing up boulders 1,000 feet in the air. I know, I know that sounds scary. But the internet does make it look worse than it is. The hardest part for us was the switchbacks, known as Walter’s Wiggles, with a steep 250 elevation gain in little distance, leading up to Angel’s Langing. Note: Keep an eye on the everchanging covid-19 requirements. Zion has gone back and forth between needing a shuttle ticket to access this part of the park, and at time of publication is now requiring a lottery for a permit to this trail. Learn more about Angel’s Landing here.

Delicate Arch Trail – Arches National Park

When you picture Utah in your mind, you’re probably picturing this iconic arch. This trail is the Disneyland of Utah parks – it is packed. Even if you go at sunrise, or late in the day, there will still be lots of people. The hike is worth it for the views, but don’t expect a soul-refreshing hike like other parts of Arches National Park.

That being said, the trail 3 miles roundtrip, but intense in some areas. There is a lot of slab climbing (slippery rock), so avoid this trail on rainy days. On your way back down, be sure to stop and see the petroglyphs near the trail head. You can learn more details about Delicate Arch Trail here.

Aztec Butte Trail – Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is about an hour's drive from Arches National Park. If you’re staying in Moab or Green River (the less expensive of the two), you’ll be primed to visit both parks – even in one day! The Aztec Butte Trail is truly unique. It’s a short, 1.7-mile roundtrip hike, but it takes you through different sections of Aztec ruins. One section takes you to an Aztec granary. It’s a bit haunting but incredible to be so close to these ruins without the modernization of fences or displays. The next part of the trail is moderate to severe slab climbing. If you’re a rock climber like me, you will have an absolute blast climbing up this steep mountain to reach the ruins of an Aztec home. The views of the canyons from that mountain are also incredible.

Photos: Above: Aztec granary; Below: View of canyons from the second half of trail