It would be a shame to see Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks without getting some red clay on your boots. With hundreds of hikes within the park’s boundaries, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which trail to explore. Don’t worry, we are here to help! Check out the best day hikes in Utah’s National Parks.
How I chose these hikes: Well, first off I hiked a bunch of them. No stock photos here ladies and gentleman. Next, of the hikes I completed, I narrowed them down to ones I thought best encompassed the overall scenery of the park. From that small batch, I filtered out the walks that were the most fun and memorable.
Bryce Canyon: Sunrise to Sunset
Difficulty Level: Enjoyable but you’ll for sure break a sweat
Bryce Canyon is a beautiful park. You could pick any trail, and it would be a good choice. But I don’t believe in participation trophies, so there has to be a winner. Drum roll, please!… And the winner is the Sunrise to Sunset Trail! Starting with views from above the Hoodoos, the trail winds down the base of the canyon, through the rocks and trees of the Queens Garden, and then loops back up for more breathtaking views. For more information on hiking the Sunrise to Sunset Trail click here.
Arches: Delicate Arch
Difficulty Level: Your feet are going to burn afterward
The hike to Delicate Arch is a proven winner. Even the powers that be in Utah chose this arch to be on the state license plate. While the trail is sometimes more crowded then we’d like, it is still a must hike. The views near Delicate Arch are also some of the best you will find in Arches National Park. For more information on how to get to the Delicate Arch click here.
Zion: Angel’s Landing
Difficulty Level: You honestly might die
This was the toughest decision. Deciding between Angel’s Landing and The Narrows is like choosing between ice cream and cake. Both are amazing, but the amount of joy you experience comes down to your personal bias. Usually, I would say to do both, but if I have to choose, I will go with Angel’s Landing. This is assuming you’re not afraid of heights. The journey to Angel’s Landing was the most nerve-wracking/fulfilling hike I have ever completed. Every time I think about standing on top of that rock, looking thousands of feet down to the trailhead, I still get adrenaline caused goosebumps. For more information on the hike to Angel’s Landing click here.
Capitol Reef: Hickman Bridge
Difficulty Level: If you’ve ever been on a hike, you’ll do just fine.
Capitol Reef National Park, while not my favorite hiking destinations of the Mighty Five, still has some decent day hiking options. The Hike to Hickman Bridge is my personal favorite. Capitol Reef is most known for the Navajo Sandstone and the rock formations that look like the dome of a state capitol building (thus the name). The journey to the large arching land bridge will get you up close and personal with the unique off-white sandstone as the trail moves from dirt to rock quite often.
Canyonlands: Cave Spring Trail
Difficulty Level: Keeping it Casual
I will get some flak for this one. Mesa Arch is probably the usual choice. It’s the default wallpaper on many people’s computers. But if you’re making a road trip through Utah’s National Parks, you’re going to see a lot of arches. They are hard to miss, especially when one of the parks is actually named “Arches.” For my favorite Canyonlands hike, I would honestly go with Cave Spring trail in the southern region of the park. I am always lured in by history, and this trail has an old cowboy camp dating back to the 1800s. Certain sections of the route also require you to climb some rickety wooden ladders which create some fun on its own. The trail is super short, but its uniqueness will leave you with lasting memories. For more info on the Cave Springs trail and the cowboy camp click here.
Final Thoughts
As I said in the beginning, I personally have hiked all these recommendations for the best day hikes in Utah’s National Parks. There is a lot of enchanting scenery in Utah so if you want to make the most of your time in the parks pick the hikes that will leave a lasting impression. That was my strategy. They are not all easy. Some are terrifying, some are leisurely strolls through the park. Know your fitness level before attempting these hikes. Don’t ruin your vacation trying to test your mental and physical limits. Remember you’re there to have fun and make memories!
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.
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