List of The Best Hiking in Utah National Parks

Check out our Utah National Park road trip itinerary that includes travel guides, packing checklists, and tips to help you plan your dream vacation!

Since we are able to visit these parks during all seasons and months of the year, we’ve put together a packing list for Utah National Parks. You can get a free printable by clicking the graphic below!

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Hiking Gear for Utah National Parks

Hiking Shoes – Injuries from improper footwear is a common problem that casual visitors and hikers encounter. To make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible, avoid smooth-soled shoes and only wear sturdy shoes with ample tread. Check out the Merrell Moab hiking shoes we use.

Hydration and Food – Due to the high desert and altitude in Southern Utah, you should drink at least one gallon of water per day, and always carry water with you during all hiking activities. Check out these healthy snacks and food ideas. We use Camelbak hydration packs or carry Hydroflask bottles in our packs.

Lip Balm and Lotion – Utah’s high elevation and dry air can be hard on your skin. You’ll want to carry lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion to apply as needed when you’re out exploring the trails.

Clothing – Summers in southern Utah mean soaring temperatures, unrelenting sunlight, and low humidity. To keep cool, wear light colored, loose fitting clothing that does not absorb sunlight. Also avoid sun burn by wearing a wide brimmed sunhat and by generously applying sunscreen to any parts of your body that are exposed to the sun.

During the winter, wearing the right winter clothing for hiking is important to stay dry and warm. Take note that snow and ice can accumulate and make popular trails quite slippery. That’s why traction devices for your shoes are essential. It’s also just as easy to become dehydrated in the cold as it is in the heat. It’s important to carry plenty of water during the winter, and not just during the summer.

A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Best Time to Hike at Utah National Parks

Finding the best time to visit Utah National Parks for hiking depends on many factors: busy season, weather, and trail conditions.

Check out these articles to know all about planning a trip during a specific season or month so you know in advance what to expect.

Spring Hiking at Utah National Parks

Spring weather draws people to all five Utah National Parks. It’s the best time of year to truly enjoy hiking. But the parks are also a popular spring break destinations so the trails will be crowded.

The temperatures change quite a bit throughout the day at Utah National Parks in the spring. It’s important to dress in layers for day hiking. Spring is also the rainy season so be aware of weather before entering any slot canyon!

Summer Hiking at Utah National Parks

The summers at Utah National Parks are busy and hot! Plan to hike in the mornings and late afternoons to avoid the crowds and heat!

When hiking at Utah National Parks in the summer, you need to stay hydrated and use sun protection: sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Be aware of the summer monsoon season from July to September. The summer rain storms can create dangerous flash floods along many hiking trails at Utah National Parks. Always check the weather forecast before hiking in canyons during monsoon season!

Fall Hiking at Utah National Parks

The National Parks in Utah are spectacular during the fall season! The temperatures aren’t as hot as summer and you can enjoy some fall color on the leaves at many of the parks!

Because the weather is good for outdoor activities like hiking, expect crowds at Utah National Parks in the fall. Starting your day off early before the parks get crowded is always our number one tip!

Winter Hiking at Utah National Parks

Winter may mean limited services and unpredictable weather at some of the National Parks in Utah. But if you want to enjoy hiking without the crowds then this is a great time to go! Be prepared with winter hiking gear like waterproof layers and shoes.

Before heading out to any Utah National Park in the winter, check with the visitor center for updated trail conditions. During the winter, hiking trails may close, or may require traction devices due to ice.

List of the Best Hiking in Utah National Parks

This list includes easy, moderate, and strenuous hiking trails at all five Utah National Parks.

You’ll definitely want to pack your photography gear for hiking to capture the natural beauty you’ll see as you hike through the Utah National Parks.

Hiking at Arches National Park

You’ll enjoy a stunning landscape of 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of stone pinnacles rising into the sky, immense rock fins, and large balanced rocks as you hike through Arches National Park.

Refer to our Arches National Park travel guide for all our tips and resources for planning your trip: what to pack, things to do, where to stay, best time to visit, and more!

Here’s a list of hikes you’ll find at Arches:

• Arches National Park Hiking Trails 
• Best Hikes in Arches National Park
• Devil’s Garden Trail
• Arches National Park Winter Hikes

Hiking at Bryce Canyon National Park

One of the most popular Bryce Canyon activities is hiking. Most day hikes and their trailheads are found in the Bryce Amphitheater area. You’ll find that many trails connect to create longer combinations of hikes.

We always recommend you talk to a park ranger to get the most updated information about trail conditions and weather.

• Bryce Canyon Hikes  
• Best Day Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park 
• Easy Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park
• Best Bryce Canyon Winter Hikes

Refer to our Bryce Canyon travel guide for all our tips and resources for planning your trip: what to pack, things to do, where to stay, best time to visit, and more!

Hiking at Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is subdivided along the Green and Colorado Rivers into four unique districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze and The Rivers.

Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky is the most accessible district. It also offers fantastic, panoramic views of the park.

In contrast, when you visit Needles Canyonlands, you’ll experience a remote, backcountry experience with an assortment of natural geologic formations that can only be reached by using one of the many Canyonlands hiking trails or four-wheel driving trails.

Hiking is the number one activity at Canyonlands.

• Canyonlands Hikes 
• Island in the Sky Hikes 
• Canyonlands Needles Hikes
• Canyonlands National Park Winter Hikes

Refer to our Canyonlands National Park guide for all our tips and resources for planning your trip: what to pack, things to do, where to stay, best time to visit, and more!

Hiking at Capitol Reef National Park

Hiking the trails between Fruita and the Waterpocket Fold in the south should be at the top of your list of Capitol Reef activities!

• Capitol Reef Hikes
• Best Day Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park Winter Hikes

Your safety while hiking in Capitol Reef requires good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant awareness. It is your responsibility to know your abilities and limits.

Refer to our Capitol Reef National Park guide for all our tips and resources for planning your trip: what to pack, things to do, where to stay, best time to visit, and more!

Hiking at Zion National Park

The landscape at Zion National Park includes narrow sandstone canyons, high plateaus with spectacular views, and the Virgin River as it flows through the park.

The hiking trails at Zion are world-famous and fun to explore. You’ll need an Angels Landing permit if you want to do this hike any time of year!

• Zion National Park Hikes
• Easy Zion National Park Hikes
• Zion Hikes Without the Shuttle
• Winter Hiking in Zion National Park

Refer to our Zion National Park travel guide for all our tips and resources for planning your trip: what to pack, things to do, where to stay, best time to visit, and more!

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