Best Spring Hiking in Utah National Parks

Keep in mind that all five National Parks are popular destinations for spring break in Utah so be prepared for crowds!

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

Be sure to grab a copy of our spring packing list for Utah National Parks so you’re prepared with the right clothing and gear. You can get a free printable by clicking the graphic below!

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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!

Utah National Parks Spring Weather for Hiking

Deciding the best time to visit Utah National Parks is different for everyone.

Be sure you know the expected Utah National Parks spring weather for the parks you’ll visit in March, April, and May:

• Arches National Park weather
• Bryce Canyon National Park weather
• Canyonlands National Park weather
• Capitol Reef National Park weather
• Zion National Park weather

Tips for Spring Hiking at Utah National Parks

One of the best spring activities at Utah National Parks is hiking. It’s important to be prepared with the right clothing and gear for spring hikes.

Spring Clothing for Hiking at Utah National Parks

All Utah National Parks in early spring will still have cold mornings so layers are key.

• Clothing: Loose-fitting, light-colored, and wicking clothing
• Sunhat: Sun protection is a must
• Fleece jackets: A jacket is perfect for that morning layer when the temperatures are cool.
• Darn Tough hiking socks: Do not wear cotton socks. Darn Tough Socks are comfortable, breathe well, and prevent blisters!
• Waterproof hiking shoes: Spring rain is common so be sure your hiking shoes are waterproof. Be sure the shoes are sturdy with good tread and traction.

Spring Hiking Gear for Utah National Parks

Here’s the spring hiking gear we recommend for exploring all five parks:

• Water: Use refillable water bottles or hydration packs. We carry Propel powder packets to add to our water to help replace electrolytes.
• Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin! Due to the dry heat in Utah you’ll also want lip balm and lotion!
• First aid kit: No matter whether your hike is long or short, always pack a hiking first aid kit. Make sure your first aid kit has the essentials like plasters, bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, etc. 
• Headlamps: If you’ll be hiking in the morning or late afternoon, carry a headlamp so you’re prepared in case you need to hike in the dark.
• Snacks: Pack salty and easy to digest snack to replace electrolytes.
  • Healthy granola bar recipes
  • Healthy protein snack recipes
  • Gluten free snack recipes
  • Vegan snack bar recipes

Best Spring Hiking in Utah National Parks

This list includes the best hiking trails to explore at Utah National Parks in the Spring.

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.

Spring Hiking at Arches National Park

As you explore the trails at Arches, you’ll see natural stone arches, stone pinnacles, rock fins, and large balanced rocks! You’ll need an Arches Timed Entry ticket in April and May to enter the park from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Here’s a list of the best Arches National Park Spring Hikes:

• Park Avenue
• Balanced Rock
• The Windows
• Double Arch
• Delicate Arch
• Sand Dune Arch & Broken Arch
• Skyline Arch
• Devil’s Garden Trail – Landscape Arch

Spring Hiking at Bryce Canyon National Park

We recommend you talk to a park ranger to get the most updated information about trail conditions for all Bryce Canyon spring hikes. Some trails close due to unsafe conditions in the spring.

Most day hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park are found in the Bryce Amphitheater area. This makes it easy to create the best Bryce Canyon hiking experience for the time you have to spend at the park.

Here’s a list of the best Bryce Canyon Spring Hikes:

• Sunset to Sunrise
• Rim Trail
• Bristlecone Loop
• Mossy Cave
• Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden Trail
• Tower Bridge
• Fairyland Loop

Spring Hiking at Canyonlands National Park

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the rugged landscape that has been transformed into a multitude of canyons, mesas, buttes, and arches by the erosion of the Green and Colorado rivers.

Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky is a popular destination for great hikes, spectacular viewpoints and photography. It’s the most popular district to visit because it’s so close to Arches National Park and Moab, about a 30 minute drive.

Needles Canyonlands, on the other hand, takes about an hour and a half to get to from Moab. It has plenty of hiking, backpacking and off-roading trails, making it perfect for adventure seekers.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, you’ll find a variety of Canyonlands National Park spring hikes to explore this awesome park!

Island in the Sky Spring Hikes:

• Mesa Arch
• Grand View Point
• Upheaval Dome
• Whale Rock
• Aztec Butte

Canyonlands Needles Spring Hikes:

• Roadside Ruin
• Pothole Point
• Cave Springs Trail
• Chesler Park Loop
• Druid Arch

Spring Hiking at Capitol Reef National Park

This list of Capitol Reef spring hikes details the distance, time, elevation gain, and important information about what it’s like to hike each trail.

With its vast array of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, Capitol Reef National Park spring hikes offer something for every type of hiker.

• Capitol Gorge
• Goosenecks Overlook
• Sunset Point
• Grand Wash
• Hickman Bridge
• Cohab Canyon
• Cassidy Arch
• Chimney Rock Loop

Spring Hiking at Zion National Park

With its stunning vistas and breathtaking trails, Zion National Park is a great destination for hikers of all levels. In the spring, Zion Canyon is only accessible by using the Zion National Park shuttle.

If you want to avoid the crowds, here’s a list of Zion hikes without the shuttle!

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an intense hike up one of the park’s many peaks, there are plenty of Zion National Park spring hikes to choose from.

• Pa’rus Trail
• Court of the Patriarchs
• Emerald Pools
• Weeping Rock
• Riverside Walk
• Canyon Overlook
• The Narrows
• Angel’s Landing – Angels Landing permit is required

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Travel Guides for Utah National Parks

Check out our Utah National Park travel guides that detail the best things to see, do and photograph at all 5 parks!

• Arches National Park Travel Guide
• Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
• Canyonlands National Park Guide
• Capitol Reef National Park Guide
• Zion National Park Travel Guide