10 Best Hiking And Trekking Spots In Utah, USA

1. Rocky Mouth Trailhead

Rocky Mouth Trailhead is a popular trail on the outskirts of Sandy City, Utah. The trail is short at only 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) and peaks at 282 feet (86 meters). Also, the path has few obstacles without steep climbs, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Though the trail is short, it still boasts numerous scenic views along the way and is home to a famous 70-foot (21.3-meter) waterfall where everyone can take a much-needed break. The mists from the waterfall will surely provide you immediate refreshment and relaxation. However, the trail is usually jampacked during summer weekends and holidays because it’s one of the most popular starting points for a nature walk.

Rocky Mouth Trailhead

Address: 1248 Wasatch Blvd, Sandy, UT 84092

Website: Rocky Mouth Trailhead

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

2. Cecret Lake Trail

One of the most popular trails of Utah is Cecret Lake Trail. What makes this trail popular is the unique view encountered during the hike. You will see the transition zone between badlands and woodlands, which looks like a shade of gray and green in a canvas. This is complemented with the attractive sight of wildflowers along the trail, making the hike quite lovely. Though the trail is established some time ago, hikers and nature seekers still frequent this trail because it never gets old, thanks to its unique scenery. Also, wait for sunsets just below Sugarloaf. The view of the sunsets there is superb. In a nutshell, Cecret Lake Trail is a 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) easy, out-and-back trail with fantastic views.

Cecret Lake Trail

Address: 9701 Albion Basin Rd, Alta, UT 84092

Website: Cecret Lake Trail

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

3. Jardine Juniper Trailhead

This 10.9 miles (17.5 kilometers) of dirt-paved trail is best suited for hiking, running, horseback riding, and mountain biking—thanks to the trail having no obstacles. It is a steady climb of steep slopes at the first part of the ascent, then levels off gradually toward the peak. With an ascent of approximately 2,145 feet (654 meters), the hike is rated as difficult and is not suitable for beginners. Moreover, the trail is named as such because it’s home to Jardine Juniper—Utah’s oldest tree. As soon as you reach the top, your arduous hike will be repaid with stunning views.

Jardine Juniper Trailhead

Address: Logan Canyon, UT 84341

Website: Jardine Juniper Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

4. Wind Caves Trail Head

Perched within a valley and situated on the mountainous region east of Logan City, Wind Caves Trail Head is strategically located and leads to various hidden gems in the area. The trail is a 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) out-and-back trail that peaks at 1,000 feet (305 meters). It’s regarded as the most popular hiking destination in Northern Utah, and for good reason. The trail leads to a delicate triple arch, as they call it—a natural cave with limestone outcropping—and caves littered with exotic fauna, which is very common along the trail. Moreover, it also leads to the so-called China Wall, a mile-long limestone formation. If you go in at night, you will see unspoiled views of the Milky Way. But take note, the trail is rated as moderate in difficulty, with occasional steep climbs, so it’s not advisable for beginners.

Wind Caves Trail Head

Address: Wind Caves, Logan, UT 84341

Website: Wind Caves Trail Head

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

5. Red Pine Lake Trail

Enjoy the picturesque landscape of Cottonwood Canyon at Red Pine Lake Trail. The trail starts off at one of the lowest points of the canyon, then quickly ascends to an elevation of 2,100 feet (640 meters). Also, it stretches out for 7.1 miles (11.4 kilometers) and is rated as difficult due to consistent steep climbs and many obstacles—during which you will encounter magnificent views of the surrounding lakes, which are bordered with tall trees and grayish stone deposits. Moreover, these views are only the foreground of a number of massive mountain peaks. Take note that pets and swimming on the lakes are not allowed because the trail lies within a protected watershed.

Red Pine Lake Trail

Address: Sandy, UT 84092

Website: Red Pine Lake Trail

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

6. Fifth Water Hot Springs Trailhead

Fifth Water Hot Springs Trailhead is one of the most fantastic trails near Spanish Fork. The trail starts off at Diamond Fork Canyon on Sixth Water Creek. The route is an out-and-back trail with a distance of 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) that peaks at an elevation of 636 feet (194 meters). What might seem like a fairly easy hike is regarded as otherwise, due to the obstacles and rock formations encountered along the way. What makes the trail so rewarding, as the name suggests, is that it’s home to numerous hot springs. Its relaxing hot waters will surely revitalize your strength. As you go farther, a beautiful waterfall will welcome you near the peak for a much-needed break.

Fifth Water Hot Springs Trailhead

Address: Diamond Fork Rd, Spanish Fork, UT 84660

Website: Fifth Water Hot Springs Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Ghost Falls Trailhead

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Ghost Falls Trailhead is perfectly suitable for family and group hikes, and for good reason. This looped trail is perched on a gentle slope all throughout, which makes it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is 2.9 miles (4.7 kilometers) long and peaks at a measly elevation of 570 feet (174 meters). There are numerous trees along the way that provide shade and numerous spots on the trail that offer picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Also, the trail is a famous mountain-biking trail, so watch out for them.

Ghost Falls Trailhead

Address: Draper, UT 84020

Website: Ghost Falls Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

8. Donut Falls Trailhead

Donut Falls Trail is perfectly suitable for hikers of all skill levels because it has little to no steep climbs, the trail is short, and it peaks at a relatively low elevation. This fairly easy trail is great for families, youth groups, and friends to immerse themselves in nature and have a much-needed break. At the end of the trail, you would have hiked approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) and 531 feet (162 meters) in elevation—during which you will encounter small streams and numerous spots for scenic views. Also, as the name suggests, there’s a donut-shaped cave here where a small stream enters, resembling a waterfall and merging with the existing underground river.

Donut Falls Trailhead

Address: Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Website: Donut Falls Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

9. Willow Heights

Willow Heights is known for its beautiful trails that are flocked during summer by hikers and nature seekers. The hike toward the peak is quite difficult, despite the trail being only 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) and peaking at 629 feet (192 meters). This is mainly due to the number of obstacles encountered along the way—during which you will marvel at the sights of the massive aspen forest that gives shade to the trail, leading to a charming lake perched high atop Wasatch Mountains. This loop trail is not advisable for beginners and is rated as moderate in difficulty.

Willow Heights

Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Website: Willow Heights

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

10. The Living Room Trailhead

Marvel at the beautiful skyline of Salt Lake City from the peak of The Living Room Trailhead. As the name suggests, a living-room-type viewing spot is perched atop the peak—complete with stone chairs and a great vantage point to have the best view of Salt Lake City. However, the trail is rated as difficult due to the number of obstacles and steep slopes encountered. Generally, this out-and-back trail stretches for 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) and peaks at an elevation of 980 feet (300 meters). The trail begins on Colorow Road near University of Utah, then quickly ascends to the top, with minimal level ground.

The Living Room Trailhead

Address: 383 Colorow Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Website: The Living Room Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Experience Utah through a different lens

Experiencing Utah the normal way, like a city tour of Salt Lake City, a road trip between cities, or a casual visit to a theme park, may have its perks. But how about seeking a whole new perspective? With Utah’s pristine nature and many beautiful trails, every hiking adventure and nature escape in the state will surely be an experience of a lifetime.