21 Easy Hikes In Utah: Best Trails With Stunning Scenery

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Easy Hikes In Utah: Why Hike in Utah?

Hikers love the easy hikes in Utah! The state’s national parks offer well marked trails with stunning views. Plus, Utah has great hiking weather for most of the year.

Utah’s Geographic Wonders

The state’s diverse landscape offers a hiker’s paradise. You’ll find trails that range from easy walks to steep climbs. Utah has a breathtaking landscape that formed over millions of years. The landscape was shaped by:

• Volcanic activity
• Earthquakes
• Erosion

The state’s landscape has:

• Canyons
• Lush forests
• Majestic mountains
• Plateaus
• Unique rock formations
• Vast red rock deserts

For hikers, this landscape means you have interesting hikes to explore and enjoy.

Easy Hikes In Utah: First Inhabitants and Settlers

Utah has a lively history and stunning landscapes. At first, Utah was home to Native American tribes who lived there for thousands of years. Early tribes included the:

• Fremont
• Goshute
• Navaho
• Paiute
• Puebloan
• Shoshone
• Ute

The first peoples left behind incredible rock art and cliff dwellings. You can still see the art and dwellings today. In the 1700s, Spanish explorers and trappers came to Utah.

In the 1840s, Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young settled in the area. The Mormons wanted a place to freely practice their religion.

The Mormons built towns and developed the land. They founded Salt Lake City and helped Utah become the state we know today.

Birth of Utah: Easy Hikes In Utah

Utah became a state on January 4, 1896. This happened after a lot of hard work and talks with the U.S. government.

Brigham Young and other leaders played a large role in helping Utah become a state. They wanted a place where they could live and worship without abuse.

Early Industries in Utah

In the early days, Utah’s main industries were:

• Farming
• Mining
• Railroads

The land was rich in minerals, and the railroads helped transport goods. These industries helped the state grow and prosper.

Modern Day Utah

Today, Utah has a booming tech industry. The tech business is often called the “Silicon Slopes.”

Thanks to stunning national parks and outdoor activities the state also has a lot to offer tourists and hikers. Visitors from all over the world visit Utah for the:

• Hiking
• Skiing
• Mountain biking

Why Is Utah Called Utah?

The state’s name comes from the Ute tribe. The Utes lived in the region. “Utah” means “people of the mountains.” The name fits since the state has such great mountain views.

Entertainment and Natural Beauty

Popular attractions include:

• Zion National
• Park Bryce Canyon
• Arches National Park

These parks offer some of the best hiking trails in the country. You also want to visit Salt Lake City for its:

• Historic sites
• Vibrant arts scene

21 Best Easy Hikes In Utah

Utah is a hiker’s paradise with its diverse landscapes and natural beauty. If you’re looking for easy hikes in Utah, this list has something for everyone. These great trails offer the best easy hikes for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Each hike offers a blend of adventure and peace. This blend makes them the best choices to easily hike Utah’s natural beauty.

For more information about easy hikes in Utah, see the AllTrails app. The free app has helpful information. The premium app has lots of useful hiking information including offline maps.

Also, consider an America The Beautiful Pass. The pass includes entry to all U.S. parks, monuments, forests, and more.

Birdsong Trail: Easy Hikes In Utah

The Birdsong Trail in Ogden is a fun 2 mile round trip hike that’s perfect for families. The trail has beautiful city views and the surrounding mountains.

You’ll hike by natural springs and ponds that make this a great trail for birdwatching. The path is well marked and easy for beginners.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Loop
• Distance: 2.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 377 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail

Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail is an easy, family friendly hike located near Midway, Utah. This 0.8-mile round trip trail features boardwalks and bridges that take you over tumbling springs and calm pools.

The trail is full of plant life and offers lots of chances to see wildlife, including trout in the clear waters. Look for:

• Deer
• Otters
• Beavers
• LOTS of birds including wild turkey

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Loop
• Distance: 0.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 91 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Cecret Lake: Easy Hikes In Utah

Cecret Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in the Albion Basin of Little Cottonwood Canyon. This is perfect 1.8 mile hike for families.

The trail takes you through meadows filled with wildflowers in the spring and summer. The lake is surrounded by rugged peaks. The views make this a great spot for a picnic and looking for wildlife.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 465 feet
• Dogs: No

City Creek: Easy Hikes In Utah

City Creek Canyon Trail, near downtown Salt Lake City, is a 6.5 mile round trip hike that provides a peaceful escape from the city. The trail follows City Creek.

This trail offers shaded areas and open spaces that are perfect for a picnic. It’s an easy hike that’s suited for all fitness levels and a great hiking trail for birdwatching.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 731 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Corona Arch Trail: Easy Hikes In Utah

Corona Arch, near Moab, is a 2.3 mile hike with stunning views. The trail features a climb up a ladder and a scramble over slick rock.

The Corona Arch is massive. You will love taking pictures here! This hike is great for families and anyone who wants to see Utah’s red rock beauty.

Hike early during the summer! Heat can be extreme!

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 2.3 miles
• Elevation gain: 462 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Dry Fork Rock Art, Dry Fork Canyon, McConkie Ranch

The Dry Fork Rock Art trail in Dry Fork Canyon is a 0.9 mile hike near Vernal, Utah. The trail takes you to some of Utah’s most impressive petroglyphs (Erin Alberty, Salt Lake Tribune, 9/12/2017).

The trail is relatively flat, easy, and suited for most hikers. The rock art offers a glimpse into the area’s history. The art has well preserved drawings of:

• Animals
• People
• Symbols

The art is on private land with a requested donation.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 0.9 miles
• Elevation gain: 219 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Goblin Valley: Easy Hikes In Utah

Goblin Valley State Park features a 5.2 mile hike filled with strange rock formations called hoodoos. These rocks look like goblins. Their look makes this an otherworldly hike.

The hike is easy and perfect for families.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 5.2 miles
• Elevation gain: 177 feet
• Dogs: No

The trail has no shade, can be crowded, and isn’t well marked. Bring water, and be careful!

Grotto Falls, Payson Canyon

Grotto Falls is a short, 0.6-mile round trip hike located in Payson Canyon. This family friendly trail leads to a small waterfall that’s perfect for cooling off.

The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. This makes the trail ideal for young children and beginners.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 0.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 183 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Hickman Bridge Trail: Easy Hikes In Utah

The Hickman Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef National Park is a 1.7 mile hike with unique rock formations. The trail is easy to follow and leads to Hickman Bridge. The bridge is a 133 feet high natural arch.

This hike is well suited for most hikers. The hike also has great opportunities to take pictures.

The hike has a steep incline and rocky stretches. Bring your hiking poles.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 416 feet
• Dogs: No

Hidden Falls Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Hidden Falls Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon is a short, easy hike that’s perfect for families. The 0.1 mile trail leads to a beautiful waterfall. The area around the fall offers a peaceful escape from the city.

The trailhead is located at the “S-Curve” on Big Cottonwood Canyon Road near Mounthaven, Utah.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 0.1 miles
• Elevation gain: 49 feet
• Dogs: No

Lake Mary: Easy Hikes In Utah

The Lake Mary Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon is a 2.3 mile hike with beautiful alpine scenery. The trail starts at Brighton Ski Resort. The trail has a steep incline that takes you through wildflower filled meadows.

Lake Mary is a peaceful spot surrounded by granite rocks. The rocks and lake make the perfect for a relaxing picnic. There’s no swimming allowed in the lake.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 2.3 miles
• Elevation gain: 803 feet
• Dogs: No

Lower Emerald Pools Trail, Zion National Park

Lower Emerald Pools Trail in Zion National Park is a 1.4 mile that is easy for all ages. The trail has a paved path that takes you to waterfalls with peaceful pools. This family friendly hike has stunning canyon and lush, green plant views.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 127 feet
• Dogs: No

Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park

Mesa Arch is a must see in Canyonlands National Park. This 0.7 mile hike offers an easy walk to one of the park’s most well known views.

The arch sits on the edge of a cliff. The Mesa Arch gives you breathtaking canyon views.

Visit at sunrise for stunning photos and to avoid crowds.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Loop
• Distance: 0.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 88 feet
• Dogs: No

Mossy Cave Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Mossy Cave Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is a 0.9 mile hike. The hike features a waterfall and hoodoos. You can walk behind the waterfall!

This is an easy that’s well suited for families. You can explore a stream and a cave when you hike the trail. It’s a great hike that lets you see Bryce Canyon’s unique rock formations up close.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 0.9 miles
• Elevation gain: 121 feet
• Dogs: No

Narrows Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

Riverside Walk in Zion National Park is a 1.9 mile trail along the Virgin River. The easy, paved path is perfect for all ages.

The trail offers stunning river views. The towering canyon walls make it a popular family hike.

Go early, it’s very busy! Take your hiking poles to keep your balance when you cross the Virgin River.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.9 miles
• Elevation gain: 193 feet
• Dogs: No

Silver Lake Loop Trail, Wasatch-Cache National Forest

The Silver Lake Loop Trail is a 1 mile loop located in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This easy trail has boardwalks and offers beautiful lake and mountain views. Look for wildlife including moose and bald eagles!

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Loop
• Distance: 1.0 miles
• Elevation gain: 55 feet
• Dogs: No

Spectra Point Trail: Easy Hikes In Utah

Spectra Point Trail in Cedar Breaks National Monument is a 1.9 mile hike with sweeping views of the colorful rocks. The trail is easy to follow and gives you stunning amphitheater views.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 1.9 miles
• Elevation gain: 393 feet
• Dogs: No

Tony Grove Lake Lake Loop Trail: Easy Hikes In Utah

Tony Grove Lake is a beautiful alpine lake in Logan Canyon. The 1.2 mile loop around the lake treats you to stunning water and wildflower views.

This is an easy trail that’s perfect for families. The trail has plenty of scenic places for a picnic.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail type: Loop
• Distance: 1.2 miles
• Elevation gain: 59 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Watchman Trail: Easy Hikes In Utah

Watchman Trail in Zion National Park is a 3.3-mile round trip hike that offers you stunning park views. The trail is moderately challenging and climbs gradually.

As you hike you have sweeping Zion Canyon Virgin River views. It’s a great hike for enjoying Zion’s beauty with fewer crowds.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 3.1 miles
• Elevation gain: 636 feet
• Dogs: No

Easy Hikes In Utah: Conclusion

Utah is a hiker’s dream. The state has a rich history and diverse landscapes.

Whether you’re exploring ancient rock art, hiking through a national park, or enjoying local food, Utah offers something for everyone.

So, lace up your hiking boots and discover the beauty and history of these easy hikes in Utah!

If you need hiking gear, Amazon has some very good gear at economical prices.

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