When it comes to hiking, no place on earth compares to Utah because of the diversity of scenery and types of trails you can explore. From hiking to the highest point in the state at over 13,000 feet to hiking the narrowest gulch or the trail with the greatest number of smaller trails branching off, there is a trail for everyone at every level of experience. The one thing you should always be aware of when hiking is to have a thorough knowledge of the area and be prepared for weather delays that could set you back days. Here are 5 of the most exciting in all of Utah.
1. Angels Landing – 4.4 Miles
Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most breathtaking hikes in the world as well as in Utah. The natural beauty surrounding you and the great height to which you’ll climb is why it’s called Angels Landing Zion. It takes a good day to hike to the top and that is for a seasoned hiker with strength and stamina. If you are new to the sport, plan on camping nearby up the trail.
2. Kings Peak – 28 miles
Located in Mountain View, Utah, Kings Peak makes the ideal place to hike the trails because there is also fishing and camping nearby and what you will be doing if you make it to the top is to have climbed to the very highest point within the State of Utah, to an amazing 13,528 feet.
3. Queens Garden Trail – 6.6 Miles
Queens Garden Trail is located within Bryce Canyon National Park and is one of the places on earth where there is an abundance of spectacular scenery all around you – every which way you turn. Branching off the trail and also in close proximity, there are a number of smaller trails for the less seasoned hiker.
4. Devil’s Garden Loop – 8 Miles
This is an exciting trail to put it mildly and not one the average hiker should traverse. The Devil’s Garden Loop is extremely hot in the summer months so many a hiker has been stricken with heat stroke and dehydration. In the winter months it’s just as threatening and dangerous as it is in the summer because of its extremely cold temperatures. It is not advisable for anyone with little experience roughing it in the elements to try this trail.
5. Buckskin Gulch – 23 Miles
If you are looking for a hike through the most exciting narrows in the United States, Buckskin Gulch in Kanab, Utah is where you’ll find just what you want. It takes a serious hiker to trek the gulch and the one thing you want to be weary of is the weather forecast. If the rain (or snow!) should come fast and furious, there’s no way out so beware. This is why it is considered so exciting and for very good reason.
Hiking isn’t for everyone so if you are not a seasoned hiker, these trails are not for you! They may be the most exciting but that places them among the most dangerous as well. Always check weather forecasts before setting out, hike with a buddy if possible and get ready for the hike of your life that only Utah can offer.