By Cate Rushton
Challenging hiking trails crisscross the Utah red-rock country
Utah has a diverse range of terrain and climate. In the southern part of the state, red rock and sandstone highlight a dramatic desert landscape. In the north, cooler weather prevails in the Wasatch Mountains, which reach 12,000 feet above sea level. No matter what hiking experience you have, Utah has challenging and picturesque trails to offer.
Donut Falls
This well-known trail is popular with hikers of moderate ability. Shaded by forest, the trail features Big Cottonwood Creek, which offers an interesting waterfall that splashes through a donut-shaped opening in the mountain.
Drive nine miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon to the Mill D Trailhead. The Donut Falls Trailhead is less than a mile up the road; the hike is a half-mile to the falls and is rated Moderately Difficult.
Mary, Martha & Catherine
Also located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, hikers can also follow a trail among three crystal-clear alpine lakes nestled above Brighton Ski resort. This trail takes you right to the top, at an elevation of about 10,500 feet. It's steep, but the breathtaking view at Lake Catherine is well worth the effort.
The Trailhead is located at the Brighton Ski Resort, at the back of the main parking lot. The hike is four miles out and back and is rated Moderately Difficult.
Delicate Arch
One of the most famous Utah landmarks, Delicate Arch is located in Arches National Park. This majestic arch is nestled into a sandstone bowl about 450 feet above the parking lot.
Delicate Arch Trailhead is well-marked off the side of the main road running through Arches National Park. It's three miles out and back, with some elevation gain. This trail is rated Moderately Difficult.
Zion Narrows
The most popular hike at Zion's National Park, the Zion Narrows Trail goes through a narrow canyon bordering the Virgin River. In most places, you'll wade through the river. Temperatures at Zion can reach the low 100s during the summer months, so the cool water of the river will be a welcome respite.
The trailhead begins at the end of the shuttle route at Gateway to the Narrows. Look for signs pointing you to the Temple of Sinawava. This hike is up to 16 miles long and varies in difficulty. The first mile is rated Easy, and the difficulty level increases from there. The full 16-mile trail is best completed as an overnight hike.
Angel's Landing
If you want to see the most incredible view of Zion National Park and enjoy hiking straight up, this is the trail for you. With an elevation gain of 1,488 feet in only 2.5 miles, you can expect to be short of breath. This hike is not for those who are afraid of heights or suffer from vertigo---there are places along the trail where the narrow path is cut right into a very steep slope.
The hike begins at the Grotto Trailhead, located across the river from the Grotto Picnic Area. This hike is rated Strenuous.
Ben Lomond Peak
About an hour north of Salt Lake City, the city of Ogden, Utah, boasts some beautiful mountain terrain. Ben Lomond Peak, the highest peak in the area at 9,712 feet, offers fabulous views of the Ogden valley and the Great Salt Lake.
The Ben Lomond Trailhead is at North Fork Park in Ogden Valley. The hike is rated Strenuous and is 15 miles out and back.
About the Author:
Cate Rushton has been a freelance writer since 1999, specializing in wildlife and outdoor activities. Her published works also cover relationships, gardening and travel on various websites. Rushton holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Utah.
Photo Credits:
Utah desert image by Jon R Peters from
Fotolia.com
