Utah has so many hiking trails that most of us will never complete them all in a lifetime. While you can certainly plan an entire day (or weekend) around just one hiking trail in the Beehive State, sometimes you’re looking to get a quick nature fix. Head to the hills and hike one of the best short hikes in Utah that are under three miles!
- Hidden Falls Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon
Parker Burns/AllTrails.com This short, easy hike takes you to a pretty, hidden waterfall. The Hidden Falls Trail is just 0.3 miles roundtrip and is one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Utah!
- Queen’s Garden Trail, Bryce National Park
end_of_cloud/Tripadvisor The Queen’s Garden Trail drops you right into the amphitheater, where you’ll be up close to the spectacular hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park. The descent is 320 feet, which you’ll climb on the way back up. This beautiful hike is only 1.8 miles.
- Birdsong Trail, Ogden
Lizz Daley/AllTrails.com This pretty little trail on the Ogden bench has some nice views. On the Birdsong Trail, you will walk through wooded areas and meadows. Plus, you’ll likely see plenty of birds along the way. This is one of the best scenic hikes in Utah and is only one mile round trip.
- Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail, Wasatch Mountain State Park
Briana Gutierrez/AllTrails.com The Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail makes a 0.7-mile loop. You’ll likely see plenty of wildlife and even some trout in the pools as you hike.
- Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park
John Fowler/flickr As one of the most popular spots at Canyonlands National Park, the trail to Mesa Arch is often crowded. It’s just a short 0.6-mile hike, making it one of the best short hikes in Utah. Explore the Mesa Arch at sunrise for some stunning photos and unforgettable scenery.
- Lisa Falls, Little Cottonwood Canyon
Cheryl Busch/AllTrails.com The trail to Lisa Falls is just 1.1 miles. On this kid-friendly hike in Utah, the falls are pretty and will quickly capture your attention. You may also want to stop and watch the rock climbers on your adventure.
- Emerald Pools Trail, Zion National Park
Justin A./Tripadvisor Take the 2.4-mile loop to see all three pools on this popular hike in Zions National Park. Portions of the this trail can be a bit steep, but overall it’s rated easy to moderate.
- Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Cole Gleave/AllTrails.com The Bonneville Shoreline Trail stretches for 100 miles — from Cache County to Utah County. Choose your favorite three miles of the trail and you’ll be rewarded with a relatively easy hike and some unparalleled city and canyon views.
- Timpanogos Cave, American Fork Canyon
Ken Lund/flickr This hike zigzags right up the mountain with tons of switchbacks. However, don’t worry about the steep climb. There are plenty of benches along the way so you can rest and check out the gorgeous canyon views. The Timpanogos Cave Trail is 1.5 miles one way. Once you’ve reached the top, spend some time touring the cave before hiking back down.
- Double Arch Trail, Arches National Park
Jay Locko/AllTrails.com If you’re looking for a fast, easy hike at Arches National Park, Double Arch Trail is perfect. This hiking trail is just 0.6 mile and is an out-and-back trail.
- Silver Lake, Big Cottonwood Canyon
Catherine Armstrong This easy trail circles Silver Lake. Watch for wildlife (moose are often seen here), and enjoy some fresh air during your 0.9-mile loop.
There are hundreds of easy hiking trails in Utah! What’s your favorite trail to explore?
Parker Burns/AllTrails.com
This short, easy hike takes you to a pretty, hidden waterfall. The Hidden Falls Trail is just 0.3 miles roundtrip and is one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Utah!
end_of_cloud/Tripadvisor
The Queen’s Garden Trail drops you right into the amphitheater, where you’ll be up close to the spectacular hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park. The descent is 320 feet, which you’ll climb on the way back up. This beautiful hike is only 1.8 miles.
Lizz Daley/AllTrails.com
This pretty little trail on the Ogden bench has some nice views. On the Birdsong Trail, you will walk through wooded areas and meadows. Plus, you’ll likely see plenty of birds along the way. This is one of the best scenic hikes in Utah and is only one mile round trip.
Briana Gutierrez/AllTrails.com
The Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail makes a 0.7-mile loop. You’ll likely see plenty of wildlife and even some trout in the pools as you hike.
John Fowler/flickr
As one of the most popular spots at Canyonlands National Park, the trail to Mesa Arch is often crowded. It’s just a short 0.6-mile hike, making it one of the best short hikes in Utah. Explore the Mesa Arch at sunrise for some stunning photos and unforgettable scenery.
Cheryl Busch/AllTrails.com
The trail to Lisa Falls is just 1.1 miles. On this kid-friendly hike in Utah, the falls are pretty and will quickly capture your attention. You may also want to stop and watch the rock climbers on your adventure.
Justin A./Tripadvisor
Take the 2.4-mile loop to see all three pools on this popular hike in Zions National Park. Portions of the this trail can be a bit steep, but overall it’s rated easy to moderate.
Cole Gleave/AllTrails.com
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail stretches for 100 miles — from Cache County to Utah County. Choose your favorite three miles of the trail and you’ll be rewarded with a relatively easy hike and some unparalleled city and canyon views.
Ken Lund/flickr
This hike zigzags right up the mountain with tons of switchbacks. However, don’t worry about the steep climb. There are plenty of benches along the way so you can rest and check out the gorgeous canyon views. The Timpanogos Cave Trail is 1.5 miles one way. Once you’ve reached the top, spend some time touring the cave before hiking back down.
Jay Locko/AllTrails.com
If you’re looking for a fast, easy hike at Arches National Park, Double Arch Trail is perfect. This hiking trail is just 0.6 mile and is an out-and-back trail.
Catherine Armstrong
This easy trail circles Silver Lake. Watch for wildlife (moose are often seen here), and enjoy some fresh air during your 0.9-mile loop.
If you are looking for even more scenic hikes in Utah to explore, check out our list of 15 Gorgeous Hikes In Utah Everyone Must Complete.
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Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah 84121, USAAddress: UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, USAAddress: Ogden, UT, USAAddress: Wasatch Mountain State Park, 1281 Warm Springs Rd, Midway, UT 84049, USAAddress: Moab, UT 84532, USAAddress: Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah 84092, USAAddress: Zion National Park Visitor Center, Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, USAAddress: Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Salt Lake City, UT, USAAddress: Timpanogos Cave National Monument, 2038 Alpine Loop Rd, American Fork, UT 84003, USAAddress: Arches National Park Visitor Center, Moab, UT 84532, USAAddress: Silver Lake, Utah 84121, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Short Hikes In Utah April 29, 2021 Courtnie Erickson What are the best easy hiking trails in Utah? With hundreds of hiking trails around the Beehive State, it can be difficult to narrow down the best short hikes in Utah. In the southern part of the state, you will find several easy hiking trails in Zion National Park including the Lower Emerald Pools Trail and the Riverside Walk. Up north, take a walk around Tony Grove Lake near Logan. What are the best scenic hikes in Utah? Utah is a state filled with many remarkable views. From the red rocks near Arches National Park to the lush forests in Cache Valley, there are some pretty gorgeous hikes for you to explore. If you are looking for a scenic hike that everyone in your family can enjoy, check out our article of 11 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Buck List In Utah. How to Prepare For Kid-Friendly Hikes in Utah It doesn’t matter if you are hiking less than 1 mile or are embarking on a several-mile adventure, hiking with children requires ample preparation. You not only want to bring plenty of water and a few healthy snacks such as trail mix or granola bars, but make sure you bring sunscreen and bug spray as well. As you hike, you’ll likely want a patient attitude as the climb may be slow and many breaks may be necessary.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Short Hikes In Utah
April 29, 2021
Courtnie Erickson
What are the best easy hiking trails in Utah? With hundreds of hiking trails around the Beehive State, it can be difficult to narrow down the best short hikes in Utah. In the southern part of the state, you will find several easy hiking trails in Zion National Park including the Lower Emerald Pools Trail and the Riverside Walk. Up north, take a walk around Tony Grove Lake near Logan. What are the best scenic hikes in Utah? Utah is a state filled with many remarkable views. From the red rocks near Arches National Park to the lush forests in Cache Valley, there are some pretty gorgeous hikes for you to explore. If you are looking for a scenic hike that everyone in your family can enjoy, check out our article of 11 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Buck List In Utah. How to Prepare For Kid-Friendly Hikes in Utah It doesn’t matter if you are hiking less than 1 mile or are embarking on a several-mile adventure, hiking with children requires ample preparation. You not only want to bring plenty of water and a few healthy snacks such as trail mix or granola bars, but make sure you bring sunscreen and bug spray as well. As you hike, you’ll likely want a patient attitude as the climb may be slow and many breaks may be necessary.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With hundreds of hiking trails around the Beehive State, it can be difficult to narrow down the best short hikes in Utah. In the southern part of the state, you will find several easy hiking trails in Zion National Park including the Lower Emerald Pools Trail and the Riverside Walk. Up north, take a walk around Tony Grove Lake near Logan.
What are the best scenic hikes in Utah?
Utah is a state filled with many remarkable views. From the red rocks near Arches National Park to the lush forests in Cache Valley, there are some pretty gorgeous hikes for you to explore. If you are looking for a scenic hike that everyone in your family can enjoy, check out our article of 11 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Buck List In Utah.
How to Prepare For Kid-Friendly Hikes in Utah
It doesn’t matter if you are hiking less than 1 mile or are embarking on a several-mile adventure, hiking with children requires ample preparation. You not only want to bring plenty of water and a few healthy snacks such as trail mix or granola bars, but make sure you bring sunscreen and bug spray as well. As you hike, you’ll likely want a patient attitude as the climb may be slow and many breaks may be necessary.
