The 13 Best Hikes in Southern Utah

From arches to hoodoos to snow-capped mountains, Utah has it all! Utah has an incredibly diverse landscape, especially within its five national parks. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park each offer unique landscapes.

Some of the most scenic and best hikes in Utah are in its national parks. Each national park has the best hikes in Southern Utah for all levels and offers opportunities to take in the unique landscapes.

When I visited Utah, I hiked the entire week through its national parks, and now I can provide you with my favorites! This guide will review the best hikes in Utah that you should add to your bucket list!

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Tips for Hiking in Southern Utah

Pack water and wear sunscreen. It can get very hot in Utah’s national parks, and most trails have little to no shade. It is crucial to pack plenty of water and food and wear sunscreen. I also recommend starting the longer and more difficult hikes in the early morning to avoid midday, high temps. I learned the hard way about hiking midday!
Start your days early. Utah’s national parks become very crowded midday, and parking lots can fill up quickly. I recommend arriving at the trailheads early in the morning to find a parking spot and have a peaceful hike.
Be cautious. Utah’s national parks are known for trails that travel on sandstone and cliffs with long drop-offs. I would not recommend hiking these trails when it is raining or has recently rained because sandstone is very slippery when wet.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

What to Pack For Hiking in Southern Utah

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

what to wear hiking in hot weather

Best Easy Hikes in Southern Utah

The Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch Hike

Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 150 feet

The Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are located in Arches National Park and are some of the most well-known arches in the park. The hike to the Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch is flat and very easy to follow, making it one of the best hikes in southern Utah.

The trail begins in the Windows parking lot and travels to the right towards Turret Arch. There are steps leading up and into Turret Arch. The trail then heads over to North Window, which is the most popular arch on this hike. Many people will line up to take the classic photo standing in North Window. The trail then travels from North Window to South Window.

You can either follow the trail back the way you came or by following the Primitive Trail behind the Windows. I highly recommend hiking the Primitive Trail because it is less popular and travels through a beautiful area. Both trails will lead back to the parking lot where the hike began.

Once you are back in the parking lot, you can hike across to Double Arch. We loved being able to walk under the arches because they made us feel small in the best way!

If you want to experience the true beauty of this hike with fewer people, I recommend hiking it for sunrise or sunset. When we visited for sunset, it did not disappoint. It was our favorite sunset spot in Arches National Park!

Grand View Point Trail

grand view point in canyonlands national park - best hikes in utah - best hikes in southern utah

Length: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Grand View Point is arguably the most beautiful hike in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, offering a spectacular view at 6,000 feet of elevation, and is one of my favorite hikes in Southern Utah.

The trail begins in the Grand View Point parking lot at the very end of the Island in the Sky scenic drive and is very easy to follow. The first 100 yards of Grand View Point Trail passes the first viewpoint, which is accessible by wheelchairs and offers incredible views. The trail continues for another mile along the edge of a cliff until it arrives at the final and most beautiful viewpoint.

We hiked the Grand View Point Trail for sunset, and it was amazing! We loved watching the sunset from an epic viewpoint. If you are up for a sunset hike, I highly recommend it!

Hickman Natural Bridge Trail

hickman natural bridge in capitol reef national park - best hikes in utah - photo by alex iby - best hikes in southern utah

Length: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 450 feet

Hickman Natural Bridge is a beautiful 125-foot tall and 133-foot long arch and is one of the first attractions in Capitol Reef National Park. The Hickman Bridge Trail begins in the Hickman Bridge parking lot along Highway 24 and is very easy to follow.

The first section of the Hickman Bridge Trail gains the most elevation, but there are switchbacks to help make it gradual. Once at the top of the hill, it is an easy hike to the huge and beautiful arch. The trail travels under Hickman Natural Bridge, offering an up-close and personal experience with the arch.

We loved talking a short break to enjoy the stunning views of Hickman Bridge from underneath it. It is a huge arch, so it was cool to experience it up close.

The trail then loops around Hickman Natural Bridge and back to the original trail. The Hickman Bridge Trail also offers a beautiful view of the Capitol Dome and Pectols Pyramid. Hickman Natural Bridge is one of the best hikes in Southern Utah!

Canyon Overlook Trail

canyon overlook in zion national park - best hikes in utah - best hikes in southern utah

Length: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 150 feet

Canyon Overlook is one of the first sights in Zion National Park if approaching the park from the east entrance and is one of the best hikes in Southern Utah for those who are looking for an easy hike with beautiful views. It was our favorite hike in the park because the views were unmatched!

Canyon Overlook Trail begins in the Canyon Overlook Trail parking lot just outside of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. The trail immediately ascends a short rock staircase before flattening out. Canyon Junction Trail then follows along the ridge of the canyon and through a cave.

Although there are railings along most of the trail, parts of the trail have a long drop-off, so it is important to be cautious. Heights make me a little nervous, but I was okay during this section of the trail. The trail then opens up and offers a beautiful view at Canyon Overlook.

We sat at the overlook for a long time because we could not get over how beautiful the views were. For such a short hike, the views were incredible!

Pa’rus Trail

Length: 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: minimal

The Pa’rus Trail is the most accessible trail in Zion National Park and provides beautiful views of the Watchman. The Pa’rus Trail is a one-way trail linking the Visitor’s Center to Canyon Junction Bridge and is one of the best hikes in Southern Utah for those looking for an easy trail.

We hiked the Pa’rus Trail during sunset, and it was amazing! The views of the Watchman and surrounding mountains took our breath away. And we had the entire trail to ourselves.

If beginning the hike at the Visitor’s Center, the Pa’rus Trail follows along the Virgin River and offers a peaceful experience to take in the scenery. About a mile into the trail, there is a short side trail that leads to the Zion Human History Museum.

Past this point, the Pa’rus trail becomes very scenic with wildflowers and provides incredible views of the Watchman when looking behind you. The end of the trail passes Canyon Junction Bridge, which is the most popular spot in Zion National Park for sunset. Once you reach Canyon Junction Bridge, you can follow Pa’rus Trail back to the Visitor’s Center or hop on the shuttle.

Best Moderate Hikes in Southern Utah

Delicate Arch Trail

delicate arch in arches national park - best hikes in utah - best hikes in southern utah

Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Delicate Arch is arguably the most well-known arch in Arches National Park and one of the best hikes in Southern Utah. Since it is one of the most popular trails in the park, it is always crowded. We started midday and had a difficult time finding parking. It would be better do hike it early in the morning!

The hike to Delicate Arch begins in the Delicate Arch parking lot and passes by a small ranch built in the early 1900s by John Wesley Wolfe called Wolfe Ranch and a petroglyph panel.

Delicate Arch Trail then begins to climb up a steep rock slope for 500 feet. The top of the hill provides beautiful views of the surrounding area in Arches National Park. We were in awe of the stunning views!

Delicate Arch Trail weaves along the top until reaching the iconic Delicate Arch. Once at the top, you can either enjoy the views from along a rim or get up-close and personal with it. If you want to get an up-close and personal look at Delicate Arch, please make sure to be careful. Each year, people slip off the cliff near the arch. We decided to stay along the rim because I was too nervous to go near the arch.

If you want to experience the true beauty of Delicate Arch, I recommend hiking it for sunrise or sunset. Delicate Arch is one of the most popular places to hike during sunrise and sunset, so you will not be the only one there!

Delicate Arch can also be viewed from two viewpoints at the bottom of the canyon if you do not want to hike the Delicate Arch Trail. The lower viewpoint is accessible by a short walk, and the upper viewpoint is accessible by a 0.5-mile steep hike. Delicate Arch is a beautiful sight from every viewpoint!

Navajo Loop

Length: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Navajo Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park. It is one of the best hikes in Southern Utah for those who want to get an up-close and personal experience with hoodoos. Navajo Loop begins at Sunset Point and immediately descends to the canyon floor along a paved path.

Once on the canyon floor, the trail splits into three trails. Navajo Loop continues to the right and follows the lower trail descending along switchbacks deeper into the canyon. The trail offers beautiful views of Wall Street, Twin Bridges, and other hoodoo formations. Once the trail passes Two Bridges, Navajo Loop begins the ascent to the rim along switchbacks.

If you are up for a longer hike, I highly recommend combining Navajo Loop with Queens Garden for a beautiful 3-mile hike! The hike was one of our favorites in the park because the views were stunning. I know you will love this trail!

Cassidy Arch Trail

Length: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet

Cassidy Arch is a spectacular arch sitting 400 feet above Grand Wash in Capitol Reef National Park. On the drive to Cassidy Arch Trail, there is a viewpoint looking up at Cassidy Arch that deters many people from hiking to it. I promise it looks worse than it is!

The entire trail steadily gains elevation with minimal flat sections. The hike follows along the rim of the canyon with sections that have long, drop-offs, so it is not for anyone who has a fear of heights! I am not a fan of heights, but I did okay near the top!

Once at the top of the canyon, the trail travels on sandstone slabs and would be difficult to follow if not for the rock cairns. The trail then reaches the end of the cliff and rewards you with beautiful views of Cassidy Arch and Grand Wash.

The views of Cassidy Arch and the surrounding area were stunning! We enjoy eating lunch at the top while taking in the views. Cassidy Arch was easily our favorite hike int he park!

Note: The area of Capitol Reef National Park where Cassidy Arch is located is prone to flash floods, so it is very important to check the weather before beginning the hike.

Best Difficult Hikes in Southern Utah

Devils Garden Loop

Length: 7.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Devils Garden Loop is the last attraction in Arches National Park and is considered the only “hiker’s hike” in the park. It is one of the best hikes in Southern Utah for those looking for a challenging hike.

We absolutely loved Devils Garden Loop! We had most of the trail to ourselves as we hiked away from the popular arches, which was a nice change of pace. The views from the entire trail are breathtaking and make the effort worth it!

The trail begins in the Devils Garden parking lot and travels along an easy-to-follow trail for one mile to Landscape Arch, Pine Tree Arch, and Tunnel Arch. This point in the trail is where the majority of people turn around, but Devils Garden Loop continues on the Primitive Trail.

The Primitive Trail of Devils Garden Loop is rugged and less maintained but is fairly well marked. The full loop passes by many arches, including Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Black Arch, Double O Arch, and Private Arch. Devils Garden Loop also travels by spires and fins (narrow rock walls) and is arguably the most scenic hike in Arches National Park.

Devils Garden Loop is a long and difficult hike, so I recommend giving yourself at least half a day to complete it. The trail is also the perfect location to stargaze!

The Narrows Hike

Length: up to 10 miles
Elevation Gain: minimal

The Narrows is one of the most classic hikes in Zion National Park that offers the unique experience of walking in a river through a canyon and is considered one of the best hikes in Southern Utah. The only way to hike the Narrows without a permit is by hiking the bottom-up route.

The trail begins at the Riverside Walk Trailhead and follows along the Riverside Walk for about a mile where it enters into the river. You can hike the bottom-up route for as long as you want up to Big Springs. The Narrows has beautiful scenery, including the iconic Wall Street section of the canyon that becomes very narrow. No matter the number of miles you hike, the Narrows will be a fun and beautiful hike!

Before hiking the Narrows, it is crucial to check the weather and water levels because the area is prone to flash flooding. It is also important to note that your feet will be completely submerged in water at all times, so I recommend bringing two pairs of shoes or renting shoes for the hike.

Sometimes the Narrows will close due to high water, which is what happened when we visited. Unfortunately, we were not able to experience it, but we would love to when we go back!

Observation Point Hike

Length: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
NOTE: The traditional hike to Observation Point via East Rim Trail is closed due to a rockfall and is likely not to reopen for a few years. The only way to access Observation Point is to hike the East Mesa Trail.

Observation Point is arguably the most beautiful hike in Zion National Park and Southern Utah. Since the most common place to start the hike to Observation Point (at the Weeping Rock Trailhead) is closed due to a rockfall, the only way to hike it is via the East Mesa Trail.

To get to the trailhead, you must have a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. The road leading to East Mesa Trail is rugged. If you do not want to drive, some companies offer a bus service to the trailhead.

Even though East Mesa Trail is difficult to get to, it is the easiest trail to Observation Point. The trail is gradual as it winds along the canyon and up to the viewpoint. And the views are spectacular! It will quickly become one of your favorite hikes in Southern Utah.

Fairyland Loop

Length: 8.3-miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet

Fairyland Loop is arguably the most beautiful trail in Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah. It offers a similar experience to Navajo Loop but in a much longer and more peaceful hike. Because of the mileage and difficulty, Fairyland Loop has fewer crowds than most trails in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Fairyland Loop begins at Fairyland Point, which is located outside of Bryce Canyon National Park’s entrance. The trail follows along the rim before descending into the canyon. Once the trail meets the canyon floor, it approaches the Tower Bridge junction.

It only takes a few minutes to hike the side trail to Tower Bridge, which is a beautiful hoodoo surrounded by two arches. Once back on Fairyland Loop, the trail is incredibly scenic, passing by endless hoodoos and traveling along the Boat Mesa.

We loved hiking Fairyland Loop because it was quieter than other trails in the park. And, of course, the views did not disappoint. The trail was strenuous but worth the effort for the views. It quickly became our favorite hike in Southern Utah!

Angels Landing Hike

Length: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet

NOTE: Because Angels Landing is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, the park is piloting a lottery permit system to decrease the congestion on the trail. You can apply for a permit before your trip during certain windows of days or the day before.

Angels Landing is one of the most popular and dangerous hikes in Zion National Park. The hike to Angels Landing begins at the Grotto shuttle stop on the West Rim Trail. The West Rim Trail is a paved path that climbs steeply for two miles before connecting with Walter’s Wiggles. Walter’s Wiggles is the iconic 21 switchbacks that climb steeply on the side of Angels Landing.

Once the trail arrives at Scout Lookout, it is time to climb along the spine where there are long drop-offs and at times, only a few feet to walk on. The trail has chains that help you along the spine, but it is crucial to be very cautious at all times during this section. Once the trail arrives at Angels Landing, you are rewarded with incredible views of Zion National Park.

This guide is a great place to start adding the best hikes in southern Utah to your bucket list! You can also plan an epic 7-Day road trip through Utah's national parks if you want to hike through them in one trip!