Utah has an amazing collection of National Parks with some of the best hiking trails in the world! These areas have become a destination for people young and old, each looking for something magical and memorable along the way. Whatever you are looking for, I promise that this list contains at least one hiking trail you will never forget….I’m on a mission to help you find your family’s favorite trail that will be talked about for years to come!
I personally have hiked all of these trails and many more. Nothing on this list is longer than 3 miles (most are 2 miles or less). Some are paved and perfect for a stroller or a wheelchair. Others will feel exciting and adventurous, perfect for your little Indiana Jones! Each trailhead is easily accessible and is located right in the heart of the National Park.
I’m ready to show you what Utah’s National Parks have to offer!
Thanks for supporting Dirt In My Shoes by being here and joining my Facebook community. I am grateful to have you along for the ride and would love to hear about your experiences and favorite places in Utah’s National Parks in the comments below!
Zion National Park
1. Secret Hike to the Pine Creek Waterfall
Some maneuvering over slickrock is required on this trail, but you are rewarded with a stunning waterfall that very few people ever see.
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
2. Riverside Walk
Stroll on a paved trail next to the breathtaking Virgin River.
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
3. Emerald Pools
Hike to three beautiful, sparkling pools on this stunning trail that provides great views of the red rock cliffs.
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
4. Canyon Overlook
Get a birds-eye view with a sweeping vista of Zion from the end of this trail.
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Capitol Reef National Park
5. Secret Hike to the Sulphur Creek Waterfall
Hike in and along the river to reach a beautiful waterfall and wading pool. This is one of my favorite hikes in a National Park!
Distance: 3 miles round trip if you hike the shortened route
6. Hickman Bridge
Hike to a large arch located among some of Capitol Reef’s most famous rock formations.
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
7. Sunset Point
Get an incredible view of Capitol Reef from the end of this trail.
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Canyonlands National Park
8. Mesa Arch
Hike to this iconic arch overlooking the stunning canyons below.
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
9. Upheaval Dome
Hike to a beautiful meteor crater surrounded by red rock and canyons.
Distance: 1 mile round trip
10. Grand View Point
See a collection of canyons that stretch for as far as the eye can see.
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Arches National Park
11. The Windows
See three arches plus stunning views of the La Sal Mountains in the distance.
Distance: 1 mile round trip
12. Double Arch
Stand underneath the tallest arch in Arches National Park.
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
13. Landscape Arch
Hike to the longest arch in Arches National Park.
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
14. Delicate Arch
Visit the most iconic arch in the state of Utah and marvel at its beauty.
Distance: 3 miles round trip
15. Park Avenue
Descend into a gorgeous canyon with sheer rock towers in every direction.
Distance: 2 miles round trip
16. Courthouse Wash Rock Art
Find the elaborate petroglyphs and pictographs drawn by an ancient people.
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Bryce Canyon National Park
17. Mossy Cave
Hike in this desert oasis along a sparkling river to a stunning cave and waterfall. See a different side of Bryce Canyon!
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
18. Rim Trail
This paved trail provides gorgeous views of the canyon everywhere you turn.
Distance: Varies
19. Queens Garden
Hike down among the hoodoos to reach the rock formation that strongly resembles Queen Victoria.
Distance: 1.8 miles, but I suggest linking the trail with the Navajo Loop
20. Navajo Loop
Hike through the beautiful slot canyon called Wall Street and then through a gorgeous collection of hoodoos.
Distance: 1.3 miles round trip, but I suggest linking the trail with the Queens Garden
Honorable Mentions:
Sand Dune Arch – Arches National Park. This trail is especially fun for younger kids who would enjoy playing in the sand. You can stand right next to the arch, but the area is small and can be crowded.
Cassidy Arch – Capitol Reef National Park. This hike is one of my favorites. The arch is huge and you can actually stand on top of it if you are feeling brave. It did not make my list because the beginning of the hike is quite strenuous and the distance is 3.4 miles round trip. I certainly recommend this hike if your kids are good hikers!
Nancy
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this information. This information will make our upcoming trip to these parks all the more enjoyable.
Dirt In My Shoes
I’m glad! Have a great trip!
Leah
Thank you SO much for posting this list of kid-friendly hikes!!! My husband and I are so excited to bring our kids to NPs but it can be hard to figure out in advance where we can take them to experience wilderness that is also safe for them. Please post more articles like this for other places. ❤️
Dirt In My Shoes
Happy to help! Feel free to email me if you have any questions about other parks and what is kid-friendly :)
Renee barton
My husband and I will b traveling thru Utah in august and sept We travel with our 50 lb athletic dog. Suggestions on outdoor hikes and dog friendly places to stay and eat. We will b traveling from IL to CA THANK U
Dirt In My Shoes
Hi Renee,
Unfortunately I don’t know much about traveling and hiking with a dog as I don’t own one. I think there are websites that are completely devoted to traveling with your furry friend so I would try to start there! Good luck!
David hodan
We will be visiting Utah’s national park s in two weeks how can we get in touch with you we are going to be staying in green river
Dirt In My Shoes
You can email me at ash(at)dirtinmyshoes(dot)com
Nancy Jo
We plan to take our grandkids to the Utah Parks when I retire. Hopefully in 18 months! And of course, visit Alaska one day. Great and informative website.
Thanks, Nancy Jo in Montana
Dirt In My Shoes
Thanks Nancy! Your grandkids will always remember such a fun trip….can’t wait for it to happen! Let me know if I can help with any of the planning :)
Laura
Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase Escalante is our favorite!
Dirt In My Shoes
That’s a great one! I’ll have to make a list of fave hikes near the national parks!
Lenore Coats
Ash,
Really appreciate your wonderful walks through Bryce Canyon. I worked their
When I was in college for two summers. Some of the trails we explored but
You have shown me more and parts which I didn’t get to walk or hike. Keep
Up the wonderful descriptions. I hope people will appreciate your work.
Lenore Coats
Dirt In My Shoes
Hi Lenore! Thank you for the kind message. It would be amazing to be able to work in Bryce Canyon…it is such an incredible place. I hope that you are able to head back to Southern Utah and finish some of the hikes on the list :)