Best Hikes to Do in Southern Utah

Elevate Your South West Experience with these AMAZING Hikes

Water Canyon Trail

• Distance: 4 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: A hidden gem located just 1.5 miles from the glamping site, Water Canyon Trail offers a mix of serene creek views, towering cliffs, and lush vegetation. The trail includes light scrambling in parts, making it ideal for adventurous hikers looking for a moderate challenge close to their accommodation.

Arch Hike in Water Canyon Overview

• Distance: 6 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: The Arch Hike in Water Canyon features stunning red rock landscapes, a natural arch formation, and scenic canyon views. The trail includes steep sections and scrambling opportunities, making it a rewarding adventure for those seeking impressive geological formations and panoramic vistas.

White Domes in Hildale Overview

• Distance: Varies (typically around 4 miles round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: The White Domes in Hildale, also known as the Canaan Mountain Domes, showcase striking white sandstone formations against a red rock backdrop. This area is ideal for exploration and photography, offering unique geological features and expansive views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Zion National Park

Angels Landing

• Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: Famous for its breathtaking views and thrilling ascent with chains for support along the narrow ridge. This trail offers panoramic views of Zion Canyon and is a bucket-list hike for many. Early starts are recommended to avoid the crowds and the midday heat.

Observation Point

• Distance: 8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: Offers panoramic views of Zion Canyon, including Angels Landing from above. This trail provides a less crowded alternative to Angels Landing with equally stunning views. The elevation gain is significant, so hikers should be prepared for a challenging ascent.

Emerald Pools

• Distance: 3 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Features beautiful waterfalls and reflective pools, suitable for families. The trail leads to Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, each offering unique scenic spots and opportunities for relaxation.

The Narrows

• Distance: Varies (up to 16 miles round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Highlights: Unique experience hiking through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. Hikers can wade or swim through parts of the trail, making it a refreshing adventure during the warmer months. Proper footwear and a dry bag are recommended.

Hidden Canyon

• Distance: 3 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Highlights: Includes steep climbs and narrow paths with hanging gardens and a peaceful oasis. The trail offers views of a picturesque hanging canyon and ancient carvings. Parts of the trail are exposed, so caution is necessary.

Canyon Overlook Trail

• Distance: 1 mile round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Short hike with spectacular views of Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon. This trail is accessible for most hikers and provides stunning sunrise and sunset vistas. It's an excellent hike for those short on time.

Bryce Canyon

Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Combination Trail

• Distance: 2.9 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Combines two iconic trails with views of Queen Victoria, Wall Street, and Thor’s Hammer. This trail descends into the canyon and weaves through fascinating hoodoo formations, offering a comprehensive Bryce Canyon experience.

Fairyland Loop Trail

• Distance: 8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: A longer hike with views of the Chinese Wall and Boat Mesa, perfect for solitude seekers. The trail offers less traffic than other Bryce Canyon hikes, providing a peaceful journey through varied terrain and stunning rock formations.

Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail

• Distance: 5.2 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Includes the Wall of Windows and offers a scenic descent into the canyon. This trail is known for its sweeping vistas and unique geological features. Horseback riders frequently use this trail, adding to its rustic charm.

Mossy Cave Trail

• Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Short trail with a stream, small waterfall, and a mossy cave. Located outside the main park area, it's a perfect quick stop for those exploring the scenic byways of Bryce Canyon.

Navajo Loop Trail

• Distance: 1.3 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Known for its steep switchbacks and hoodoo formations, including Thor’s Hammer. This trail offers a dramatic descent into the heart of Bryce Canyon's amphitheater, with breathtaking views at every turn.

Swamp Canyon Loop Trail

• Distance: 4.3 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Lesser-known trail offering solitude and scenic views. The trail traverses through lush forested areas and open meadows, providing a diverse hiking experience.

Kanab Area

Buckskin Gulch

• Distance: Varies (up to 20 miles round trip)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: One of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world, known for its challenging and scenic hike. This trail requires careful planning and preparation due to its length and the potential for flash floods.

Toadstool Hoodoos

• Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Features unique rock formations resembling toadstools. This hike offers a short, easy walk to an otherworldly landscape, perfect for photographers and families.

Sand Caves

• Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Short hike to natural caves with sandy floors, ideal for photography. These caves are easily accessible and provide a cool respite from the desert heat.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

• Distance: 2 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Walk through vibrant pink sand dunes, perfect for a unique desert experience. This area is great for off-road adventures and offers striking contrasts in color and texture.

White Pocket

• Distance: Varies
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Surreal landscape with swirling rock formations, ideal for exploration. Located in a remote area, this hike requires a 4WD vehicle to reach the trailhead.

Great Chamber

• Distance: 4 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Features an impressive natural amphitheater with breathtaking views. The hike involves some steep sections but rewards hikers with a stunning natural spectacle.

Page, Arizona Area

Horseshoe Bend Trail

• Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Iconic viewpoint of the Colorado River’s curve, accessible via a short hike. The view from the top is one of the most photographed spots in the Southwest.

Cathedral Canyon

• Distance: 2 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Known for its beautiful rock formations and peaceful surroundings. It's a great spot for photographers and those looking to escape the crowds.

Page Rimview Trail

• Distance: 10 miles loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Panoramic views of the desert surrounding Page, suitable for running and mountain biking. The trail offers a continuous view of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam.

Hanging Garden Trail

• Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Short hike leading to a lush garden hanging from canyon walls. This trail is perfect for a quick and refreshing nature

Waterhole Canyon Trail

• Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Stunning slot canyon with curved rock formations. This lesser-known trail offers a quieter alternative to the more famous Antelope Canyon.

Spencer Trail from Lee’s Ferry

• Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: Challenging hike with steep climbs, offering incredible views of the Colorado River. This trail is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a rigorous adventure.

Time Zones: Note that Page, Arizona, follows MST year-round and observes DST. When planning hikes and tours, remember that during DST, Arizona is one hour behind Utah. Adjust your schedule accordingly to ensure timely arrivals for tours and activities.

Saint George Area

Butterfly Trail - Snow Canyon State Park

• Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Overlooked trail with fantastic views, connecting with the Lava Flow Trail. This trail is great for a leisurely hike and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Scout Cave Trail

• Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Passes through diverse terrains, leading to a cave with great valley views. The trail includes sections of lava rock and sandy paths.

Jenny’s Canyon Trail

• Distance: 0.3 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Short walk into a slot canyon, perfect for young children. The trail is very accessible and provides a quick glimpse into the unique geology of the area.

Red Reef Trail

• Distance: 2 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Features waterfalls and swimming holes, providing a refreshing hike. This trail is popular for its scenic beauty and the opportunities to cool off in the water.

White Rocks Amphitheater Trail

• Distance: Less than a mile round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Short hike with great overlook featuring striking white sandstone formations and expansive views of the surrounding desert landscape. This trail is ideal for a quick, picturesque outing, providing opportunities for rock climbing and photography against a backdrop of unique geological structures.

Yant Flats Trail 

• Distance: 3 miles round trip 
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Highlights: This scenic trail, also known as the Candy Cliffs, features vibrant and swirling sandstone formations that create a unique and colorful landscape. This 3-mile round trip hike offers moderate difficulty and rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the intricate patterns and textures of the rock formations, making it a popular spot for photography and exploration.

Leave No Trace Principles

Practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential for preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our hiking trails and wild areas. By minimizing our impact on the environment, we ensure that these precious landscapes remain unspoiled for future generations to enjoy. These principles promote responsible outdoor ethics, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, respect for wildlife, and consideration for other visitors. Following these guidelines helps prevent environmental degradation, protects habitats, and maintains the pristine condition of our natural areas.

Leave No Trace Principles:

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Leave what you find.
• Minimize campfire impact.
• Respect wildlife.
• Be considerate of other visitors.

Adhering to these principles not only enhances your outdoor experience but also contributes to the conservation efforts necessary to maintain the beauty and health of our natural environment.

Safety Precautions for Hiking in Southern Utah

Hiking in Southern Utah's diverse and rugged terrain requires careful preparation and adherence to essential safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Hydration is crucial; always carry plenty of water, as the dry desert climate can quickly lead to dehydration. Sun protection is equally important; wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the intense sun. Proper navigation tools, such as a charged phone, GPS, and detailed maps, are vital to avoid getting lost in remote areas. Additionally, be aware of the potential for extreme heat during the summer months and plan your hikes during cooler parts of the day to avoid heat-related illnesses. Finally, always inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time, and consider hiking with a buddy for added safety. By following these precautions, you can fully enjoy the stunning landscapes and unique geological features of Southern Utah while staying safe and prepared.

Well... What are you waiting for?!

Embarking on these incredible hikes while staying at Zion Glamping Adventures offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Southwest. From the hidden gems of Water Canyon and the breathtaking vistas of Angels Landing to the surreal formations of Bryce Canyon and the serene paths around Saint George, each trail provides a unique experience that showcases the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of the region. By practicing Leave No Trace principles and following essential safety precautions, you can help preserve these pristine environments for future generations.

Whether you're an avid hiker seeking challenging trails or a family looking for easy and scenic walks, Zion Glamping Adventures serves as the perfect base for exploring these remarkable areas. Book your stay with us today and discover why glamping is the best way to experience all that Zion and the surrounding national parks have to offer. Don't miss the chance to create lasting memories on these top hikes and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Southwest. Start planning your adventure now and let Zion Glamping Adventures be your gateway to an extraordinary outdoor experience.