10 Hikes from Moab to Logan
If you’ve lived in Utah long, you know that there is no shortage of hiking throughout the state. No matter your skill level or desired scenery, there are bound to be more than a few options to fit the bill. We have compiled a list of 10 highly-rated hiking trails of all skill levels located from Logan to Moab. Keep on reading to find the perfect trail for your weekend exploration!
Big Springs Hollow Trail
This unique 4.34-mile loop features vast meadows, wooded areas overflowing with white aspens, breathtaking mountain views, and even some glistening springs. Easily accessible at the top of South Fork Canyon Road through Provo’s Vivian Park, this area has options for those on horseback, mountain bikes, and even snowshoes. The main loop is great for anyone wanting an easy hike. If you are looking to extend your trip and increase your heart rate a bit more, take a right at the fork towards Cascade Springs and you will eventually reach more springs and an elevation of 6,350 ft.
Kanarra Creek Canyon Trail
If you have seen a photo showcasing a rickety wooden ladder pointed upwards towards the top of a small waterfall, surrounded by gorgeously striated rocks, you have probably seen some of the most iconic images of Kanarra Creek Canyon Trail. Located in the quaint town of Kanarraville, this hike has become quite the tourist attraction and is now limited to 150 people each day. Tickets can be purchased for $12/person via https://www.kanarrafalls.com, or at the onsite kiosk. This route involves quite a bit of hiking through water, so be sure to bring your Chaco’s and prepare to be a little chilly. If you’re brave enough to give this one a try, stick close to the creek and forge your own way until you find all four waterfalls and spend some time exploring the slot canyons.
Lake Blanche
Lake Blanche is a gorgeous trail for any avid hikers in the Sandy, Utah area that are looking for a challenge! With an elevation gain of 2,706 ft over the course of 6.9 miles, you’re sure to meet your fitness goals for the day. Many reviewers have commented on the busy nature of this trail, but have all gone on to rave about the gorgeous views of Big Cottonwood Creek during the summer months. The three lakes at the top of the hike offer the perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic or sunset glass of wine.
Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail
Located in Bryce Canyon National Park, you will find the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail littered with red rock formations as far as the eye can see. This 2.9-mile loop has a more mild elevation gain of 629 ft but is rated as a moderately difficult hike due to the loose gravel. Despite this rating, it is deemed as kid-friendly and doable for all types of hikers. You can easily extend this hike by adding in a stop at Wall Street, Thor’s Hammer, and finally ending at Sunset Point. This trail is known for its countless stunning photo ops, so be sure to bring your camera.
Upper Bells Canyon
Upper Bells Canyon is a challenging hike located in Sandy, UT. This 12.3-mile route has an intimidating elevation gain of 4,337 ft, so be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Because of this crazy elevation, there is often snow present well into June. Many have suggested bringing poles and maybe even spikes for the more snow-covered areas. Once you make it past the second waterfall, you will want to look for the stacked rocks, or cairns, to make sure that you are on the right track. If you are in the same area and want something a little less intimidating without sacrificing the scenic view of a waterfall, hiking to the Lower Falls may be a great alternative. This trail is much shorter at 4.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,453 ft.
Grandeur Peak
Grandeur Peak is the star of many local blog articles due to its challenging nature and stunning scenery. It is one of the few hikes on this list that allows dogs; however, they must be on a leash unless you are hiking on an odd-numbered day. Another unique perk of this trail is that there is a variety of starting points that provide an assortment of different route lengths. One of the most common trailheads begins at Church Fork, just up Millcreek Canyon. This specific path is 6.8 miles with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet. Many hikers have commented on the numerous waterfalls towards the beginning of this hike during the spring and early summer. Further up the trail, there are opportunities for rock scrambling and also a false summit. The views from the actual summit have been said to leave you completely breathless!
The Living Room
If you are closer to downtown Salt Lake City, there are plenty of hikes to choose from! The Living Room is a popular hike with a fun final destination that is great for photos. This short 2.3-mile hike starts above the Red Butte Gardens and leads to a variety of rocks that have been arranged into what looks like a number of living room sofas. Dogs are welcome all year round however be warned that the trail is pretty steep. Most of the 980 ft. elevation gain takes place over the course of just a mile and a half, so you will often find hikers taking a quick break off to the side of the trail. You will find plenty of wildflowers during the spring and summer, but not a lot of shade on the narrow trail.
The Highline Trail
The Highline Trail is at the top of many technically advanced hiking lists because it demands quite the investment of time and effort. This 78-mile hike often requires 5-8 days and is located off of the Mirror Lake Highway near Kamas, UT. Unlike many of the other hikes on our list, this one is fairly remote and will give you plenty of opportunities to be alone with your thoughts. Many people have commented on the crystal clear lakes, peaceful meadows, and plentiful wildlife. There are also countless mentions of fishing opportunities along the trail. This is another hike that has a variety of options to make it shorter or longer, according to your preference.
Cecret Lake
Another popular trail in the Sandy area is Cecret Lake, which can be accessed via Alpine Basin near Alta. The most common praise of this trail is often in regards to the massive amounts of wildflowers found along the entire trail. It is not uncommon to see hummingbirds, moose, and other wildlife while making your way to the lake. This path is doable for children and is a bit easier than some others on our list; however, it does have a fair amount of rocks that are easily tripped over. Be sure to check ahead, as there is often snow on this trail well into the summer months.
Wind Caves
For those who are located further North, Logan has a range of hikes for anyone looking to get outside. The Wind Caves is rated #1 on countless hiking lists for this area. The popularity of this hike comes from its easy access, quick snowmelt in the spring, and also the unique formations at the top that make for playful photos and offer plenty of shade. While this trail is feasible for younger kids, most will have to take a few breathers to accommodate for the steep elevation gain of 1,000 ft over a short distance of 1.8 miles. The total length of this trail is 3.5 miles out and back.
If you are from Utah or have been here more than once or twice, you know that this barely scratches the surface of popular hikes throughout the state. The goal of this particular list was to include a variety of well-known, and less common trails that span from Moab to Logan. Be sure to make time for any that you might not have tried quite yet and tag #mylocalutah in your photos on social media!