Hiking and Backpacking in Utah
Once you get off the beaten path, Utah’s mountains and deserts will get real to you in surprising ways. There are areas that are so remote they are only accessible to serious backpackers. There are also routes to other stunningly beautiful scenery that are only a short pleasant walk. Getting out of your vehicle and hiking is the only way to experience nature in all its glory.
Some of Utah’s bike trails are also great for hiking.
There are 5 notable hiking regions which are listed below:
Wasatch Front, including:
Alexander Basin Trail…to access it drive from Wasatch
Boulevard to 3800 South…drive east into Mill Creek
Canyon about 8.5 miles to the trailhead on the south
side of the road. This trail is about 1.5 miles long, and
parking is free, no permits required. You can bring
your dog. No wheelchair access. The trail is well
maintained and is a relatively easy hike.
Desolation Trail…from Wasatch Blvd. in Salt Lake go
East on 3800 south into Mill Creek Canyon about 3.5
miles to the trailhead on the south side of the road. This trail
is 17 miles and is harder, will take 2-4 days so be prepared. No
permits needed, free parking. Well-maintained you can easily
walk to an overlook of the city. It meanders up and down on its
way to Dog Lake. Rest here before going on to Desolation Lake.
You can camp there and fish before retracing you way back.
Mill Creek B North Fork Trail…take Wasatch Blvd. to
7200 South. Drive east into Big Cottonwood Canyon for a total of
about 4.5 miles to trailhead on north side of the road. It is 4 miles
long and will take about 4 hours and is more difficult. This hike
climbs steadily and there are several rest stops. It meets Desolation
Trail at about 3.5 miles…take the north trail leaving the trail to
climb Mt. Raymond to the ridge for a panoramic view.
Mineral Fork Trail…from Wasatch Blvd. drive east on 7200 east
and go about 6 miles into Big Cottonwood Canyon to trailhead on
south side of road. A 4.5 mile hike taking about 4 hours and is
more difficult. This trail is also used by cross country skiers. No
permits, free parking. Climb over the gate and follow the old road
to the Wasatch Mine about 3 miles. You can follow the road 1.5
more miles to the Regulator Johnson Mine.
White Pine Trail…take Wasatch Blvd. south to 9400 south to the
Y Junction at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. From the
Y drive up Little Cotttonwood about 5.5 miles to trailhead. It’s a
4.5 mile hike taking 4 hours and is less difficult. No permits, and
Free parking. Follow the abandoned road to White Pine Lake.
Lake Blanche Trail…from Wasatch Blvd. drive east on 7200 so.
about 4.5 miles to trailhead on south side of road. The trail is 3
miles and takes about 4 hours, is more difficult. No permits, free
parking. This is a great hike and a good overnight place to camp.
Stay on the north side of Lake Blanche, also Lake Florence and
Lake Lillian are nearby.
Lake Mary Trail…Wasatch Blvd to 9400 south to the Y junction.
take the Y up Little Cottonwood 11.5 miles to Albion Basin
Campground. This hike is 3.5 miles taking 3 hours, is less diffi-
cult. NO PETS, no permits, free parking. It climbs to Catherine
pass in about 1 mile, then leads south to Lake Catherine, Lake
Martha, then Lake Mary. Dog Lake is nearby. The trail eases on
down to the parking lot at Brighton.
Great Western Trail…there are over 1600 miles of this trail are in Utah. It begins at the Idaho border south of Bear Lake near Beaver Mtn. passes along the Wasatch Front near Peter Sinks and Hardware Ranch. It moves through Brighton Ski Resort, around Mount Timpanogos, and east to Skyline Drive. Trails continue south Past Fish Lake and onto Bryce Canyon National Park, Deer Springs wash, and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and exits Utah halfway between Kanab and Page AZ. This trail covers over 4,550 miles through Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. It incorporates 18 National Forests, for both motorized and no-motorized users. In 1996 Governor Leavitt designated this trail Utah’s Centennial Trail.
Timpanogos Cave Trail…From Interstate 15 (Exit 287), take State Route 92 east about nine miles to the entrance on the south side of the road. The round trip through the cave and back to the trailhead is about 3.5 miles and takes about 3 hours). Permits: The trail to the cave is free for hiking, but you will need to purchase a permit to enter the cave.
Permits are:
- Adults $7 (16 and older)
- Juniors $5 (6-15)
- Child $3 (3-5)
- Infant free (2 and under)
The paved trail with its resting benches and interpretive signs makes this a hike just about anybody can do. Rocks have been blasted away to eliminate steep grades. You can learn about the natural history and the people history of this area from the signs, the guides, and the visitor center. Inside the deep dark cave, lights help show the way as a guide interprets the walk. Fascinating towering and spiraling formations glitter in the light. Accessibility and the wonder of caves make this a very popular destination in Utah, but winter snow closes the monument.