Fool Creek Peak (9,712 ft) is the highest summit in the Canyon Mountain Range in central Utah, and ranks #20 on the Utah Prominence List with 3,712 ft. I bet everyone has seen this peak, but nobody knows the name as you drive by it heading south on I-15 in Scipio, UT. This is one of the reasons I just had to hike this peak - every time I would drive on I-15 I said to myself "One day I'll hike to that peak!" So I did.
Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most popular trails near Escalante, UT and in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Looking Glass Rock & Arch is off HWY 191, about 25 miles south of Moab, UT yet hardly anyone makes the stop to check out this cool spot. This isn't really a "hike" but more of a "walk", since you basically drive right up to it, then walk about 200 yards up to the arch. Yet what this small walk offers is one of the best arches and viewpoints in the area. There are so many cool arches outside of Arches National Park, yet nobody cares to explore them. Best part? Dogs are allowed!
Jug Handle Arch probably ranks pretty low on the "Arches list" if there is such a thing. However, what this arch lacks in grandeur makes up for itself for a worthy stop to check out the petroglyphs along the south facing cliff wall. Don't expect much from Jug Handle Arch, but if you happen to be on HWY 191 following the Colorado River or hiked either Jeep Arch or Corona Arch it makes for a good extra, quick stop since it's only 3.5 miles past the trail heads.
Hunter Canyon is located in Kane Creek, in the area called Behind the Rocks in Moab. Hunter Canyon is home to Hunter Arch and a few petroglyphs (if you can find them), and is a great hike for the whole family - dogs and kids, included. This winding canyon is beautiful - tall sandstone cliff walls, pools of water, a flowing stream in spring (it dries out in Summer), shade here and there to cool off, and red rock towers. Hunter Canyon stretches for miles on end, but most people turn around at the 2 mile mark, where the canyon intersects with a fork with another canyon.
Grandeur Peak (8,299 ft and pronounced like "grand-er") is the one of the high points in Millcreek Canyon, and offers fantastic views of the SLC Valley and into Parley's Canyon.
Moonshine Wash slot canyon is tucked away in the middle of the San Rafael desert, and is now one of my favorite non-technical slot canyons in Utah. The best section of the Moonshine Wash slot canyon lasts for about 1.5 miles, and at every nook and cranny the lighting can look very different and vibrant. There are a few chock stones creating a fun obstacle for hikers, where you have to use a down climbing technique called stemming (also chimneying). Both techniques require you to push your weight up against the slot canyon walls to help maneuver down drops more than 6 ft.
Notch Peak (9,658 ft) is in Utah's West Desert near the town of Delta, Utah. Notch Peak is part of the House Range mountains and Notch Peak Wilderness Study Area.
Hiking at night offers a much different experience of your favorite trail compared to hiking in daylight. You start to hear sounds, see shadows, the trail might look different, and you may feel like someone, or something, is following you. Getting use to hiking at night takes some practice, and also requires a little preparedness. Whether you planned on hiking at night, or perhaps your 3 mile hike turned into a 10 mile hike, use these 10 Tips to Hike Safely at Night!
Lower Hackberry Canyon is located in Southern Utah of the famous Cottonwood Road Scenic Byway, in between Cannonville and Big Water, Utah. It's rarely visited since you need to drive down a dirt road to get to the trailhead. However, it's now one of my favorite large slot canyons to hike for a few reasons: 1) the water is never more than ankle deep and makes for a great water hike 2) dogs are allowed and also enjoying playing in the water 3) no matter what your level/skill of hiking is everyone can do this hike 4) you'll likely see no people and 5) you can choose your distance.