Soaking at Mystic Hot Springs – A Unique Utah Day Trip
Located in Monroe, Utah, about a 2.5-hour drive south of Salt Lake City, Mystic Hot Springs has been on my Utah Bucket List for quite some time. This weekend, a few friends and I finally made the trip—and it did not disappoint!
Hiking to Kanarra Falls offers a great Utah waterfall hike. Hike through a beautiful, accessible slot canyon, walk in the river on a hot day, and see several gorgeous waterfalls.
Spring Creek Canyon just outside of Cedar City, Utah is a slot canyon gem! About Spring Creek Canyon is an all-around lovely hike - dogs are allowed, there is a small creek that flows year round, there is very little elevation gain,
The Subway in Zion National Park is a hiker and photographer's dream destination! The Subway follows the Left Fork Canyon in Zion National Park, and along the way, you'll have a vast view of the canyon, walk along the river and hike by several deep pools, and hike where only 80 people are allowed in each day.
The Dead Horse State Park Yurts, called the Moenkopi Yurts, are located only 40 minutes from Moab, Utah yet offer a quiet, scenic setting. About With five yurts in one cul-de-sac setting, these yurts are close enough to Moab that you feel
Mount Ellen (11,522 ft) & Mt. Ellen Peak (11,506 ft) are in the Henry Mountains, about 45 minutes - 1 hour south of Hanksville, UT. The Henry Mountains are an island of sort, as they are surrounded by three of Utah's National Parks - Capital Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Mount Ellen is a hulk of a mountain, composed of two distinct parts. The first is the North Ridge, which has the 3 highest summits in the Henry's.
Delano Peak (12,169 ft) is the county high point for both Beaver & Paiute Counties, and sits to the east of Beaver, UT in the Tushar Mountains.
Upper Calf Creek Falls is neighbor to Lower Calf Creek Falls yet sees less than half the visitors. This hike is only 1.2 miles to a beautiful waterfall, and deep pools above the falls that make for a great swim.
If you've been following me for the last 6 months or so, you know I've been working hard and training for the Bryce Canyon Ultras 2023 - My first 50k! About The Bryce Canyon Ultras offers a scenic, mountain course that runs around
The Arches Trail in Losee Canyon is near Bryce Canyon National Park, and is dog & kid friendly! About The Arches Trail is a super easy, yet very rewarding hike. It is a small 0.7-mile loop that passes several arches, and hoodoos,
Kodachrome Basin State Park is located only 1 hour from Bryce Canyon National Park to the East, only 5 miles down the road from Willis Creek Slot Canyon, and 1 hour West from Escalante, Utah, yet hardly anyone visits this state park. With it's red rock formations and deep blue skies, the photography options are endless. Kodachrome Basin State Park opened in 1963, and National Geographic had the honor of naming it. It is home to 70 monolithic spires, ranging from 6-170 ft tall.
Five Hole Arch (aka Colonnade Arch) is located south of Green River, UT off a rough 4x4 dirt road. The arch is so special it has two names - Five Hole Arch for the obvious five holes nature has created, and Colonnade Arch for the resemblance to Colonnade architecture (a row of columns supporting a roof). Some maps only show one or the other name, and some only label it as "Natural Arch". Whatever you prefer to call it, this arch is quite stunning once you find it.
Hiking to Skylight Arch on the Utah/Arizona Border is a perfect trail to stretch your legs on a long drive, and see a really cool arch within a short distance. About The great thing about Skylight Arch is that its dog friendly,
Uranium Arch is a popular arch for hikers, bikers, and ATVs to explore, just outside of Moab, Utah.
Hiking the Little Wild Horse & Bell Canyon Loop is easy to navigate, the trail is well marked, it's usually free of standing water, the canyon walls are just wide enough for you to fit through, you can drive to the trail head in a small, compact car (most slot canyon entrances require a 4X4 car to get to the TH), you can hike this within a few hours, and it's like a fun maze for kids and dogs.
The BEST Hikes in St.George, Utah are located in Southern Utah, near the Utah/Nevada border. This area offers a mecca of outdoor activities! Hiking, biking, climbing, waterfalls, rock art, petroglyphs, cool rock features, you name it, St.George has it!
Yant Flat Cliffs, also known as Candy Cliffs, are a stunning stretch of colorful sandstone formations located northwest of St. George, Utah. Accessible by a rough dirt road, this remote destination rewards visitors with vibrant red, orange, pink, yellow, and white striped slickrock formations spread across steep cliffs and buttes. The unique, wavy patterns resemble swirling candy, giving the area its nickname.
Elephant Arch is located in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area right outside St.George, Utah. About This easy hike is great for all ages, as it is only 2 miles one way and fairly flat. There are two hills and some sandy
Scout Cave is a very popular hike in Snow Canyon State Park that leads to a large cave with a beautiful view of the Ivins, UT area and Jarvis Peak. It starts just before the south entrance at the Johnson
Jarvis Peak (6,529 ft) is located just outside of St.George, Utah in the Beaver Dam Mountains. It's not the highest peak in the area, but what it lacks in elevation, it makes up for in other ways. Jarvis Peak can
The Juniper Yurt is located near Monticello, Utah and provides central access to many outdoor activities. The main hiking areas include Bears Ears/Cedar Mesa, Canyonlands (both year round), and the Abajo Mountains (summer only).
Valentine Peak is located in Parowan, Utah and leads to a 360 degree view of the area, including Brian Head, the Iron County High Point.
Water Canyon is a perfect desert oasis hike near Hilldale, UT. While this hike looks a lot like Zion National Park, it's dog friendly, perfect for kids, there are zero fees to enter, and you can make the hike as long or short as you want. I highly recommend hiking at least 1.5 miles to the small waterfall and pool area, so the dogs can cool off their paws and kids can explore and splash around.
The Mansard Trail is located in Kanab, Utah and leads to a large alcove that is home to several petroglyphs.
Red Hollow Canyon, a short 1-mile slot canyon in Orderville, UT, is a great stop between SLC and Kanab for a quick stretch with kids and dogs.
The Tropic Trail is located in Bryce Canyon National Park, but starts on the East side of the park in the amphitheater, as opposed to the rim and the main park entrance.
Sunset Arch & Moonrise Arch are two arches located within Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) off Hole in the Rock Road. They are both located in an area that does NOT have an official trail so being able to navigate a GPS is necessary. That being said it is pretty straight forward, and this easy hike is great for small children, dogs off leash, and those wanting to see something cool without the hard effort most hikes in this area require.
Looking for a unique and upscale lodging option near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument? Escalante Escapes offers beautiful luxury tiny homes in Escalante, Utah, just minutes away from some of the most scenic trails in Southern Utah.
Set on a peaceful 4-acre property, Escalante Escapes features nine custom-designed tiny homes, each with a private deck, fire pit, and all the modern amenities you need for a relaxing stay after a full day of hiking and exploring.
Devil's Garden is apart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and is home to Metate Arch as well as hoodoos. Not to be confused with The Devils Garden Loop Trail in Moab, this area is only 640 acres and is part of a Wilderness Study Area, for the purpose of possible wilderness designation; however, wilderness status was not recommended by the BLM back in 1991. One of the reasons state was that the existing roads, parking lot, picnic tables, and port-a-potty are all in close proximity to a natural area. The second reason was the likelihood of several groups of people coming to this area at the same time to the same formations (all of which are within a 2 minute walk from the trailhead). Both of those reasons diminish the wilderness experience of solitude.
Backpacking Kane Gulch and Bullet Canyons are two popular routes in Bears Ears National Monument within Cedar Mesa, that require at least one night camping. This area is a mecca of ancient ruins and petroglyphs, deep within the canyon walls. Back in the day you wouldn't see people for days, however, with the increase of outdoor activities due to COVID you now can't go more than 2 miles without seeing other groups. This is not the area for solitude. Oh yeah, and there's another big issue...water.
Hiking Upper Muley Twist is located in Capitol Reef National Park (CRNP), and this route covers extremely varied terrain - from deep and narrow, to high and exposed, all within a relatively short distance. It begins in a canyon paralleling the spine of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100 mile long ridge that juts out from the upper crust of the landscape. This long "monocline" is one of the longest in the world! The bizarre landscape is made of brilliantly colored rocks, including at least 7 visible arches, natural bridges, slot canyons, fins, domes, and more. Hiking Upper Muley Twist gives you the grand tour of this area, so it's a must-do!
The Great Chamber at Cutler Point is a large open dome with a tall sand hill - perfect for photography. This is less of a hike and more of a scenic viewing area, as long as you can drive all the way! The roads are extremely sandy - high clearance and 4x4 is a MUST.
Alstrom Point is one of the most iconic overlooks in Southern Utah, offering panoramic views of Lake Powell, Gunsight Bay, Navajo Mountain, and dramatic red rock formations. Often considered one of the best viewpoints in the region, Alstrom Point is a must-see for photographers, campers, and road trip enthusiasts.
Wiregrass Canyon is one of many drainages that flow into Lake Powell, and offers a fun moderate hike. If you had a full day, you could reach the shore of Lake Powell, but most people only hike to the arch and back in just a few hours. Wiregrass Canyon Arch isn't the only attraction - tall, white canyon walls with two sections of light scrambling make this enjoyable for the whole family. The first 1/2 mile winds through a dry wash, before entering the canyon, where the fun begins.
Hiking Catstair Canyon is a fun, quick, and easy hike for the whole family. It's only 0.5 miles RT, and leads to two sections of stacked cars right underneath HWY 89!
The Nautilus is a delicate and beautiful rock formation made of wind and water eroded sandstone, at the edge of a small ravine near the Paria River, a mere 9 miles Northeast of The Wave. The Nautilus is an outcrop of a soft, thin-layered rock with a rippled surface texture, with the formation of a corkscrew-like gully. It's reminiscent of a conch shell, hence the term nautilus.
Paul Bunyan's Woodpile is an interesting geological feature in Central Utah, that looks like a "woodpile" of logs left behind by the giant lumberjack of American & Canadian Folklore. Really the woodpile is a cluster of lava rocks formed about 30 million years ago; the logs were then formed into orderly columns.
Red Hill Hot Springs is one of Central Utah’s most popular natural soaking spots, located just outside the town of Monroe, Utah. Known for its accessibility and unique red rock setting, Red Hill Hot Springs in Monroe Utah offers four warm soaking pools fed by a single, very hot water source flowing from the top of a red hill mound.
Because it’s free and easy to access, this hot spring draws a lot of visitors, especially on weekends. It’s located on private property, and the landowners generously allow public access—as long as visitors clean up after themselves and respect the area.
At 10,188 feet, Powell Point showcases the highest geologic layer of the Colorado Plateau's iconic Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offering panoramic views and rich geological history.
Hiking to Hidden Haven Falls is a popular hike near Parowan, Utah. This short hike is perfect for kids and dogs to hike to, especially when it's hot outside.
Observation Point is one of the most breathtaking overlooks in Zion National Park, offering panoramic, 360-degree views of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, Angels Landing, The West Rim Trail, and even Signal Peak to the west.
At an elevation of 6,507 feet, Observation Point sits about 800 feet higher than Angels Landing, giving hikers a unique perspective that can’t be beat. It’s truly one of the most iconic hikes in Utah and a must-see for visitors to Zion.
The West Rim Trail is located in Zion National Park (ZNP) and is one of several popular trails for day hikers and backpackers in the area.
The Cottonwood Wash Trail is a hidden gem located in the heart of the San Rafael Swell, Utah. This easy, family-friendly hike features two impressive natural arches and several fascinating petroglyph panels. The trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The only real incline is a short 100-foot section that leads up to the petroglyphs.
Sulphur Creek is one of Capitol Reef National Park’s best-kept secrets—a stunning 6-mile water hike that winds through a narrow canyon filled with subway-like channels, layered red and orange sandstone, and three scenic waterfalls. Often compared to Zion's Subway or The Narrows, Sulphur Creek holds its own as a unique and thrilling adventure.
Death Hollow is located in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, just outside of Escalante, Utah. The first 6 miles of the trail follows the Boulder Mail Trail - the old route, that even up until 1924, the mules would carry mail on from the residents of Boulder, UT to Escalante, UT. Boulder, UT is right along Highway 12, which wasn't even paved until the 1970's, was the last area in the US to gain automobile access! No matter how much this area has changed due to technology, you'll immediately find yourself in the backcountry and won't see people for days. Over our 3 day adventure, my friend and I only saw two other people the entire time.
Cascade Falls is located near Navajo Lake, and is in fact, a major drainage port for the lake. The trail offers amazing view of Zion National Park on a clear day, and all ages and all types of hikers plus dogs will enjoy this area. The water from the falls is supplied by the lake through an underground lava tube (sink hole). The water flows through this for a few miles underground before exiting at the Virgin River Rim.
The Kane County High Point (10,080 ft) is located on a small ridge similar to the Wasatch County High point, rather than on an actual peak. The highest actual peak, Andy Nelson Peak (10,027 ft) is nearby so it is worth to do both on the same day. In one day, we actually did the Kane CoHP, Andy Nelson Peak, hiked Cascade Falls, drove through the lava fields, and then drove to the Iron County HP (Brian Head Peak).
The San Rafael Swell is a mecca of hiking and camping, all free thanks to BLM Land. It's a great area to explore off trail, find rock art, hike through slot canyons, and traverse over red and white slick rock. The Swell offers something for everyone, so it's great for the whole family, kids, and dogs included. The best times of year to hike here are early Spring and late Fall when the temperatures are cooler. From arches to the best views, here are the 6 Best Trails in the San Rafael Swell!
Farnsworth Canyon is located in the San Rafael Swell, and offers a little something for everyone. A short slot canyon, pictographs, exploring off trail, and desert flowers in the Spring all abound. Hiking to the pictographs is only 1.5 miles one way, so even kids can enjoy this hike and "hunt" for the pictograph. Farnsworth Canyon does extend much further, to the other side of the reef, but most people turn around at 1.5 miles. There is zero shade or water, so start early to beat the heat. The slot canyon is very easy to walk through, and nothing technical is required so it's great for beginners.
Toquerville Falls is located near St.George in Toquerville, UT. The falls flow from La Verkin Creek over two pour offs - the first a cascade of falls, and the second a complete drop off to about 20 feet to the bottom of the creek.
The Anasazi Trail (aka Tempi'po'op, which means "rock writing" in Southern Paiute) in St.George is a casual trail that leads to ancient Pueblo & Paiute remains, as well as petroglyphs. This is more of a walk, rather than a hike, and is great for the whole family to do since it is only 2.2 miles RT. There is zero shade nor water, and the trail gets hot quickly. If you bring your dogs make sure to start early in the day so they don't burn their paws. The path itself consists of long switchbacks, which lead you to a very small hill where the old farmstead was located, and is now fenced off. After checking that out, continue walking uphill (to the South) to see the petroglyphs.
The Red Mountain Trail is located in Dammeron Valley, UT not far from Sand Hollow and Gunlock State Parks. Because it's not actually apart of the state parks and is wilderness area, dogs are allowed off leash. Be sure to start early in the morning so the sand doesn't burn their paws. The first 1.5 miles of the trail is very boring and uneventful, but what the trail does lead to is amazing. The Red Mountain Overlook looks down into Sand Hollow, and the white and red slick rock with Signal Peak in the Pine Valley Mountains to the East is incredibly beautiful. This trail is great for the whole family, as it only gains a mere 360 ft. It's a mix of sand and rock, but plenty of shade if you do need a break.
The Lower Sand Cove Trail is located in Dammeron Valley, outside of St.George, Utah. It's located within the Red Mountain Wilderness, making this a dog-friendly hike. Local's know this hike as "The Vortex", due to the interesting geology that created this large pot hole in the slick rock.
Deer Creek Lakes sits high on Boulder Mountain at 10,000 ft, and several other nearby lakes are accessible as well including Green, Chriss, and Mooseman Lakes. All of these lakes provide for an excellent day hike, quick overnight backpacking trip, and plenty of fishing and sightseeing. The trail to get to Deer Lake is only 2.8 miles one way, and is fairly easy and flat. Over the 3 miles you only gain about 700 ft, making it a gently incline the whole way. Keep in mind that you will be hiking at a high elevation, and that can often slow hikers and dogs down. Take your time - the views from Deer Lakes is amazing and well worth the effort.
The Citadel Ruins sit high above Road Canyon in Cedar Mesa & Bears Ears National Monument.
Comb Ridge is a 90-mile long Navajo sandstone ridge (or monocline) running North to South, and is home to many ancestral ruins and petroglyphs that date back around 800 years old. Comb Ridge itself has a gentle eastern facing slopes, while the west side has "teeth" that jut out and above the ridge line. Each of these "teeth" contain drainages that lead to the San Juan River. The Puebloans lived, farmed in this area, and left behind a massive amount of ruins and artifacts. Drought, overpopulation, diminishing resources, erosion, and conflict eventually brought an end to this era.
Backpacking Halls Creek Narrows is located within Capitol Reef National Park, only a few miles North from Lake Powell. This area of the park sits between the high cliffs of Hall Mesa on the East, and the Waterpocket Fold on the West. As you backpack towards Halls Creek Drainage (aka Grand Gulch), you'll be surrounded by red, white, and orange slick rock, all while hiking through a mostly sandy trail.
The Butler Wash Ruins are only a 20 minute drive West of Blanding, UT and is only 1 mile RT, so it makes for a great "get-out-and-stretch-your-legs" hike.
Fish and Owl Canyons, nestled in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument, offers a stunning loop backpacking route. This trail is ideal for experienced hikers looking to explore ancient ruins and kivas, hike through desert terrain, visit Neville's Arch, and enjoy solitude in two scenic, deep canyons. With challenging terrain, light route-finding, and scrambling, it's best suited for intermediate to advanced backpackers.
Blind Lake is located on Boulder Mountain in Utah - it is the deepest and biggest lake on the mountain at 52 acres and 52 feet deep. Most people come to the lake to fish for trout, but there the trail itself is great for dogs, kids, and families.
The Behunin Trail and Meeks Lake Trail are both located on Boulder Mountain, Utah, and are often done as separate hikes. However, you can combine them into one big loop to really see the East side of Boulder Mountain, and on clear days, all the way to the Henry Mountains. First, you'll hike up to "Boulder Top", the ridge, where you'll cross several open meadows, a stream, and will pass by an old airplane crash. Then you'll make your way over to Pleasant Lake, which offers great trout fishing and refreshing cooler temperatures, since the lake is at an elevation of 10,300 ft. After that, you'll hike over to Meeks Lake, another popular lake, and though it's pretty, doesn't have many fish. At the end of the day, you'll drop down the Meeks Lake Trail, and make your way through more meadows, and end back at your car.
Singletree Falls is a short, scenic, and family-friendly hike located on Boulder Mountain, Utah.
The Ashdown Gorge is located on the boundary line of Cedar Breaks National Monument, and lies within the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness near Cedar City, Utah. The trail starts by following the Rattlesnake Creek Trail at 10,500 ft, and eventually drops into the gorge descending a total of 4,100 ft. This route is best done point-to-point, with 1 over night backpacking. You can definitely do this in one day, but to really experience the canyon and take your time, backpacking this trail is perfect.
Pine Creek Canyon is a hidden gem in the Escalante area - a pristine creek, tall canyon walls, half mountain-half desert, no cows, all downhill, plenty of shade, and towering Ponderosa trees. Located in the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness, this canyon is also known as "The Box", which is funny since it's not really a box canyon but steep-walled, open-ended drainage carved by Pine Creek millions of years ago.
The Escalante River Trail is a stunning 15-mile point-to-point backpacking route located near the town of Escalante, Utah, within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM). While the full Escalante River stretches 87 miles, this overnight trip offers a beautiful glimpse into one of Utah’s most scenic canyons.
Hickman Bridge is one of the most popular trails in Capitol Reef National Park, and the bridge itself is 130 ft across and 125 ft high. The NP provides a brochure, describing 18 numbered points of interest.
Spooky & Peekaboo are the most popular slot canyons in the Escalante area. The access is easy, you can easily do both as a loop in a few hours, and hikers without technical canyoneering equipment or skills can enjoy both. Spooky slot canyon is one of the narrowest canyons in the world that hikers can safely navigate. It's much longer and slimmer than Peekaboo, forcing hikers to carry daypacks to the side as you shuffle through. Add in a few short obstacles and one 5 ft scramble to make it that much more fun. Claustrophobic people will have a hard time with this Spooky.
The Rochester Panel and Molen Reef Petroglyphs are near Emery, Utah, and consists of one very large panel of hundreds of images likely carved by the Fremont Native Americans. The vast majority of the petroglyphs have a strong Barrier Canyon influence, including animals, female/male figures, and one large rainbow-like image. Molen Reef Petroglyphs are much smaller, but still expose what the native people were contemplating. You can easily combine both in one afternoon, as the hike to the Rochester Panel is only 1/2 mile, and you can drive right up to the Molen Reef area. Kids, dogs, and casual hikers will enjoy these areas, but please respect the rules and DO NOT touch any of the petroglyphs.
Located in the heart of the San Rafael Swell, the Dutchman Arch and Head of Sinbad Pictographs are two fascinating sites rich in natural beauty and cultural history. While both are surprisingly close to I-70—just about 1/4 to 1/2 mile north—the drive requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle due to sandy and rough road conditions.
Located in the San Rafael Swell, just west of Green River, Utah, the Swasey Cabin and Lone Warrior Pictograph are two historical gems worth exploring. This area is rich in both outlaw history and ancient Native American rock art, making it a fascinating stop for hikers, history buffs, and off-road adventurers alike.
Moonshine Arch is located about 7 miles north of Vernal, UT. Not to be confused with the Moonshine Wash Slot Canyon in the San Rafael Swell, this short trail leads to an amazing arch that is 40 ft high, and 85 ft long. The trail is 90% sand and 10% slickrock, so because of this I highly avoid hiking here in Summer months if you bring your dog (the sand/rock will be too hot for their paws). The best time to hike here is in the afternoon, when the sun lights up the arch and alcove. This trail is super short, so it's great for kids or families visiting from out of state to hike to. Be aware that this trail crosses through an open cattle range, so always have a leash handy and don't disrupt the cattle or other wildlife.
Here are 10 tips for backpacking Buckskin Gulch! Backpacking Buckskin Gulch is a one of a kind adventure - not only do you get to travel through the world's longest and deepest slot canyon, but you have some of the most amazing views of long hallways with rocks towering 200-300 ft above you, hiking through dark sections of molded rock, climbing over obstacles, but also get to experience camping overnight in this amazing area. While this canyon has been nicknamed the "worlds most dangerous hike" it also often appears as one of the top "must-do hikes" in the world! As long as you go prepared, it's a trip of a lifetime!
Buckskin Gulch holds the title as the longest and narrowest slot canyon in the world. This serpentine wonder stretches for 45 miles, with towering rock walls reaching heights of 100 to 300 feet. At its tightest point, the canyon narrows to just 2 feet wide, creating a stunning yet intimidating path where the sky is barely visible.
Signal Peak (10,365 ft) is the high point for both the Pine Valley Mountains and Washington County. It you are a peak bagger looking to summit all of Utah's County High Points, you'll be hiking this one. The main route starts from the Oak Grove Campground, and follows the trail up the South ridge very steeply, before dropping into forested areas, and then hiking off trail to reach the summit.
Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most popular trails near Escalante, UT and in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Little Death Hollow is a slot canyon in the northeast corner of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an area called the Circle Cliffs. Not to be confused with "Death Hollow" near Boulder, UT, Little Death Hollow offers a 4 mile slot canyon that, when dry, offers few obstacles, and beautiful high red sandstone cliffs which deepens and narrows as you continue down 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.
Reflection Canyon is a side canyon of Lake Powell that was first brought to the public's attention when National Geographic photographer, Michael Melford, took an amazing photo of this canyon and wrote the article, Glen Canyon Revealed. Since then, Reflection Canyon has slowly become popular over the years as a "must see" location for photographers, backpackers, and hikers looking to explore this secluded area.
Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a rugged, 62-mile dirt road that runs from Escalante, Utah, to the actual Hole-in-the-Rock on the western edge of Lake Powell. This remote road traces the route of the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition of 1879, when Mormon pioneers carved a trail through the sandstone to eventually settle in Bluff, Utah. Today, this route traverses sections of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and BLM-managed land.
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.
Valley of the Gods is a breathtaking backcountry destination in southeastern Utah, located near Mexican Hat and just north of Monument Valley. This hidden gem offers stunning views of towering buttes, sandstone spires, and expansive desert landscapes—without the crowds or entry fees that Monument Valley draws.
Hovenweep National Monument is home to six prehistoric, Pueblo villages spread over a 20 miles range of mesa tops and canyons along the Utah-Colorado border. Multi-storied towers perched on canyon rims and balanced boulder lead visitors to marvel at the skill and motivation of the builders. The trail system at Hovenweep provides excellent views of all the archaeological sites.
Today's Guest Post is brought to you by Mitch Stevens, the founder and lead guide of Southwest Discoveries.
These trips of a lifetime will challenge you physically and engross you spiritually, leaving an unforgettable and enduring impression of the richest wild places on the planet. The southwest contains literally thousands of amazing hikes. Therefore, we decided to separate the wheat from the chaff and give you the absolute cream of the crop. We rounded up 7 of the grandest adventures in the southwest, treks we have experienced firsthand.
Mt. Pennell (11,371 ft) is the 3rd highest point in the Henry Mountains, coming in after Mount Ellen and Mt. Ellen Peak. The Henry Mountains are off the beaten path for most hikers, but the range itself is a peak baggers dream! 5 of Utah's 81 prominence peaks are found in the Henry's: Mount Ellen (#3), Mt. Pennell (#26), Mt. Hilliers (#32), Mt. Ellsworth (#42), and Mt. Holmes (#64); the last two peaks are also known as the "Little Rockies." Take a few days to spend here, and you could knock out all five peaks.
Coyote Gulch, located in Southern Utah, is one of the most iconic and scenic canyons within the Escalante River drainage. Known for its towering red rock walls, natural arches, natural bridges, petroglyphs, cascading waterfalls, and stunning desert beauty, Coyote Gulch is a must-see for any Utah hiker or backpacker.
While some adventurous hikers complete the loop in a day, I highly recommend planning at least one night of backpacking—ideally two—to fully appreciate the canyon’s breathtaking features, cool stream crossings, and dramatic rock formations.
GUEST POST by Katie Wanders Katie Wanders follows New England native, Katie, around the globe. Katie swapped her oceans for mountains and moved to Utah for two years to see what "Life Elevated" was all about. Katie Wanders follows trips around the American West, adventures along the coasts, trips abroad, and showcases her love of New England. Currently, you can find her in a 2016 Penske truck with her dog and cat, wandering around National Parks and making her way back to the Atlantic. You can follow all of her adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
The famous "House on Fire" ruins lie Mule Canyon, in between Natural Bridges National Monument and Blanding, Utah. Southeast Utah is home to the most numerous and varied collection of ruins, spread over a remote area of about 30 by 25 miles. Besides hundreds of ruins, mostly cliff dwellings, the Cedar Mesa area contains many petroglyphs and pictographs, all between 800 - 2000 years old from the Anasazi and Pueblo Indians. Most are found in canyons, where water was easily accessible and conditions were cooler in summer months. All land is public, managed by the BLM, and as of 2016 is protected under the Bears Ears National Monument.
Natural Bridges National Monument covers a small area of SE Utah, and is therefore very remote and not close to any of "Utah's Mighty Five" National parks.
High above the meandering San Juan River, lies Goosenecks State Park. This largely undeveloped park is home to a rare geological featured known as the Entrenched Meander. This refers to a river that is confined to a canyon or gorge, and in most cases is narrow with very little or no flood plain. The headwaters of the San Juan River are in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, which is the origin for 90% of the rivers' flow. The river flows 360 miles from its source, starting at an elevation of 14,000 ft and dropping to just 3,600 ft at Lake Powell.
Exploring Fremont Indian State Park After Mystic Hot Springs
After a relaxing soak at Mystic Hot Springs, we continued west on I-70 for about 20 minutes until we arrived at Fremont Indian State Park. This underrated gem is packed with fascinating history, scenic trails, and cultural insights into one of Utah’s oldest Indigenous communities.
Goblin Valley State Park feels like another world - most say it resembles what would be Mars, however the park sits at the northern end of the San Rafael Swell. The hoodoos ("goblins") are mushroom-shaped pinnacles that are only a few feet high. The formations have large orange/red boulders of hard rock on top, with weaker sand layers below that have eroded more quickly over millions of years from the combined effects of rain and wind.
Spotted Wolf Canyon is located off I-70 at the Northern end of the San Rafael Swell, which makes up about 1/4 of Utah. "The Swell" as us Utahns call it, is what most people think of when they think of Utah. The arid area, with little vegetation is often very scenic, with mesas, cliffs, buttes, springs, and many canyons; these are sometimes wide or can be very narrow such as Little Wild Horse Canyon. Most of the swell is owned by the BLM and encompasses 2,000 square miles! This is great for 3 main reasons in my opinion: 1) the land is protected and will not be built on 2) dogs are allowed off leash 3) you can camp almost anywhere, for free!
The Wave is a hiker & photographers dream destination! The smooth, unique rock formations make for an unforgettable experience. The Wave has become so popular in the last few years due to social media, photographers, and many articles naming it one of the "coolest", "most unique", "most isolated", most blah blah places on earth! And it really is. However, people don't do their research before hiking here and many have needed to be rescued or have even died while gone missing. Why? The reason is because they go unprepared. There is no trail, the temperatures can be up to 115 degrees in summer, and people don't bring enough water and food.
Kayenta Canyon Trail is known by two names: Kayenta Canyon, and to the locals, Hellhole Canyon. This trail starts in the town of Ivins, UT, about 15 minutes west of St. George, UT. If you don't like walking in sand washes, this is not the trail for you. 90% of this trail is walking in the wash, and on a sunny day (most days in Southern Utah), it can get very hot. There is no water, no shade, and no restrooms.
