Check out my list of the BEST Day Hikes in the Uintas! The High Uintas Wilderness offers some of the best day hiking near Salt Lake City. It provides for a fun, quick getaway that you can do in one day. If you have time, I highly recommend backpacking this mountain range as well. The Uintas are the only mountain range in the lower 48 states that run East to West. The Uinta Mountains extend for 100 miles across Northeast Utah, and a small part of Northwest Colorado, bordered by the Wasatch Mountains to the West.
Lost Creek Falls is located in Provo Canyon, Utah, and is a perfect Spring hike to check out this fun waterfall. It's great for dogs off leash to explore and cool off in the creek, plus great for kids of all ages. The "trail" starts out by following an old, narrow dirt road, and eventually you are left to hike steeply along Lost Creek.
The Fisher Towers Trail, located just 16 miles northeast of Moab, Utah, is a stunning 4-mile round-trip hike that winds through towering, fin-like rock formations. These dramatic spires are made of Moenkopi and Cutler sandstone, sculpted by erosion into unique shapes and sizes over time. As one of the most iconic scenic spots along Utah’s Colorado Riverway, the Fisher Towers rise high above a vibrant landscape of red and pink canyons. From the trail, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Colorado River, Onion Creek, and the well-known rock formation known as “Priest and Nuns” to the south.
Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems - the "trail" is a creek the entire way, which leads to a 30 ft waterfall. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! There are several side canyons that allow for exploring tighter slot canyons.
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.
Visiting Alstrom Point at Lake Powell: How to Get There & What to Expect
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!