The Portal Overlook is a great overview looking down to Moab, UT as well as the LaSal Mountains and Colorado River. It's a perfect sunrise hike or good trail when you need something short with a great reward! This isn't a trail you want to do middle of summer - zero shade and water, plus lots of bikers, along with the desert heat will make this miserable and can potentially burn dogs paws. The best time to hike this is in Spring or late Fall when the temps have cooled off. Winter would be okay too, just bring microspikes. While this trail is short, I still carried 2 liters of water for just me and Charlie and we both drank it all. You'll definitely get a workout in as this climbs 800 ft to the overlook.
Mt. Tomasaki Hike – La Sal Mountains, Utah
Hiking Mt. Tomasaki in the La Sal Mountains offers an unforgettable alpine experience. As one of Utah’s seven ‘12ers,’ Mt. Tomasaki (12,239 ft) features rugged trails, panoramic views, and high-elevation challenges.”
Shelly Baldy Peak (11, 321 ft) is one of the many prominent peaks located in the Tushar Mountains within Fishlake National Forest.
Hiking to Blue Lake in the Tushar Mountains: Scenic Views of Mt. Belknap and Mt. Baldy
Blue Lake is a stunning turquoise alpine lake nestled in the Tushar Mountains at the base of Mt. Belknap and Mt. Baldy in Utah. Known for its vibrant blue color and peaceful setting, the lake features a flood control structure at its outlet and is rimmed by picturesque downed trees.
Though many visitors have yet to see Blue Lake at full capacity, hiking down to the lake offers spectacular views of both Mt. Belknap and Mt. Baldy. The trail takes you through diverse terrain—from dense forest sections to clearly marked avalanche paths—while crossing several pristine mountain streams.
Hiking Haystack Mountain in the Uintas (10,985 ft)
Haystack Mountain (10,985 ft) is a prominent, 3-mile-long ridge located in the High Uintas Wilderness of Utah. Easily accessed from the Crystal Lake Trailhead, this hike offers a scenic and relatively easy summit adventure—perfect for those looking to bag a peak without an intense climb.
🏔 Note: Don’t confuse this Haystack Mountain with the one in the La Sal Mountains near Moab. This Uintas version is shorter, easier, and far more beginner-friendly!
Hiking the Crag Crest Trail on Colorado's Grand Mesa
The Crag Crest Trail, located in Grand Mesa National Forest just one hour from Grand Junction, Colorado, is a must-visit destination for hiking enthusiasts. Known for its high-elevation ridgeline and panoramic views, this trail is especially popular in the summer for hiking, fishing, and camping, and in the winter for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Fall Creek Falls is located in the Challis National Forest in the Wildhorse Creek area, about 45 minutes from the Mt.Borah Trail head. This is a super easy trail that anyone can do, dogs and kids included. The short 0.7 mile path leads to this beautiful cascading waterfall that has a viewing deck but if you're feeling adventurous, you can easily walk to the base or top of the falls. The best months to visit are June through October.
Hiking to Mt.Borah (12,662 ft), Idaho's state high point, is located in the Lost River Range within Challis National Forest. This peak is not for the faint of heart or weak.
South Erickson Lake is a lake in the High Uintas Wilderness and can actually be accessed from two different trailheads.