Utah is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country. From red rock canyons to snow-capped mountains, there's no shortage of amazing places to explore. Utah is also known for its world-famous ski resorts and mountain ranges, but did you know that the state also offers some great easy hikes? 

There's no doubt that Utah is an outdoor lover's paradise. From hiking and biking to camping and fishing, there are endless opportunities for exploration in every corner of the state. Here are some of our favorites!

Emerald Pools Trail, Zion National Park

This trail is the perfect introduction to Zion National Park. Emerald Pools Trail consists of The Upper Trail, The Middle Trail, and The Upper Pools. Starting at the lodge, the trail leads you through Emerald Pools (hence the name), offering stunning views of waterfalls and lush vegetation. All along the trails, you will find magnificent sights, including the Lady Mountain, the Great White Throne, and the Red Arch Mountain, as well as cliffs in every direction.

Watchman Trail, Zion National Park

If you're up for a bit of a challenge, this trail is a great option. The trail takes you to the top of Zion's Watchman Peak, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

Stewart Cascade Trail, Provo Canyon

Located near Aspen Grove, Utah, this 3.4-mile moderate trail leads to the stunning Stewart Falls, a 200-foot waterfall that cascades into a pool at the base of the trail. The trail is relatively easy but can be slippery in places so exercise caution when exploring. A few spots along the trail provide panoramic views of Provo Canyon.

Delicate Arch Trail, Arches National Park

Utah's Delicate Arch is one of the state's most iconic landmarks and is reached via this 3.2-mile trail. The trail is relatively easy but does include a steep section with loose rocks. The arch is considered one of the well-known geological wonders in the world and is in fact the symbol of the state of Utah. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the incredible views along the way! 

Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail, Moab

This trail will take you to Corona Arch, a massive sandstone arch that stands 150 feet tall. Adjacent to this is the Bow Tie Arch and you’ll also get views of the Colorado River and the large Slickrock Canyon. The trail is fairly easy but does include some narrow sections with drop-offs, so be careful when exploring.

Mesa Arch Trail, Canyonlands National Park

Be sure to bring your camera, as this is one of the most popular spots for photography in Utah. A short walk 0.7-mile loop brings you to an arch perched on a cliff edge. 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain, the Island in the Sky mesa sits atop sheer sandstone cliffs. The views are spectacular from every viewpoint.

Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion National Park

Canyon Overlook Trails is a great option for those looking for a shorter hike with incredible views. This trail near Springdale, Utah leads to a stunning overlook of the main canyon, providing an amazing vantage point for photography and sightseeing. The Route 9 switchbacks, Bridge Mountain (the highest peak on the left side of the canyon), the East Temple (the amazing rock formation above the viewpoint to the right), and the Pine Creek stream far below are all worth a look.

Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

This 6.0-mile round-trip hike takes you to Lower Calf Creek Falls, a beautiful 130-foot waterfall that cascades into a pool at the base of the trail. The trail is relatively easy and easily accessible, right off scenic Highway 12.  The enormous tract of land holds a few of Utah’s best covered-up wonders, from canyons and puzzling hoodoos to twirling petrified rises, streams, and rich desert gardens. The hike can be challenging due to the deep sand so be sure to wear the right footwear!

Spectra Point Trail, Cedar Breaks National Monument

The trailhead is located just off Highway 14, and the trail itself is only about 3 miles long. A short trail leads to Spectra Point, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is also paved and accessible for wheelchair users. Spectra Point offers panoramic views of the Markagunt Plateau, home to several plant and animal species. The point is also a popular spot for stargazing, and visitors can see the Milky Way on clear nights.

Birdsong Trail, Ogden Cayon

The Birdsong Trail is a great option for those looking for an easy hike with beautiful views. The trailhead is located just off Highway 89, making it easy to access. This trail is perfect for a quick hike or run, and is also great for families with young children. There are several benches along the trail, providing a place to rest and take in the scenery.

City Creek, Salt Lake City, Utah

City Creek is a man-made stream that runs through the center of Salt Lake City. The creek is named after the original creek that ran through the city, which was eventually redirected and covered over. Today, City Creek is a popular spot for walking, running, and biking. The scenery is beautiful and the air is fresh. You can also bring your bike and ride along the creek. There are many birds that live in and around City Creek, so you might see some of them while you're there. In the spring and summer, the flowers that grow along the creek are also very pretty.

Cecret Lake, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

Cecret Lake is a secluded alpine lake located in Little Cottonwood Canyon. To get to Cecret Lake, take the trailhead located at the end of Albion Basin Road. The hike is about 1.8-mile round trip and is considered moderate in difficulty. You'll gain about 600 feet in elevation along the way. The trail is well-marked and passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rocky areas. Take some time to explore the area or just relax by the lake.

Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Perfect for families with young kids or beginner hikers, This hike near Salt Lake City is easy and short and takes an average of 50 minutes to complete. The trail leads to a 40-foot waterfall that flows through a "donut" hole in the rock. Streams of water trickle down the rocks that you just climbed, creating a pool in the cave. Also, the falls are amazing and unforgettable.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an easy hike in Utah, any of these trails will do the trick. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and enjoy your time exploring some of Utah's most beautiful natural areas. Always remember the "Leave No Trace" principle: pack out what you pack in, and leave the area better than you found it.