STRENUOUS (8.6 mile out and back)

If you’ve ever been curious to explore a slot canyon, you would be hard-pressed to find a better example than The Narrows of Zion Canyon. The most popular route begins at the sandstone amphitheater of the Temple of Sinawava and weaves upstream through just over four miles of canyon, each twist and turn revealing a secret grove of trees, swimming hole, or other natural treasure. Rather than a trail, this route takes the form of the Virgin river itself so it’s important to seek out information about rainfall and water levels, available at the local ranger station. Hiking beyond Big Springs at the end of the first four miles requires a permit, but if it’s a bigger adventure you’re after we would recommend the 16 mile, shuttle-served one way trip downstream from Chamberlain’s Ranch. Whichever option you chose, this hike is a classic.

MODERATE (3 mile out and back)

There’s a reason this one is on most of the license plates in Utah. The delicate arch is a world-famous iconic sight and well worth the easy out and back trail that serves it. Worn away by eons of sandy wind and winter, the arch stands magnificently, balanced so improbably that it looks as if it will topple at any second. This hike should only take a couple of hours, so there’s no excuse not to have a look. Still, it is always important to bring water and sunscreen when hiking in the desert so be prepared!

STRENUOUS (7.8 mile loop)

Visiting Bryce Canyon is like stepping into the pages of a fantasy novel, its bizarrely alien rock formations peeking out from the canyon walls like mythical creatures frozen in place. It’s appropriate, then, that the most deservedly famous trail in the park is the Fairyland loop. This moderately strenuous hike will take you down the rabbit-hole and back up to the rim of the canyon, treating hikers to wildlife, wandering streams, and ridges teeming with hoodoos, the strange natural gargoyles that make this place famous. From start to finish, this trail usually takes about five hours, but you could spend a lifetime exploring all of the hidden places of this magical world.

MODERATE (4.5 mile out and back)

When you picture the perfect tucked-away hot spring, it probably looks like these. From the trailhead hikers will climb just over six hundred feet along the linked waterfalls of sixth water creek. Natural mineral hot springs bubble up and join the river in this scenic valley where locals have built up a series of pools in which to enjoy the warm and vibrant blue waters. Due to COVID-19 the springs are currently closed, but they are typically accessible year-round. We’re hopeful that a return trip is in our collective future sooner rather than later.