Utah’s Top 10 Hikes for Fall — National Parks + Our Favorite Local Gems

Picture by Lanae Larson (Bells Canyon Falls)

Fall in Utah is pure magic. The air cools down, the leaves explode in color, and the trails show off why we live in one of the most beautiful states in the country.

Whether you want a bucket list adventure in one of Utah’s world-famous national parks or a simple Saturday outing close to home, there’s a trail for you.

Here are 10 of the best hikes across Utah — five iconic National Park routes and five local favorites you can hit without much planning.

🌄 Top 5 National Park Hikes

1. The Narrows (Zion National Park)

🔗 Learn more about The Narrows

• Wade right through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls.

• Short or long — it’s always unforgettable.

2. Observation Point (Zion National Park)

🔗 Learn more about Observation Point

• Strenuous but worth it.

• Sweeping views of Zion Canyon, looking down on Angel’s Landing.

3. Fairyland Loop (Bryce Canyon National Park)

.🔗 Learn more about Fairyland Loop

• About 8 miles through Bryce’s famous hoodoos.

• Fewer crowds, endless views

4. Delicate Arch (Arches National Park)

🔗 Learn more about Delicate Arch

• Utah’s postcard hike.

• A 3-mile trek to the state’s most iconic landmark.

5. Navajo Knobs (Capitol Reef National Park)

🔗 Learn more about Navajo Knobs

• Underrated and unforgettable.

• Big desert views, dramatic formations, and plenty of space to soak it in.

🏞 Top 5 Local Hikes (Salt Lake + Surrounding Counties)

1. Bell’s Canyon Waterfall (Salt Lake County)

🔗 Bell’s Canyon Waterfall Info

A moderate 4.6-mile hike to a waterfall tucked in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

2. Lake Blanche (Salt Lake County)

🔗 Lake Blanche Trail Info

• About 7 miles round-trip.

• Strenuous but stunning alpine lake views under Sundial Peak.

3. Bridal Veil Falls (Utah County)

🔗 Bridal Veil Falls Info

• Easy, paved, 1.4 miles round-trip.

• Family-friendly with a 600-foot waterfall.

4. Ensign Peak (Salt Lake County)

🔗 Ensign Peak Info

Short and steep (~1 mile).

Famous overlook above downtown Salt Lake — perfect family hike.

5. Adams Canyon Waterfall (Davis County)

🔗 Adams Canyon Info

• 3.5 miles round-trip.

• Forested canyon with a beautiful waterfall payoff.

Utah doesn’t make you choose — you can do a National Park bucket-list hike one weekend and a quick local waterfall the next. So grab your boots, take in the fall air, and hit the trail.