13 Southern Utah Hikes That Will Blow Your Mind
Utah is home to five national parks, not to mention all the national monuments, dozens of state parks, and a seemingly endless amount of public lands. With all this outdoor space, much of it in the southern half of the state, it truly is a hiker’s heaven. Whether you’re a local who wants to slowly explore the state or someone looking to take an epic road trip through Utah’s Mighty Five, consider this the ultimate guide to the best Southern Utah hikes (in no particular order). We’ve got everything from arches, hoodoos, and slot canyons to volcanoes! It’s the best Utah’s national parks have to offer plus local hidden gems as well.
Keep reading for more detail on our favorite Southern Utah hikes, each one worthy of inclusion on your Utah bucket list for different reasons.
Best Southern Utah Hikes Near St. George
St. George is a popular vacation destination for locals thanks to its warmer climate, bountiful state parks, and proximity to Zion National Park. There are tons of cool things to do in St. George Utah! It’s also the home of our first hidden gem hike – the Santa Clara Volcano.
1. Santa Clara Volcano
The Santa Clara Volcano is a dormant cinder cone volcano, which is a type of small volcanic hill or mound formed primarily from the accumulation of volcanic debris, such as ash, cinders, and volcanic rocks. These types of volcanoes typically have a relatively simple structure compared to larger shield volcanoes or stratovolcanoes.
The Cinder Cone Trail is part of Snow Canyon State Park but the trailhead actually sits outside the north entrance so you don’t have to pay a fee to hike it. The trail itself is a moderate 1.7 miles round trip, and you get to hike to the rim of the volcano. You can walk around the rim and soak in the views of picturesque Snow Canyon. It’s not a well-known hiking trail, even among locals but this hidden gem is still one of the best hikes in Southern Utah.
Kid friendly: yes, with one caveat. Come prepared with lots of water to drink. There is zero shade on the trail.
2. Kanaraville Falls
Between Cedar City and St. George lies the sleepy little town of Kanaraville. Despite having a population of less than 1,000 this town boasts one of the best slot canyon hikes in Southern Utah, or at least one of the most popular.
The trail takes you through a scenic slot canyon, which often involves wading through shallow sections of the Kanarra Creek. Hikers should be prepared to get their feet wet, so appropriate water shoes or hiking sandals are recommended.
To protect the environment and manage the impact of visitors, a limited number of permits are required to hike Kanarraville Falls. These permits can be obtained online, and it’s essential to reserve one in advance as walk-up permits are not typically available.
The main attraction is a small waterfall that used to have a makeshift ladder you had to scramble up to continue hiking. But in 2021, the city built a set of aluminum stairs to make it safer. Apparently search and rescue was having to make frequent trips up and down the canyon to save inexperienced hikers as this increased in popularity thanks to social media. The falls aren’t nearly as picturesque as they used to be, but the hike is still worth doing. For permits and other important info, check out the official Kanarra Falls website.
Kid friendly: not recommended for kids under 8
If you’re looking for more hikes in the St George area, check out this list of the best easy hikes in St. George. And now, we’ll move farther east to Zion National Park for more great hikes in southern Utah.
Best Southern Utah Hikes – Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise with its jaw-dropping red rock formations, thrilling trails like Angel’s Landing that take you to breathtaking heights, and the world-famous Narrows hike, where you’ll wade through the Virgin River amid towering canyon walls. The park’s unique geology and diverse wildlife will leave you awe-inspired.
Five million people visited Zion in 2021, many of them drawn by the allure of checking one of these famous Southern Utah hikes off their bucket list.
3. Angel’s Landing
Angel’s Landing is like a hiker’s rite of passage. It’s one of the best (and most dangerous) hikes in America, let alone best Southern Utah hikes. In fact, it has become so popular that Zion began using a permit system in an effort to reduce crowds.
Angel’s Landing famous for its steep drop offs on other side of you. There are handrails in place but don’t underestimate the danger – 14 people have died on this trail in the last twenty years. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with incredible views of the iconic red rocks cliffs and the valley below.
Kid friendly: NO. Nope. No way. The trail is a steep, dangerous, and a difficult 4.4 miles round trip. Try this kid-friendly alternative to Angel’s Landing instead.
4. The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
There are two ways to experience Zion’s most popular slot canyon – with a canyoneering permit to do the top-down route or hiking the nearly 10-mile bottom-up route. To do the hike, take the shuttle to the last stop and start at the Riverside Walk until you enter the canyon. You will be doing the majority of this hike wading through river so proper shoes & gear are a must.
Calling it ‘The Narrows’ is a bit of a misnomer because it is much wider than your typical slot canyon but the soaring canyon walls are also much taller than most. What makes The Narrows so special and one of the best Southern Utah hikes is the sheer, immense canyon walls. It is one of those hikes that is more about the journey than the destination. There is no final viewpoint – just enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.
Kid friendly: possible but challenging. You don’t have to hike the entire trail. Just turn around and come back the way you came once you’ve experienced as much of the slot canyon as you feel comfortable doing. Also be aware of flash flood dangers – DO NOT do this hike if the weather forecast calls for any rain.
Looking to explore Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ national parks? Check out this epic national parks road trip itinerary.
Best Southern Utah Hikes Near Kanab
On one side of Zion you have St. George and on the other you have Kanab. While it’s a much smaller town, it’s still a great basecamp for some of the best Southern Utah hikes.
Kanab beckons hikers with its diverse trails, from the serene beauty of Coral Pink Sand Dunes to the challenge of the Wave, providing a wide range of hiking experiences amid stunning, ever-changing landscapes. It’s a place where outdoor enthusiasts can explore hidden gems, challenge their limits, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of southern Utah.
5. Peekaboo Canyon
What makes Peekaboo Canyon unique is the fact that it’s only accessible by high-clearance 4WD vehicle because the “road” is nothing more than deep sand for a couple of miles. If you don’t own something like a 4Runner or Jeep, then your only two options are to rent something like that or to take a guided UTV tour.
Once you arrive at the slot canyon itself, the trail is short, flat, and very kid-friendly. Peekaboo Canyon is a slot canyon that resembles the famous Antelope Canyon in Arizona. If you want the best photos, with glowing orange walls and those singular rays of light shining through, make sure to hike in the morning around 9:00-10:00. That’s the magic that makes this one of the most thrilling Southern Utah hikes
Kid friendly: Yes. The trail is short, flat, and super easy.
6. Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch near Kanab has the honorable distinction of being the longest slot canyon in the United States, and some say even the world. The only problem is that it’s not an easy day hike. Because it’s 20 miles long and requires a permit, it’s more of a backpacking adventure.
But there is an alternative and that is the Wire Pass Trail to Buckskin Gulch, which is a 5.6-mile alternative. The trail is an excellent easy hike and you’ll mostly be walking through soft sand and little elevation gain. Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch is one of the best hikes in Southern Utah because it’s the ultimate canyon country experience. At some points it’s only 10 feet wide and 200 feet deep!
Looking for more to do near Kanab? Try sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes or check out our Kanab itinerary.
Best Southern Utah Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
There’s really no place outside of Utah quite like Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its strange rock formations called hoodoos. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, hoodoos are essentially huge limestone pillars with an orange hue. Despite its name, Bryce is not actually a canyon but a natural amphitheater. Erosion over millions of years has created thousands of hoodoos that dot this amphitheaters like giant warriors standing guard. Bryce Canyon is home to several amphitheaters and there are dozens of possible hikes to explore it all.
7. Navajo Loop
The best way is to experience the majesty of the massive hoodoos up close and person is to hike down into the amphitheaters. That’s what makes Navajo Loop one of the most unique Southern Utah hikes. You’ll hike down steep switchbacks into the amphitheater and then pass the park’s most famous landmarks, like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street.
It’s only 1.7 miles but what goes down must come back up. Prepare yourself for the steep hike back up to the rim and bring lots of water, especially on a hot day.
Check out our Bryce Canyon itinerary for more info on things to do in the park!
Kid friendly: Yes
Best Hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
This part of our journey takes you along Scenic Byway 12, one of the most scenic drives in the country, into the heart of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This part of Southern Utah is an adventurer’s paradise! Spanning vast and rugged terrain, it’s a wilderness treasure trove with slot canyons, colorful mesas, and hidden arches.
Whether you’re into rugged backcountry hikes or leisurely strolls, this monument offers endless exploration, photography opportunities, and a true connection to the wild. It’s a must-visit for those seeking awe-inspiring natural wonders and unspoiled landscapes
There are limitless opportunities for off-grid adventures in this part of Utah, but for now you’re just going to sample a couple, starting with Lower Calf Creek Falls.
8. Lower Calf Creek Falls near Escalante
Lower Calf Creek Falls makes the list of best Southern Utah hikes because it’s one of the few waterfalls in the region (not counting the flash flood waterfalls that show up momentarily during monsoon season). The hike is on the longer side, but you’ll enjoy meandering among sandstone cliffs, beaver ponds and ancient rock art on your way to see a soaring 130-feet waterfall. And after a long hike, you can cool off by taking a dip in the water below the falls.
Kid friendly: No, due to 6.7 mile length (unless you’re confident your kids could hike that distance).
Best Southern Utah Hikes at Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is, in my humble opinion, the most underrated of Utah’s Mighty Five. It has everything from towering red rocks cliffs to Native American petroglyphs and many spectacular hikes to choose from. Capitol Reef offers a variety of hiking experiences amidst colorful canyons, orchards, and red rock formations. Each trail unveils a piece of the park’s unique beauty and geology, making it a hiker’s haven in southern Utah.
9. Cohab Canyon
Cohab Canyon is one of the best hikes in Southern Utah because the payoff is so unique – in this case, it’s not just about the views – it’s about the pies. Fresh fruit pies baked daily in an old pioneer cabin.
The trailhead starts near the Fruita orchards and the old Gifford Homestead before winding your way up steep switchbacks along the mountainside. The views of the green orchards below against the backdrop of the red cliffs are nothing short of stunning. From there the trail levels out and you hike down Cohab Canyon, which has lots of smaller slot canyons on the sides to explore at your leisure. Once you’re done, head back down the way you came and reward yourself with some hard-earned baked goods.
Kid friendly: Yes
10. Cassidy Arch
If your first thought that came to mind upon seeing the name of this arch was “I wonder if that has anything to do with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, then you’d be correct. The arch is named after the famous outlaw, whose childhood home is not too far from Capitol Reef near the town of Panguitch. The trail is 3.1 miles round trip and is moderately challenging. There are thousands of arches in southern Utah but the unique thing about this one is that you can walk out across almost like a bridge, which makes for a memorable photo opp.
Kid friendly: It depends – the hike is steep and strenuous with lots of steep drop offs. If you choose to take kids, keep them closely supervised. OK for older kids but not advisable for the little ones.
If you’re up for a unique experience, try glamping near Capitol Reef in Torrey. Choose from a Conestoga covered wagon or a Native American-style teepee.
Best Southern Utah Hikes Near Moab
Moab, Utah, is a hiker’s mecca, surrounded by two iconic national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. Arches National Park dazzles with its otherworldly rock formations, like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Canyonlands, on the other hand, offers deep canyons carved by the Colorado River, perfect for rugged explorations. Moab itself is a bustling hub for outdoor adventurers, offering numerous hiking trails, from the serene Corona Arch to the challenging trails of the La Sal Mountains. The unique landscapes, red rock wonders, and endless adventure opportunities make Moab and its nearby national parks a dream destination for hikers seeking unforgettable experiences in the heart of Utah’s desert playground!
11. Mesa Arch
Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park is one of the coolest Southern Utah hikes because it’s somewhat of a rite of passage among photographers, both amateur and professional. It’s an easy 0.7 miles and the arch itself is smaller than you’d expect but what makes it so spectacular is the scene at sunrise. When the sun comes up it illuminates the arch with an otherworldly orange glow. On top of that, the arch acts like a window to the enormous cliffs and canyons below.
Depending on when you’re able to visit, you might have to fight for a spot among the hordes of photographers but being able to witness the sun rising in such an extraordinary place is well worth having to share it with others.
Kid friendly: Yes
If you like sunrise hikes, then be sure to check out this list of the best sunrises in Utah.
12. Landscape Arch
Landscape Arch in Arches National Park is the largest arch on the planet. Yes, you read that right. ON THE PLANET. In my mind, that makes it not just one of the best Southern Utah hikes but a must-do for hiker’s bucket list. Not only does it span 290 feet but it’s incredibly skinny in the middle relative to its massive width, which makes you wonder how something like that even exists. Well, it might not for much longer. In 1991, a huge chunk of it fell and was even captured on video. So hurry over to hike it while you still can! It’s an easy 2-mile out and back trail that’s well worth the visit.
13. Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch in Arches National Park takes the final spot on the list of Southern Utah hikes because it is by far the state’s most famous landmark. Hiking to Delicate Arch is a moderate trek along a 1.6 mile slickrock trail (each way). There’s no shade whatsoever, so don’t underestimate the need to pack plenty of water. When you finally round the corner and see the magnificent arch standing there, you’ll know why this bizarre rock formation is such a Utah icon. Being an icon comes with massive popularity, so you’ll likely have to fight the crowds and patiently wait your turn to take your picture under the arch. Pictures won’t do it justice, but be patient for the photo opp anyway.
Kid friendly: Yes
If you want to see more of Arches National Park, make sure to check out this list of the other best hikes at Arches.
Southern Utah is an amazing place and I hope you get the chance to visit soon. Happy hiking, friends!
–JJ
Our family is on a mission to experience the best our home state of Utah has to offer and help other families find affordable, kid-friendly adventures in the process. You can follow us on Instagram @theminivanbucketlist or download our free printable Utah Bucket List for a list of the top hikes in the great state of Utah, both for kid-friendly and more adventurous hikes.
PS We’ve also got blog posts on the best hikes in Northern Utah: