10 Best Backpacking Trip Places in Utah
Outdoor Adventures

10 Best Backpacking Trip Places in Utah

Discover the 10 best backpacking destinations in Utah, ranging from the towering granite peaks of the Wasatch Range to the iconic, labyrinthine red rock canyons of the south.

Last Updated September 27, 2026

Quick Navigation

Top 10

West Rim Trail

Editor's Pick
9.8/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
14.2 miles one-wayStrenuous2 days2,500 ftSpring through fall

The premier backpacking route in Zion National Park, offering breathtaking views of the canyon from the high plateau.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

Chesler Park Loop

9.8/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
10.7 miles loopStrenuous2 days1,650 ftSpring and fall

A stunning loop through the heart of the Needles District in Canyonlands, featuring towering rock spires and hidden meadows.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

Coyote Gulch

9.7/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
15 miles round tripModerate2-3 days800 ftSpring and fall

A lush, water-filled canyon featuring towering arches and natural bridges in the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

Lake Blanche Trail

9.5/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
7 miles round tripStrenuous1-2 days2,700 ftSummer and early fall

A classic Wasatch Range hike leading to a stunning alpine lake nestled beneath the jagged Sundial Peak.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

Red Castle Lake

9.3/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
18 miles round tripModerate2-3 days2,000 ftSummer

A breathtaking trek into the heart of the High Uintas Wilderness, featuring a dramatic red-rock castle peak.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

Mount Timpanogos via Timpooneke

9.2/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
14 miles round tripStrenuous1-2 days4,500 ftSummer and early fall

A classic summit hike in the Wasatch Range, offering wildflower meadows and sweeping views of Utah Valley.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

Fairyland Loop

9.0/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
8 miles loopModerate1-2 days1,500 ftSpring through fall

A spectacular loop through the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, offering a more intimate experience than the main park trails.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

White Pine Lake

8.8/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
10 miles round tripModerate1-2 days2,400 ftSummer

A beautiful alpine lake hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon, perfect for a quick overnight getaway.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

Kolob Arch via Lee Pass

8.5/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
14 miles round tripStrenuous2 days1,200 ftSpring and fall

A long, scenic trek to one of the world's largest natural arches in the remote Kolob Canyons section of Zion.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

Ibantik Lake

8.4/10Side Quest
No ratings yet
8 miles round tripModerate1-2 days1,000 ftSummer

A beautiful, high-altitude lake in the Uinta Mountains, perfect for those seeking a shorter backpacking trip.

Website

Rate this place (1–10)

No comments yet. Be the first to share a tip!

Interactive Map

Explore All 10 Locations

See every featured location across Utah and plan your own road trip.

#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors

Know a Place We Missed?

We're always updating our Best of Utah lists. Recommend a restaurant you think deserves consideration in a future update.

Explore More from Side Quest Utah

People Also Explore

Best Outdoor Adventures Nearby