Spring Hikes

As warmer days approach the state of Utah, many are finding themselves wanting to burst out their cozy bubbles and into the great outdoors for some much-needed adventure!

Hiking is a great way to not only get your joints moving but it is also a perfect way to see the world around you. Here are five unique Utah hiking spots you should dot down on your bucket list.

Glenwild

Park City

Glenwild trails, a network made up of roughly 25 miles, are located on the opposite side of I-80 from Kimball Junction. These trails, accessed easily via the Spring Creek Trailhead, offer intermediate terrain for hikers and mountain bikers to enjoy. The Glenwild area offers stunning views of the area and the trails tend to dry out in time to be trafficked by spring.
Parking/Trailheads: Spring Creek Trailhead, Bad Apple Trailhead, or East Canyon Creek Trailhead (all located along Rasmussen Road). Spring Creek Trailhead has a bathroom, as well as a water fountain. Trail map. . PDF File

Insider Tip:  Start your hike at Bad Apple or East Canyon Creek Trailhead and end your hike at Park City Brewery, located just across the parking lot from Bad Apple. Be mindful of downhill-only mountain bike trails.

Lost Prospector

Park City

The Lost Prospector trail is a Park City classic, and, lucky for trail lovers, it is accessible for recreation during the spring.  Sitting on the ridgeline just above the town, Lost Prospector is a great out-and-back hike option, or a loop if integrated with the Rail Trail. The trail offers stunning views of town, and of both resorts.  There are other trail options that run along/intersect with Lost Prospector if hiking in a loop is preferred, including Gambel Oak and Masonic. 
Parking/Trailheads: Rail Trail parking lot (just behind White Pine Touring), Prospector Park (located just off Kearns Boulevard), or Aerie Drive (parking limited). Trail map.. PDF File
Insider Tip: Park in the lot along Aerie Drive (permitted there is space), hop on the trail and head North West. Hike it as an out and back to enjoy maximum views of town.

Bentonite Hills

Cathedral Valley Loop

Utah has its very own rainbow hills if you didn’t know already, and they’re called Bentonite Hills. These hills carry varying hues ranging from brown, red, purple, gray, and green. According to the National Park Service, though this gem does not have a designated hiking trail, many are welcome to study the unique shades of rock and venture around the color rolling hills.

• The hills are composed of the Brushy Basin shale member of the Morrison Formation. That means its current layer was formed during the dinosaur era when mud, silt, fine sand, and volcanic ash were deposited in swamps and lakes.
• Bentonite clay is altered volcanic ash. So when it rains, the ash interacts with water in such a way that it gives the hills a popcorn-like appearance
• Bentonite readily adsorbs a variety of minerals which give it color.

• This adventure spot protects the populations and habitat of the threatened Mojave Desert tortoise and other at-risk native plant and animal species.
• The NCA, encompasses two wilderness areas, the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, the Red Cliffs Campground, over a hundred miles of non-motorized trails, as well as heritage public use sites.
• More than 130 miles of non-motorized recreation trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail riding, are available for public use in the NCA.
• The Red Cliffs Recreation Area offers camping and day-use areas in developed sites where fees are charged

Wind Cave Tunnels quick facts:

• The hike for this trail is about four miles long.
• The elevation gain is about 1,095 feet.
• Dogs are welcomed on the trail but require a leash.

According to the Utah Division of Natural Resources, In 1858, army Captain Albert Tracy came across the cluster and described them in his journal as “witch-like” and “so singularly like figures in kirtles [long skirts] and steeple-hats, or bonnets that they have received the appellation [Witch Rocks]

From the south and west, travel along I-80 East to exit 169 (Echo) at the entrance to Echo Canyon. At the bottom of the offramp, turn left (north) to go under the interstate. Take a left (west) onto Echo Canyon Road heading towards the town of Echo. Continue on Echo Canyon Road/Echo Road/Old Highway 30 for approximately 2 miles (passing Echo). A landmark sign for The Witches will be on the right (east) side of the road.

From the north, travel along I-84 East to exit 115 (Utah State Highway 65/Henefer/Echo). Turn left (east) onto Main Street, cross over I-84, and as you curve to the right (south) towards the town of Echo, the road becomes Echo Road/Old Highway 30. Continue for approximately 2 miles until you reach The Witches landmark sign on the left (east) side of the road.

Wherever you may want to spend your spring, make sure to carry plenty of water and to stay safe!